Earning Your Degree Online

Earning Your Degree Online

It is not at all surprising that numerous business schools and universities have established online degree programs.  Acquiring your first degree or advancing your education has become very popular for a diverse group of people.

Studying for your degree online has numerous advantages.  Some of these advantages are:

1. The classes can be scheduled as you like.  Studying can be scheduled at a convenient time for you.  If you are a daytime worker, you can take classes at night or on the weekend .

If you have a family in addition to a hectic work schedule, it is tough to combine a working life with a learning life-especially if you have to commute to campus for scheduled classes and meetings.

Online degree programs let you study on your own terms, develop your presentations, or take exams when you have the time and energy to do so.

2. Over enrollment of students in classes is a common problem encountered at universities and colleges.  Over enrollment in classes is usually not a problem when you pursue an online degree.

3. Students enrolled in an online degree program do not worry about being bumped out of classes.

4. Since you can take all your classes at home, there is no need for a costly commute to campus.  The student never has to sit in traffic, wait at a bus stop, or contend with foul weather.

5. An online degree program is adjusted to your needs, as opposed to campus-based programs, in which classes are organized around the schedules of staff and faculty.

One of the best ways to enhance your career opportunities is to enroll in an online degree program.  Online degree programs offer great flexibility; they combine online lectures from qualified business leaders with routine class meetings.

More than ever, companies are paying part or all of tuitions for employees who pursue graduate degrees in their field.  From a cost-benefit perspective, online learning looks like a wise choice.

BY EDSON CANO

Engineering and Its Importance

Engineering and Its Importance

With the world heading to a much more hi tech direction the need for engineers is forever-growing.  From civil to aerospace and everything in between the field of engineering is extremely vast and the need for them is ever so deep.

Being an engineer is a much respected profession as to everything in today's modern world of science would not have existed without engineers.  Even from the ancient times of when Rome was still an Empire, without engineers the armies under the command of Julius Caesar would not have been able to cross the Rhine River to defend Gaul from its raiders.  Even though the bridges were built in less than two weeks, it was able to sustain the weight of tens of thousands of soldiers crossing it in addition to withstand the river's currents.

Though an engineer is viewed as the same as a scientist to the general public, it is completely incorrect.  As scientists explore nature to discover general principles, engineers apply the already established principles derived from mathematics and science to develop the most economical way to solve a technical problem.  Engineers use their skills and knowledge to effectively meet the social need while still being cost effective.

The people want ways to make their lives easier and their leaders want to meet up to those expectations but the problem is that money is involved in implementing these plans.  If such plans were implemented with the mindset of “as long as it works” then money can be blindly thrown into such a foolish plan costing a city, a state, or even the nation billions of dollars.  Engineers come into play to save the leaders money so that they may wisely use that money for other plans that can improve the standard of living of the people.

When engineers develop a new product they consider many factors to make sure that the product they are designing is the best of what can be created with the current existing technology, knowledge and budget.  After much designing and testing they create the most cost effective, safest, and reliable product ready for public use.

Engineers don't only design the roads and bridges that you use to drive to work or school or the skyscrapers that define a metropolis.  They also design practical items such as the paper cup you use to drink your coffee every morning to the extremely complicated parts of the computer you use to browse the internet that as of right now you are using to read this article.

Engineers are an important part of today's world and without them everything that we deem as normal today would have never existed.  From the stop lights that regulate traffic during your commute, the chair that you sit comfortably in, to the bed you lie on to peacefully sleep throughout the night and engineer was involved in to get it from an idea to a tangible item to be used.  Because of engineering we can have these luxuries that make our lives easier.

BY EDSON CANO

Expand your Horizons with a Bachelor Degree Online

Expand your Horizons with a Bachelor Degree Online

There are many people that dream of getting a bachelors degree, but the thought of interrupting their career or family life to attend traditional classes seems impossible.  The notion of trying to attend numerous classes when you are already busy with your career and family life is just not feasible.  On the other hand, you know that a bachelor's degree would enhance your future job success and earnings.  It is in this regard that colleges and universities are now making it possible to acquire a college degree online.

