The first and most critical consideration for distance learning is to do a self-assessment of your educational goals.
The next part of your self-assessment should include your strengths and weaknesses. Distance learning is much different from attending on campus college classes. You must be a self-starter.
Ask yourself:
The next step is to search for an accredited, reputable school. You don’t want to spend years on a degree only to find that employers consider it worthless. One place to start is with the SOCCOAST website. It was set up for military returnees but it offers good information for anyone interested in distance learning. This is a consortium of colleges and universities that have agreed on specific guidelines for degree programs. Here are two of the important points. They will evaluate you after completion of six hours of course work (two courses) and set out a specific degree program for you to follow. They will accept transfer credits without reevaluation. The site lists participating two year and four-year colleges. You can match this list with any list you may have for distance learning.
If you are seeking a degree, the next step is to be specific about your major course of study. Your major will determine how many core credits you will take in your major field. Often students fail to check their major courses carefully and end up taking unnecessary and costly courses. On this same topic you should research the course requirements for any state or federal licenses you are seeking. For example, if you’re looking to become a CPA, you should check those requirements for your state and national certification. The course requirements may vary from your degree program courses. Be sure to take these courses as electives.
There are several different kinds of distance learning. Some are print based and you do most of the work via email. Others offer audio and still others offer audio and video. Here you would interact via teleconference, one-way video and two-way audio/video tapes. When choosing a college, be sure to find out answers to which mode of learning you will receive.
Another set of questions would include the degree of flexibility for completing courses. Some set deadlines for completion as the normal 16- week time span. Others give you several months, even up to two years to finish. Some give you unlimited time.
Finally, find out the fee schedule, including special charges for registering. Some colleges require that you spend some time on campus to compete your degree. Find out if you will have any such requirements and what that percentage that will be.
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New Jersey was one of the original thirteen colonies. Today, it is known for providing easy access to the ocean for the people who live in the almost entirely landlocked state of Pennsylvania. Atlantic City offers visitors to the state the excitement of Las Vegas. The climate around Atlantic City is the same as the climate in the rest of the Mid-Atlantic. Visitors can expect to experience muggy weather in the summer and cool weather in the Winter. The weather during the Spring and Fall can change rapidly.
Because the garden state is located in the Mid-Atlantic states, a visitor can expect to see pleasant foliage in the fall. The leaves will change many different colors. Apple orchards and farms may offer haunted hayrides during Halloween. A user can expect to find this throughout most of the United States. Vacations do not focus on the aspects a person can find anywhere or even near a tourist’s home. The best vacations give the user something unique. An experience the visitor cannot get somewhere else. New Jersey is not far from the Poconos or New York. If a person plans an extended trip he can go hiking, skiing or even take on a Broadway show.
New Jersey also played a key role in the American revolution. Few battles took place in the state, although when Washington crossed the Delaware River, he was preparing to face the British troops. Great Britain controlled the state for most of th war, by crossing the Delaware river and heading to Trenton he freed the colony that would become the third state to enter the Union from British influence.
Natural beauty fans will find plenty to do in New Jersey. They can walk along the beach, go hiking in the woods or go camping in one of the many state parks. People who hunt may find that the state offers plenty of game.
If a person planning at trip to New Jersey wants to know what the state has to offer, he can request a brochure from the state\’s department of tourism. The brochure will tell the reader everything there is to know about the state as a vacation spot.
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When one thinks of universities in New Jersey, of course the well respected Princeton University first comes to mind, but the state of New Jersey has a lot of other good options for higher education. The best colleges and universities in most cases are based upon different factors, such as, academia, graduation rates, or popularity, to name a few. Other factors that determine the quality of higher education institutions include enrollment size, whether the organization is private or public, and financial aid availability.
Fortunately we live in the age of technology and many businesses and institutions are ranked according to their presence, visibility, and traffic on the web. Based upon web rankings, the top five universities and colleges in the State of New Jersey are:
Rutgers was founded in 1766 in New Brunswick. Their motto is “Sun of righteousness, shine upon the West also.“ The school’s color is scarlet. Rutgers offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in five areas of studies. Tuition range from $7500 – $10,000 for undergraduate programs and from $10,000-$15,000 for post graduate programs, which does not include room & board and external costs.
Princeton is located in Princeton, NJ. It is a private research institution that was established in 1746. Their Motto is “Under God’s power she flourishes.” The school’s colors are orange and black. Princeton offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in six areas of studies. Tuition is over $20,000 annually for both undergraduates and post graduate studies, which does not include room & board and external costs.
In 1881, the New Jersey Institute of Technology was established. It is located in Newark. Their motto is “The edge in knowledge.” The school’s color is red. The New Jersey Institute offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate Degrees in four areas of studies. Tuition is range from $7,500 – $10,000 annually for undergraduates and from $10-12,500 for post graduates. Room & board and external costs are not included in the tuition cost.
