Archive for February, 2010

Online learning (or e-learning) has revolutionized the educational field in just a few years. The number of colleges and universities offering online classes has continued to climb. Confidence in the ability of colleges to provide a quality education through online learning has grown but, as with most things that are new and unfamiliar, myths abound. Here are some of the myths and facts about online learning and classes.

1. Myth – You must be a computer whiz to take online classes

Fact – With basic knowledge of how to use a computer, students can find continued success while taking online classes. Students need to be at ease with certain internet tasks such as searching for information on the net, uploading and downloading files for assignments, using message boards for discussions.

2. Myth – Students lose interest in online classes quickly and cannot complete them.

Fact – Online courses are designed with the e-learner in mind. The skill level is designed for completion of the degree and to meet the needs of the student progressing through the course. Students can move at their own pace and completion dates and times vary according to the student’s desired schedule.

3. Myth – Online education is too expensive

Fact – Online classes save money for the student in a number of ways. First, the tuition for many online classes is less expensive than the same course offered on campus by college. This is a benefit for many colleges as they may enroll more students for courses and not need to increase the classroom size. Students save on travel time, travel expenses, and child or family care needed in their absence. A major expense for students is the cost of books and materials. Online classes many times save on book costs when the course material that is designed for the course is included with the cost of the course or is available for a nominal fee compared to many college textbooks.

4. Myth – Time management: students do not have adequate time to prepare assignments due to home and work responsibilities.

Fact – Online classes give students the flexibility to adjust their learning pace. If one class is suitable for a student they may take just that. If a student wishes to work at an accelerated pace and complete the studies sooner, taking more classes is an option for those who wish to finish earlier.

5. Myth – Online education is not accessible to everyone

Fact – Online education is accessible to everyone and erases barrier of distance and time that on campus courses can create. Students have the flexibility of having access to classes on a 24/7 schedule. Online classes are also suitable for students with disabilities, health concerns and even more mature students. Many students who have family responsibilities find that studying and completing assignments during different hours than their family, provide them with a quiet environment and affords them the opportunity to reach their goals quicker.

6. Myth – Online degrees are not the same as from on campus colleges

Fact – Many major colleges and universities in the US and around the world have offered their students the option of completing many of their courses via the online portals on the college’s homepage. Online classes are the same as those taught on campus and many times by the same instructors. When a student completes a degree program (such as the BA, MS, or PhD), the diploma is issued by the college or university in the same way for online and on campus students. Also, the diploma and the students’ transcripts do not stipulate whether the credits and degree were earned through online or on campus classes as they are recognized equally by colleges and employers. Many students choose to take a mix of some online degree classes and some on campus classes depending on their needs.

College students are faced with the task of figuring out how to pay for their educational expenses. There are a number of different programs that help students pay their way through college using loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships as well. Trying to locate those financial resources can occasionally lead students down the path of applying for just about any type of scholarship to help support their educational endeavors. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships funded by donors, alumni and outside sources for students. Some of the scholarships may have familiar names, while others are just strange.

Ten strange scholarships that online students may not have heard of but may be interested in are listed below. Who knows what talents some online students may have to help them qualify for these strange but financially beneficial scholarships?

• Left Hand Scholarship – if you are left handed and intend to become a student at Juniata College in Huntingdon, you may well qualify for the Left Handed Student Scholarship.
• Small People Scholarship – For students who are less than 4 ft. 10 inches and have the condition of dwarfism, they may qualify for around $1,000 scholarship to help with college expenses. Students must provide a medical certificate for proof.
• Tall People – Men who are over 6 ft 2 inches and women who are over 5 ft 10 inches may qualify for a scholarship through the Tall Clubs International Student Scholarship.
• Star Trek Lovers – For being a “Trekkie” (the name for those who are Star Trek Fans), the Starfleet Academy from the International Star Trek Fan Association offers a scholarship to students who have been members of Starfleet for one year.
• Skate Boarding Students – If you are a high school senior and a skate boarder with a GPA of 2.5 or above, there is scholarship money available from the Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship. Scholarships can range from around $1,000 to $5,000.
• Wild Fashion – For students who are not afraid of weird fashion and can use their creativity to make and wear a prom outfit of duct tape can qualify for one of two scholarships offered to high school students who attend their prom in the outfit. The scholarship is provided by Duck Brand Duct Tape.
• Tea Drinking Scholarship – A competition called the “Calm-a-Sutra contest” sponsored by the Tea Association offers a scholarship to the winning students who make online videos endorsing different teas.
• Greeting Card Scholarship – For students who are able to design a creative greeting card, the Gallery Collection Fund will award a scholarship to a student chosen for the best card.
• Duck Calling Scholarship – For students who can do a great duck call, the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Scholarship may be just the call. The competition is held in Stuttgart, Arkansas and the prize is around $1,500 for college.
• Bagpipes Musical Scholarship – Carnegie Mellon University offers an award scholarship of around $7,000 to only one applicant per year to study the bagpipe.
• Don’t Eat Meat/Eat Meat – There are two different scholarships offered to students to help with college expenses based on their eating habits. The Vegetarian Resource Group offers a scholarship for college for high school seniors responsible for promoting vegetarianism in their home community. The National Beef Ambassador Program sponsored by the American National Cattle Women gives scholarships to students who promote the consumption of beef. Eating meat as well as being a vegetarian can help you to pay for your college expenses.