Once you have made the decision to pursue your degree, take the time to study all the options available.  There is a vast amount of information about obtaining your online degree.  In addition, numerous colleges and universities now offer degrees and course study online.  If you wish to pursue your bachelor degree online, be sure that the school is accredited.  An accredited college or university means that the state's guidelines have been met and the degree is deemed credible. Therefore, learn as much as possible about the school and the perquisites for a bachelor's degree.

Advantages of pursuing an online degree are endless.  There is no commute to school, no need to shuffle classes or reshuffle your life in order to attend a particular class, no requirement to live on campus, etc.  However, you will need to stay disciplined at home to get your course work done.  In addition to the discipline, you will need a quite place to work at home.

Because of the importance of this matter, I will repeat again that the school and the courses you select to pursue your bachelor's degree online are accredited.  The online degree industry has become a big business over the last 5 years or so and it would be a shame to waste your time and money for a degree that is not accredited.  On the other hand, if you wish to expand your education just for the sake of learning, then accreditation will not make a difference.

Now is the time to improve your chances of landing a better job, better earnings or even change your career.  Your future and success is in your own hands and there is no excuse for not pursing a college or university degree online.  Classes and course material are usually delivered by way of computer, but don't worry if you are not computer savvy.  All you will need is a computer and an internet connection to get you started.

BY EDSON CANO

A review of the University of Maryland Online MBA Degree

A review of the University of Maryland Online MBA Degree

The University of Maryland University College offers an online Master of Business Administration degree. Named one of the “Top 20 Cyber Universities” worldwide by Forbes magazine, the MBA program is fully accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The program is designed to integrate into students’ lives and to be applicable to their current job situations right from the start. Its accelerated pace is helpful in allowing students to utilize what they have learned in the program as quickly as possible in their work environment. The courses are designed to explore management and organization processes and apply them to a global business environment.

The MBA program is 43 credits and consists of a 1-credit foundation course and seven 6-credit seminars. Each seminar is 14 weeks long. Students have 3 weeks off between each seminar. Students are grouped into a cohort of about 30 students who stay together during the duration of the MBA program. A facilitator is assigned to each cohort.

The seminars required to complete the online MBA program are: MBA Fundamentals (1 credit); The Role of Managers and Organizations in Society (6 credits); The Dynamics of Individuals and Groups in Work Organizations (6 credits); The Marketing of New Ideas (6 credits); Technology and Operations Management (6 credits); Economics of Management Decisions (6 credits); Organizations and the External Environment (6 credits); and Strategic Action Planning/Elective Component (6 credits). In addition all students are required to complete a noncredit course, Introduction to Graduate Library Research Skills, within their first 6 credits of study.

The seminars are taught by experts in the field. The faculty members all have extensive professional and management experience. In addition, more than 89 percent of them hold a doctorate degree. Students also have a facilitator assigned to them who will stay with them throughout the entire program.

U of MD University College MBA program has a streamlined general admissions process that can be completed online. Admission into their online MBA program does not require the completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). There are also no residency requirements.

To apply, prospective students need to complete the online application for admission, send in the application fee, and write a personal statement. Once the application is received, applicants will receive further instructions on submitting their transcripts and other pertinent information. The status of an application can be tracked online.

Upon completion of U of MD University College MBA program students have the option of continuing on to earn a dual degree. During any point of the MBA program students may inform the college that they are interested in pursuing a second degree in the following areas: Master of International Management; Master of Science in E-Commerce; Master of Science in Health Care Administration; or Master of Science in Management. Students have a full seven years from the date of completion of the first graduate course to complete their dual degree.

BY EDSON CANO

Busy Schedule? Consider an Online College For Nursing

Busy Schedule? Consider an Online College For Nursing

When deciding on a master’s degree in nursing, consider an online college for nursing. It may be the answer for those who have reservations about returning to school. The biggest concern for most people is the time they will have to devote to attending classes, finding time for group projects, homework, and taking tests. School can be stressful when trying to balance it with other areas of one’s life. Raising families, working full-time, and taking care of others can leave a person with little time for an education. But an online master’s degree in nursing may help a person be able to complete all tasks during the day.