The Montclair State University is located in Upper Montclair, NJ. Their motto is “Seize the day.” The school’s colors are red and white. Montclair offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral Degrees in five areas of studies. Tuition is $5-7,000 annually for undergraduates and $7,500-$10,000 for post graduates. This does not include room & board and external costs.
The University of Medicine And Dentistry Of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is located in Newark. It offers certificates and diplomas in different studies, as well as Associate, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate Degrees in Medicine & Health. They also offer a Masters and Doctorate Degree programs in Engineering and Science & Technology. Tuition range from $7,500 – $10,000 for both undergraduates and post graduates. External costs and room and board is not included in the tuition.
Other top universities and colleges with high web rankings in New Jersey include the College Of New Jersey, Farleigh Dickinson University, Rowan University, Drew University, and Staten Hall University.
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Are you interested in getting an education but are worried about it interfering with your schedule? Distance Learning is a form of education offered by many schools and programs that allows you to get a quality education while providing you with the ability to work from your home, free from rigid schedules or the requirement of physical presence.
So what is required to study via distance learning?
Most programs today require only access to a working computer and internet connection. Whether this be a home computer or any publicly available one at a local library. In order to provide maximum convenience and efficiency, almost all Distance Learning programs primarily use the internet to instantly connect you to online lessons, live lectures, and other valuable educational tools.
A fast internet connection and reliable computer is suggested although not necessarily required, as to maximize efficiency and prevent any unplanned technology issues from effecting your learning experience. Distance Learning programs typically utilize a wide variety of the latest technology in order to provide students with the quickest access to learning materials and instructors. Many of these technologies such as live streaming of lectures benefit from a fast and reliable internet connection. Distance Learning relies on technology to bridge the gap between it and traditional education, often the quality of the education expected can depend on the quality of the technology available.
Besides a reliable computer with internet connection, the only real requirement to begin studying via Distance Learning is the motivation to succeed. Distance Learning, by providing you with the ability to create your own schedule and work pace, can make your learning experience a lot easier and more convenient. However, many do not respond well to the lack of rigidity that comes with Distance Learning. Success with a Distance Learning program often requires more self motivation and drive than traditional education, as it forces you to self manage and comes with far less pressure from peers and instructors.
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If you are serious about applying for grants and scholarships for college, it is very important that you know how much you need and the prerequisites to apply. This way you will know which grants and scholarships you qualify for and what documents are needed to satisfy the deciding committee. There are also grants and scholarships that are major and career specific, so if there are any type of free financial free, it is recommended that you apply. Besides scholarships that are major specific or require a certain grade point average, there are also other types there can be based on ethnicity, financial status, nationality and more. It would be a good idea to meet most of the requirements offered by scholarships and grants to maximize your chances of attaining one.
Although there are many scholarships and grants out there that require a minimum grade point average, a certain level of character, and major specific, it is very important that students try to meet as many of the terms as possible while still in high school. Besides companies and colleges, students should check with private organizations and charities because many of them will offer scholarships programs to needed students who have demonstrated they are scholarship worthy.
When applying for scholarships and grants, it is very necessary that you are able to supply the decision committee with all important documents. Most documents that scholarship seekers will be required to submit are proof of identity, residency, high school/college transcripts, copy of college entrance exam scores, proof of employment, and documentation of any volunteer work. Most scholarships will have a deadline, so when you have collected all these documents, it very important that you get them in on time. To guarantee you are able to receive a scholarship or grant, it is important that you explore all your options and check deadlines so all documents will be in on time.
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While states and even counties may have different qualifications for those applying for jobs, especially in specialized career fields, colleges must maintain a fairly consistent program for all students. The Commission on Higher Education was formed in 1992 as a result of the needs laid out by EDCOM (Congressional Committee on Education), and was divided into three groups:
1. CHED for tertiary and graduate education involving such classes as Forensic Science, Medicine, etc.
2. Deped for basic education involving reading, grammar, and mathematics
3. TESDA for technical and vocational schools and mid-level education
The commission is charged with developing standards for each type of degree or program. Each degree or program has an objective. The education and training that each student can expect to gain through enrolling in the assigned courses and completing the requirements for the degree. The commission lays out the curriculum that will include all courses, labs, and materials that will be needed for the student to complete the requirements. They also design programs for faculty development and student financial assistance.
The Commission on Higher Education works on a federal level to ensure that colleges and universities across the country have a standard developed to maintain education and equal opportunities for employment upon graduation. Although some colleges and universities will offer extra course work, all tests, courses, and essential labs, programs and so-forth must meet with commission standards.