Friends, do you know of any other scholarships for Online Students? Share your list with us in our comments section. I am sure there must be lots of good scholarships available for online students, and some that are even more amusing.

Not all individuals interested in pursuing a degree in computer will be able to relocate to attend the premium and more recognized institutions that offer this course as a part of their curriculum. However, they should not despair, as many of these popular and accredited institutions offer the same courses offered at traditional campuses in the form of distance learning education solutions.Under the mode of distance learning, degrees in computer forensic are delivered either though local affiliated centers or online delayed class lectures. As a result, aspiring computer forensic experts can easily access their education in the field at times and locations convenient to them.

Background of the Degree in Computer Forensic under the Distance Learning Model

The advances in computer technology have brought with it negatives where individuals and now capable now more than ever to use computer systems to perform various crimes. These crimes range from identity theft, hacking into private data and illicit interception, manipulation and transfer of private information. During the degree in computer forensics, distance education students cover subject areas such as computer programming, computer crime and computer forensics, network security, encryption, language of data manipulation and modeling. Distance education degrees in computer forensics prepare students for jobs in companies that require the services of individuals who must continuously monitor the transfer of information from one pint to another. These include security firms, financial institutions, e-commerce businesses and telecommunication entities.

Type of Distance Learning Degrees in Computer Forensics

• Distance learning Associate Degree in Computer Forensics: The distance learning in computer forensics introduces students to issues that are vital to the safety of computer and information systems. This two-year program entails the introduction of subjects such as cybercrime, intrusion detection systems, technical writing and computer programming. Some distance learning institutions require their student of the degree in computer forensics to undergo a period of internship before they earn the credits for graduation. This internship period is designed to give these students the necessary practical experience that solidifies the theoretical training they have received. The associate degree also gives students points towards a bachelor degree.
• Distance learning Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics: The bachelor’s in computer forensics is not available under the distance education format from all colleges. However, due to the high demand, many are now developing distance education bachelor’s degree programs in computer forensics. The degree is a four-year programs that features subjects such as computer operating systems, criminal law, intrusion detection systems, statistics and general business courses. Just like in the associate program, students are required to gain some internship prior to graduation.
• Distance Learning Master’s Degree in Computer Forensics: At this level, the distance learning master’s degree in computer forensics targets individuals who are already working in the field. As a result, the master’s program is designed to solidify the knowledge gained over the years of study. This group of individuals includes those involved law enforcement. The master’s degree curriculum is structured around fraud analysis, computer and network security and management.

Distance learning is big business. Many traditional institutions are now joining the throng of online universities in offering distance-learning education to the millions of students who prefer this method of tertiary education.

The distance learning Degree in International Business has become one of the most popular distance learning degrees offered as students express their desire to explore new horizons and conduct business in nontraditional markets. A distance learning Degree in International Business helps managers of international companies to transcend the barriers of international trade that were established prior to advent of globalization and make significant strides in new supply sources and markets.

Types of Distance Education Degrees in International Business

Many universities offer distance education degrees in the field of international business. Here we will take an approach of analyzing each level of these degree programs through the eyes of various universities.

• Associate Degree in International Business by Berkeley College Online: Berkeley College is one of the foremost distance learning institutions around. Their Associate Degree in International Business under the distance education model targets individuals who aspire to translate their practical experience in the field of international business to formal qualification. At this level, they teach students the basics of business management in the international arena. Their general course work entails studies in international business, finance, international business modules, markets and trade.
• Master’s Degree in International k Business by Kaplan Online: Kaplan University is another popular and accredited university that offers distance education modules to its students. The distance learning Master’s Degree in International Business targets those professionals who want to make a significant imprint on the world of international business. The program moves away from giving theoretical definitions of international business concepts to the actual implementation of various international business strategies that are critical to the success of any international business. During the Master’s program, students undergo studies in areas of resource analysis, international finance, economic trends and modules and new market creation. The pursuit of a foreign language is also a vital part of the program as it prepares student to communicate with their international partners.

California is home to many high-end technology companies who ensure that they have a strong talent pool to choose from when seeking employees. As a result, these companies have established mutual benefit relationships with many California based accredited online learning institutions to trains students in the field of computer engineering. This support come in the form of both cash and technical support programs that ensure these online colleges and universities remain at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.

Online Computer Engineering Colleges in California

With its rich history of contribution to the development of computer technology, the state of California has developed a long list of accredited online colleges that offer solid training for students in the field of computer engineering. Some of the schools include:

• California State University: Located and founded in Sacramento in 1955, California is a leader in the field of computer engineering. The popularity of their online computer engineering program has resulted in the establishing a separate department for the faculty. The university boasts an average class size of 25 students to each lecturer thus resulting in more contact hours with each student. Its state of art support system for is known worldwide and attracts students from all over the world.
• Argosy University: Argosy University has established several locations across the state of California. With more than 30 years in the business of online education, Argosy University has perfected the art of online education and only utilizes the service of qualified and experienced lecturers in the delivery of course work material. Their computer engineering degree programs are offered at all levels including associate, bachelor, master and PhD.
  Accreditation : Argosy University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, California, 94501, http://www.wascsenior.org).
• ITT Technical Institute: ITT Tech has been a leader in the education of students in the field of computer engineering. With its highly trained staff plus support from major industry players, ITT Tech has been able to develop many concepts that are eventually adapted by online schools and industry players. With over 10 locations statewide, students have easy access to course work material. All their courses are designed with the employers as they try to meet their demands. They also offer career services that assist students in finding jobs after graduation.