People consider an online college for nursing because they have jobs, families, and other obligations. All classes are conducted online. Students buy books that are on a syllabus that is provided at the beginning of the class. In most online programs, up to four classes can be taken per semester. This is an advantage for those who can only take one or two. It may take longer to receive a degree, but a person can take the classes that they feel they can handle. For some, this is reason enough to consider an online nursing degree.

All course descriptions are offered before each semester. These descriptions also list projects and other assignments that might be due at the end of the semester. People can choose which classes they would like to take. This is similar to traditional college study. A nurse can gauge how much time they will need to complete the class and how much time they can devote to the class. There are also summer classes available. Assignments are given and even though there are scheduled days when they are due; there is usually more time to complete them. For those who can work with minimal supervision, an online program is the right choice. Consider an online college for nursing when trying to fit in an advanced degree into an already full day.

BY EDSON CANO

A review of the Regis University Online MBA Degree

A review of the Regis University Online MBA Degree

As a member of the 125-year-old distinguished Regis University, the online MBA program draws upon the schools’ world-class teaching expertise. One, which has led the U.S. News & World Report, to rank it a Top Tier Western University for the past 11 consecutive years.

The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), which count prestigious Jesuit schools such as Georgetown, Boston College, Fordham University, and the University of San Francisco, as members.

Online Regis University is the largest multimedia-based MBA program in the country today. All of this is due to the university’s ability to utilize the most modern technologies and software, to bring its excellent teaching methods, materials, and faculty expertise to the net.

The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program seeks to educate students about the domestic and international business environments, identify the elements that influence the dynamics, as it provides students the strategies, skills, and tools; they will need to make intelligent decisions.

The Regis MBA curriculum, with its 11 courses is certainly reflective of the program objectives. Each of these courses is structured to complement the knowledge gained from the preceding courses.

The Regis University online MBA degree curriculum, accomplishes this aim, with the use of four course levels.

The first course is appropriately called the FOUNDATION COURSE, and is a required course for all MBA students.

Essentials of Business Development I & II

At the end of these two foundation courses, the student will have an enhanced grasp of basic business concepts & principles, statistical modeling macro and microeconomics, business financials, cash flow and management, through lectures and case studies.

The second level is composed of CORE COURSES. These are required courses for all MBA students and the course emphasizes the use of critical business skills.

The Economics of Management

At the end of this course, the student will have the improved ability to utilize methods, concepts and models both quantitatively and qualitatively, from a managerial perspective.

Ethical and Legal Environment of Business

This course focuses on the ethical strategies the MBA student can utilize when confronted by issues for the public’s good. Such issues as labor laws, product liability, public issues management and administrative procedures, are covered.

The EMPHASIS COURSE is the third level course. There are seven courses for each MBA program and they are more generally known as degree -specific courses.

These course titles are revealing of subject’s focus.

· Issues in International Business

· Financial Decision Making


· Marketing Management

· Electronic Business Systems


· Managing Change

· Managerial Leadership


· Innovations in Operations

Strategies in a Global Environment

This is the last level, called the CAPSTONE COURSE, and is required of all MBA students. By the end of this course the MBA student will have superior management skills to identify and critically examine how international economic, political, business and financial factors, affect the long-range plans of the company.

In short, a Regis University online MBA degree, will improve the graduate’s ability to become an outstanding leader, enjoy career advancement, income and personal satisfaction.

BY EDSON CANO

College - Good Grade Obsession

College - Good Grade Obsession

Colleges have been reviewing far too many applications recently that show students are addicted to getting good grades which means they are continuously sacrificing the time to figure out what extra-curricular activities interest them.  These students are becoming more and more robotic in a greatly increasing competitive atmosphere.  Although a student's academic career is the main focus of the applicants, the problem lies when the college has to figure out what to do when they have too many applicants with a grade point average of 3.8-4.0.  There have been several circumstances where the student with the 4.0 does not get into the college and student with the lower grade point average does.