The commission formulates plans, policies, and strategies not only for higher education but within the agency as well. As materials, technology, and sciences make advances, the commission is charged with ensuring that college and universities stay up-to-date and that their outlines for curriculum meet the needs that will be required by public and private sector employment. Whether a student’s degree will be in the field of medicine, science, technology, architecture, or education, the commission must develop a plan that will set a standard for each degree or program to ensure the success of the graduate courses.
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Distance learning, also known as online education, is a viable option for many individuals of all ages who desire to get an education. It holds a number of pros and advantages over a traditional learning environment.
Distance learning may not be the ideal option for everyone but should be considered when looking at options for education.
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While it is normal for parents of any child to express concern over the well-being of their youngster, it is increasingly expected for parents of children with special needs to do so at a heightened level. Not only do children with special needs require different types of caregiver involvement, but they must also be encouraged to perform tasks at their own pace. However, many parents are hesitant to trust caregivers, in fear that they will not provide necessary care and encouragement for their children.
Initial Decision-Making
When it is necessary to make important decisions about the education and care of a child with special needs, consultation should carried out through meetings. In the intitial consultation regarding placement in a special needs program, parents will be able to inquire about the decision to evaluate their child for the program, evaluation of entrance necessity, classification of the program needed, explanation and review of the child’s individualized education program (IEP), and reevaluation.
Protecting Student and Parental Rights
In order for any school to make changes withn the agreed upon IEP, schools must give the parent a written notice. This notice will include a description of the proposed action, explanation of the action, description of other possibilities and why they were deemed unsuitable, and an included notice about parental rights for special education regarding their child.
When is Parental Consent Necessary?
Educators must obtain parental consent in a variety of cases and actions, including before the intial evaluation, the beginning of the special education program, reevaluation or the release of records to anyone. Parental consent must also be obtained in order to access public benefits of insurance regarding your child, exclude any educator from an IEP meeting, or in agreeance of a reevaluation waiver. If a parent does not grant the school consent for any of these actions, the school district simply cannot proceed with the recommended actions or procedures. Consent is absolutely voluntary and can be withdrawn or revoked at any time the consentor requests.
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When it comes to attaining a degree in higher education, there are no excuses because there are so many ways to attain all the necessary funds to pay for that education. Students who don’t pursue higher education will miss out on an opportunity to change their potential to maximize earning power. Whether in the classroom or online, potential students have so many options when it comes to attaining a degree. With many working adults returning back to school, institutions are starting to offer a variety of course schedules that will correlate with any work schedule.
With the rising popularity of online schools, many major institutions are starting to offer online courses to suit students that may not be able to sit in a classroom every day. Of course, these classes are not freebies, and students are to give online classes the same attention as they would if they were sitting in a classroom. Higher education is very important and students should view it as an opportunity to have a better life. And with there being so many options to attain funds for pay for education, everyone has the same opportunity to get a degree at a college or university.
If you’re deciding on a school to attend, you should make sure the school is a reputable and recognized institution. This is very important because you want to guarantee you will be able to get a job once you have finished all your degree requirements. There are a lot of online universities out there that are not certified, which they will not be accepted by employers. When applying to school, students need to make sure that their college or university is accredited by some type of accrediting council. Once you start school, it can be a little overwhelming the first semester or quarter, but you will become adjusted. You should realize pursuing a higher education is a chance to change your life around for the better.
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For those who are planning to go back to school but do not necessarily have the time to sit in a tradition classroom setting, they should consider distance learning. By attaining your degree online, you no longer have to worry about setting your class schedule according to your work schedule, and you are free to login to the online university any time of the day to participate with your class. Distance learning has changed the educational system for the better and allowed more people to enroll into college to attain a degree. If you have other obligations that may have been keeping you from getting a college degree, you no longer have an excuse because you can schedule online classes around you everyday schedule.
Now, distance learning is not everyone, and it takes a special person to learn on their own without a professor standing over their shoulder. To succeed at online courses, you have to be accustomed to learning on your own with very little insight from your professor. You will also have to do a great deal of reading because you will not have a lecture like the traditional classroom setting. This will be a major factor when determining if you are able to adapt to learning online.
When it comes to all classes that are taught online, you will notice that each of your professors will have a different teaching style. There are some online classes that will require you to interact with other students on the classroom message board. Also, when it comes to testing, you may receive a timed test, a take home test or you may receive a test that is to be administered by a qualified professional. Distance learning is a wise choice for a potential student that lacks the time to sit in a traditional classroom setting. There are also many online courses out there that are not accredited, so students should keep this in mind when selecting a school to attend. Once you check the accreditation of your potential school and it is considered a legitimate school, the sky is the limit with your educational endeavors.
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