Of course colleges are looking for those students who can do well academically, but they also want their students to come with a certain energy towards innovation.  They want their students to be able to contribute creatively and receive some sort of recognition eventually.  Basically, colleges need those students who can go beyond expectation.  They need the students who have a love in life beyond academics.  They need students who can excel outside of the classroom; at sports, volunteer work, dancing, traveling, and the list goes on and on.  These students also need to be able to present this in a 4-8 page college application.  Now, how do you do this? How does one go about preparing for this task?

It is very important that a student do two things while also maintaining a good grade point average.  They must have personal time to themselves to breathe and relax and they also have to commit to something that they love to do outside of the classroom.  The students who stay committed to one activity for three years show a much stronger level of commitment and motivation than the student that who participates in twenty activities for a short period of time.  However, the students who participate in two or more activities for two or more years show even more potential than those with only one.

When colleges get applications that show various extra-curricular activities with no connection to each other, they question them.  Some of these applications will have all different kinds of activities like "one month volunteering at a homeless shelter, three months at a vet hospital, 6 months in dance lessons" etc.  Although these applications are full of extra curricular activities, these students show questionable motivation and a lack of commitment.  This may simply mean that the student participated in the activities for the sole purpose of filling up that page in the college application.  Sometimes these assumptions are clarified in the student's essay but there are times when they are not and this does not look good for the applicant no matter what his or her grades are like.

Students should always keep in mind that colleges want those students who can think critically.  They want the student who can pursue an idea, not the one who simply follows the rules and meets criteria.  Colleges want the student who can think outside the box.

BY EDSON CANO

A review of The University of Phoenix Online MBA Degree

Attending classes online is the smart way for busy people to earn degrees to advance in their present career or furthering their education. The University of Phoenix Online has earned its reputation as the premier provider of E-distant learning degree programs and courses, and is the nation’s largest accredited private university.

The University of Phoenix online program offers students the opportunity to achieve: Bachelors, Master’s and Doctorate level degrees in the areas of: Business, Information Systems, Education, Nursing, and Technology at their own pace and from the comfort of home.

The Master of Business Administration program or MBA Online Degree Program offered by the University of Phoenix is designed to enable a student taking management courses, to gain or advance the skills needed to function effectively within an organization. Through specialized coursework developed to build and enhance these skills, students will create and defend solutions for problems in crisis management, profitable growth opportunities, and changes in leadership. Throughout the course of this program students will gain the knowledge and experience to turn volatile -situations into well-managed problems. Students will have the chance to apply different tools and concepts towards achieving this, as well as analyzing a variety of alternate solutions to common problems in management. Students will select a course of action for solving situations, and then defend their choice.

 The Master of Business Program at the University of Phoenix employs the use of problem-based learning, where students can polish their problem-solving skills, as well as improve their communication, creativity, information processing, and critical thinking skills. Student progress is assessed by the student’s ability to demonstrate effectively through classroom presentations: their skills in problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking.

Students are grouped together in ‘learning teams’. These learning teams will apply the principles of ‘benchmarking’ throughout the course to research the most creative solutions to any given problem. This gives a learner a broader selection of alternatives for solving problems.

The MBA Degree Program offered by the University of Phoenix consists of 39 credit hours and includes 3 proficiency courses. These are (MBA501, MBA502, MBA503) which may be satisfied through an undergraduate business degree, undergraduate coursework, or graduate coursework. Students may also waive 9 additional credits through graduate courses and may even qualify for a 21-hour residency. Ask your UOP Online Education Counselor, for more details about this waiver and residency, if you think you may qualify.

BY EDSON CANO

A Guide To Choosing A University Course

A Guide To Choosing A University Course

University courses and degree programs take around four years of study to complete. Nevertheless, some students may need more time to complete the university course. It is also possible to shorten the university courses by studying in the intersession of spring and summer.

An average student has to spend three hours of study for every hour spent in class. Fifteen hours per week is the average time for a university course. Depending upon the university course’s subject, classes may be held during the evening, afternoon or in the day. To support the academic university courses, they may also have to attend the clubs, athletics, recreational activities and societies.

The overall requirement for the degree along with the degree elements will be explained to the students by the faculty advisor. The advisor should be kept informed if the student has any specific area of interest or careers in mind while selecting the university courses. The university courses can be chosen by the students based on their degree requirements, schedules and their interests.

During the transition to the university course, there will be a peer mentor or an upper class student studying in the same degree program to assist the first year students undergoing the university course.

Study skills are enhanced by free workshops conducted through out the year. By appointment and during the regular hours of office, the professors will also assist the students to overcome any problems faced by them during their university course period. For specific classes, tutorials and labs facilities will also be available for the students. In case of difficulties, the students studying a university course are encouraged to contact professors, faculty advisors or counselors to overcome their problems.

The cost of university courses depends upon the area of study and the lifestyle of the student. The technology fee, student fees and tuition fee are standard and must be paid by the students.

Each university course focuses on its studies. To cite an example, languages, politics, history, psychology are people oriented university courses in the Bachelor of Arts program. Where as the university courses under Bachelor of Science programs such as statistics, mathematics or biology are not people oriented.

Within a university course, in the degree program, a major should be chosen by the students. Within the overall degree, this is a specific study area. The majority of the courses will be related to the specific discipline when a major subject is chosen by the student. A student selecting history as his major in his university course will be studying more history related material than any other areas of study within that course.

Whilst selecting the university courses, try to find out the courses disliked during high school and concentrate more on the courses liked. To find more about the interesting university courses, make an appointment with the liaison officer for a discussion. Take a tour of the universities and colleges to find out more about the courses available.

BY EDSON CANO

20 Secrets To Surviving In Your First Semester At University or College

20 Secrets To Surviving In Your First Semester At University or College

Arriving at university or college will be daunting for everyone. For many it may mean living away from the parental home for the first time, which on it’s own may be daunting enough. You will most likely have a hundred questions and a hundred fears; what will it be like? Can I cope with the workload? Will I be able to fit in? It may help to know that everyone will be feeling similar, though some may hide it better than others.

Invariably the vast majority of freshers will be pleasantly surprised. The University or College will be populated by a broad variety of people, from many walks of life with a diverse range of outlooks and opinions. Look beyond the initial confines of your college, house or dorm, the establishment will have many more people who will share similar interests to yourself. Some of the tips we have received from other students:

1. Meet as many people as you can, introduce yourself, smile and be confident. Everyone is in the same boat whether he or she appears to be or not.

2. Be yourself. Real friends will want to know you for who you are, warts and all!

3. Keep your opinions about others to yourself until you know whom you can trust

4. Take your washing to the laundry. Don’t save it all up to take back home to mum at the hols. She really won’t want five minging black bags to see to.

5. Have a good time

6. Join a few societies at first week fairs. If you’re not sure it’s for you but are interested take note of an e-mail/ contact address to get more details later. Its sometimes hard to find the right contacts later, it’s a big place.

7. Phone home and let your family know you’re all right, (even if you don’t exactly feel it). They’re probably more worried than you are.

8. Everyone feels at least a little homesick at first, and worried or just on a down. Talk to new friends you feel you can trust, and maybe write/call friends at home.

9. You’re at Uni for a few years, make the most of it, it’s over before you know it. Then you’ll miss the freedom and long holidays.

10. Keep in touch with family and friends at home, e-mail is easiest.

11. Don’t hang round with one little group ignoring everyone else. You’ll miss out on the chance of making other good friends as well.

12. Seriously don’t be careless with your money - it is the little extras here and there that have a way of quickly draining your bank account!

13. Don’t let peer pressure turn you into a beer-monster; you don’t have to drink all the time. If friends have a problem with you ordering soft drinks when you want, they’re probably not the friends you need. Drinking soft drinks is easier on the pocket, not to mention healthier.

14. Beer sessions.. It's a good idea to leave the beer until the weekend when you haven't got to worry as much about getting it together the next day.

15. Don't let everything get bottled up. Talk to somebody, family and friends or a student help line. Being away from home, especially for the first time can make you feel well lonely and lost. Talking about it usually puts everything into perspective.

16. Cooking. The curry house on the corner may do student specials. Take-away burgers may an easy option when you have a stack of work to do. But your money won't see you through the term. It really will be like throwing it away. Try cooking. Get a few basics in, salt, pepper, gravy mix, (goes with everything). If you’re house sharing, perhaps chip in. Veg stews are pretty easy, gut-filling and cheap, especially if you go to the veg shop. You’ll find a good cookbook worth the investment too. Ask the bookshop for one for the catering students course! It’ll have everything step by step.

17. When you’re going out for the night. Take just as much as you need, or want to spend. It’s very easy to have a few more beers when you’ve already had a few.

18. Clubs and stuff, almost all charge a joining a fee or pay-as-you-go. They are excellent for meeting people, blowing off steam, getting invites, finding something to take your mind off your subjects for an hour or two. But they can have a scary impact on your pocket. Whilst you may want to try climbing, sky diving, hockey and archery, stick to a few you know you’ll like and will be able to keep up with. You won’t have time for all of them anyway.

19. Live your first year as best as you can, you’re only a fresher once.

20. The ''B'' word .. When you have a fat student loan in your bank balance, the easiest thing to do is spend it, it’s just sitting there itching to be used. Don’t. (Or starve) There’s this word you’ll know very well by the time you leave University ''Budget''. Plan ahead so you don’t end up with too much debt. Sit down and work out what you’ve got coming in, what has to go out, rent etc. If there’s anything left over divide that by how many weeks until the next cheque clears. Then half that; you will need panic money some way down the line. Remember there’s always stuff you’ll need that you don’t put in the budget, stuff you just overlook - shampoo, photocopying, and toothpaste.

BY EDSON CANO

10 reasons to go to college

10 reasons to go to college

Life is full of options and choices. The choices we make shape our future. As we stand at the cross roads after high school we must have the right vision to make the decision to go to college.

1. A college education secures our future. The number of employment opportunities is greater and statistics reveal that most leaders are college grads.

2. If you have a college education you will make more money which in turn will enable you to have a better lifestyle. If a high school graduate earns US$ 34,303 annually, a college graduate will earn US$ 56,334, and a person with a professional qualification will net at least US$ 99,411.

3. It is not just earnings. A college education makes you a rounded person. It shapes your communication skills, expands your knowledge base, makes you methodical and organized, and exposes you to a whole new world of learning.

4. People with a college education have better value systems and are healthier. They are able to guide their family positively.

5. College can help you qualify in fields you are interested in. So if you are an innovator, inventor, or healer, or artist you can train in the specific field and qualify.

6. According to experts, college graduates are self confident, have greater knowledge of governance, are less likely to become criminals, are emotionally and financially secure, make better partners and parents, and have a deeper understanding of  human nature.

7. College instills a deep sense of right and wrong and is they very essence of a democratic world.

8. Education opens the doors to many things like multiple jobs, career choices, the chance to further education at any point in life, and the option of teaching others what you have learnt. Be it a child, family member, or a poor person you meet.

9.   College education is an investment in you that yields much more than Wall Street investments.

10. College educated citizens will ensure the continuing success of the “American Dream.” The ability to see the right path and work for peace and prosperity.

Students according to Jose Marti a patriot are the very ramparts of a nation and the strongest advocates of freedom. Education creates a conscience and as a result a better human being. College education eventually becomes a legacy for future generations. Most succeeding generations of college educated people go to college themselves. The value of a good education becomes ingrained in their genes. Huge stones can be moved with muscle power but it is brain power that tells you how to move it and what can be done with it.

BY EDSON CANO

5 Tips to find the best online university for you

5 Tips to find the best online university for you

Getting a university education online has become a very practical reality for people who cannot spare the time and commitment to enroll in a regular university on a campus. Today there are countless options for getting yourself an online education, depending on your specific needs and goals. Therefore making the right choice that will be most suited to your schedule and learning style as well as the course itself is of prime importance.


1.  Be clear about your needs

Different people have different needs for getting an online education. Before you begin considering your options, do some introspection to determine what kind of education you seek, how you can schedule your online education to fit into your routine, how much time and effort you are prepared to spare and whether it is personal fulfillment or career advancement that you aim to achieve through the course.

2. Investigate your options

The Internet is teeming with offers of online education for every conceivable purpose. So take the time to gather information about the options that suit you. Most schools provide free information kit on their education programs that can help you get a better idea of what’s in store if you choose to enroll with any of them. You have the option of conducting searches according to the type of courses you are interested in and colleges based on locations. Make sure you have a clear idea of the program being offered before you invest your hard earned money and time into any one of them.


3.  Be wary of scams  

As with all offers on the Internet, there is no dearth of scams that you need to be wary of when doing your searches for the right course. If you’ve heard about a course through a spam e-mail, steer clear of it. Fake degrees and credentials are plentiful and you’ll only be wasting your time, effort and money if you go with one of them.


4.  Look for accreditation

Accreditation of the school or institute that you enroll in, is of vital importance. After all if the reason you are pursuing further education is to advance your career, the degree you will be earning needs to be recognized by your employers or prospective employers.


5.  What are the facilities being offered

Different online courses have different facilities to offer their students. Many offer services like tutoring, reference links, library access, technical assistance, discussion threads, interaction with fellow students and a variety of other features. Depending on the kind of study aids that are likely to benefit you, make your choice based on the kind of facilities you can avail once you enroll for a course.

BY EDSON CANO

Colleges: Traditional vs. Unconventional

Colleges: Traditional vs. Unconventional

Did you know that the word "college", as in one definition supplied by Webster's Ninth New Collegiate dictionary, is "a group of persons considered by law to be a unit."

That's easy enough to take in. I doubt that anyone would find much disagreement with that statement. However, there are differences in colleges -- often very pronounced differences -- in curriculum, based on traditional approaches to learning vs. more unconventional, or unstructured styles.

Ever since the times of the philosopher and educator, Rousseau, questioned the theory that education is not the imparting of knowledge but the drawing out of what is already in the student,
there have been both types of higher institutions of learning.

While a number of educational theorists have stressed the benefits of an unstructured or "open" educational environment, others assert that a highly structured learning experience is most likely to produce better educational success.

So, the question becomes, can student interest alone supply a structure for higher education, or must it be imposed by an educator?

Welcome to the debate that continues today, and, if current trends are any indication, they will continue. The good thing is that this is not an official "argument" among educators by any means; there are simply differently recognized ways of learning while also enjoying the college social environment.

Some research has suggested that students learn more if they are actively engaged with the material they are studying. This self-paced kind of curriculum conconsists of website learning, independent study, and mock "on-the-job" scenarios, which include students actively participating in the given material.

By contrast, much can be said of the traditional side of higher learning, in which students, though always encouraged to participate in classroom discussions or events, are largely listening, absorbing, and taking notes on what the instructor is teaching.

The styles are so widely varied, even in subcategories of each module, because educators have learned this for certain: To help college students learn, they must be prepared to offer courses that are more "personality-driven" than the old one-room-schoolhouse plan. In effect, teachers and professors are also engaged in learning -- learning more about how to best teach and prepare programs of study for individual students; a relatively fresh approach that considers not only SAT scores and entrance exams, but personality tests administered prior to entry.

The world of education, even on the higher learning level, is indeed changing, and if administrators want to bump up the dropout rate, they realize they must structure this "group of persons considered by law to be a unit" into a plethora of opportunities for learning.

And the great thing about this ongoing process is that students are far more involved in the "style" of education they receive; it has become a world of "student centered learning," as opposed to "teacher-centered."

In either case, you can certainly rest assured there will always be a need for teachers -- those who have studied extremely hard to then take upon themselves a position of great virtue, courage, and hard work.

BY EDSON CANO