Which Textbooks Do I Need?

How to Find Textbooks

College students, both traditional and nontraditional, often ask how to find out which textbooks are needed for class. Basically, this depends on the college you are attending. In some colleges, textbooks are paid for with your tuition and are provided to you before classes start. Other colleges have a bookstore where your textbooks will be sold. College bookstore employees can help you locate your textbooks if you have the course number and name of the class, as well as the instructor's name. Different instructors may have a different textbook selected, even if they are teaching the same class. Some college bookstores require you to let them collect your books for you, while others will have notes along each shelf indicating which class the books are for. Another option is to wait until class starts and check for the textbook on the course syllabus.

Buying Textbooks on a Budget

If cash is tight, you have two choices. One, wait until class starts to be sure the instructor is actually going to use the selected textbook. Two, check the bookstore shelves or the online bookstore to find out which textbooks you need, write down the ISBN for the textbooks, and order them online. The ISBN will ensure that you have the correct edition of the textbook. Used books can save you from 1/3 to 1/2 the price. Be sure you review used books carefully, though, to make sure that their is not so much writing or highlighting in them that they are difficult to read.

Optional Textbooks?

Occasionally, a textbook will be marked as optional. Depending on the price and your overall budget, it is a good idea to get optional materials, since they will be at least referenced in the course. However, for optional textbooks, you might consider borrowing the book from the library. If your local or college library does not have the book in question, ask them to get it for you from interlibrary loan.

Sharing Textbooks

Sharing textbooks is not a good idea for hands-on technical type classes. These textbooks may come with software CDs that can only be installed once. It also makes it hard to study or do homework when the other person has the textbook.

Reselling Textbooks

Textbooks are an expensive part of college life, but at the same time are a necessity. Purchasing online can save you money. Reselling the textbook online is also an option and usually gets you more money than the college bookstore will give. Amazon.com, among others, will allow you to sell your used textbook in their marketplace. EBay.com is another option, but textbooks do not sell for as much on EBay.com as they do on Amazon.com.

Visit Student Again for more information needed by nontraditional students.

College Advisors: Friend or Foe?

For the nontraditional student, college advisors can be your worst nightmare or your best advocate. Unfortunately, many colleges have started hiring advisors for the student body at large, instead of leaving this important task in the hands of those who are much more qualified--the instructors in the degree program. While there are some college advisors who make the effort to understand the degree programs they are advising, many do not. So, how do you ensure that your advisor doesn't hurt your college schedule?

When I first started my undergraduate courses, my advisor (an English professor) told me I did not have to take the required science/math elective. According to him, required courses in my degree program (computer information systems) would take care of that. In the middle of my last semester, I learned he was wrong. I had to decide whether to come back for another semester for one class, or CLEP out of a science class. Thankfully, due to home schooling my son through high school, I had enough background in Biology that with a little (oops, make that a LOT) of study, I was able to CLEP Biology and still graduate when I intended to.

While working as an instructor at a community college, I found that many students were being given bad advising, causing them to take four years to complete a two year degree. The advisors did not know the computer information degree program well enough to know which classes were offered only in even or odd years and in specific semesters (fall or spring). The instructors for the division quickly posted notes to the students to come discuss their schedules with division instructors before signing up for classes to help keep them on track.

How do you prevent this kind of situation? Follow these guidelines:

• Study your college catalog. Know what classes you are required to take.


• Read the course descriptions in the catalog, and note which have pre-requisites, and which are only taught at specific times, such as spring of odd years.


• Create a chart that shows the order in which classes must be taken if they require pre-requisites and refer to it every time you register for classes.


• Discuss your chart with your advisor AND one of your instructors. Or discuss it with the division chair or dean. Make sure that you understand the steps you need to take to get to graduation by the date you intend to graduate.


• Get your general education courses out of the way as soon as possible, but also make sure that you are taking the first level of pre-requisite courses as early as you are allowed to do so. Some colleges are very strict about taking anything other than general education courses during your first two to four semesters. Others allow you to register for any classes you wish to as long as you have the pre-requisite classes behind you.


• Keep your college catalog. This is your binding contract with the college. Even if the required courses change for your program, you should be able to graduate according to the requirements in effect when you start your first college class. You may have to substitute classes if required classes are dropped due to program changes. If that happens, be sure to discuss with the division chair or dean which classes will be appropriate substitutions. It is also your guide to when classes will be offered.


• Occasionally, classes are cancelled due to low enrollment. If this happens to a required class you need for graduation, visit with the division chair or dean to find out what your options are. You may be able to complete an independent study for the course under the supervision of one of the instructors. Keep in mind that instructors are not paid for supervising independent studies, so they are doing this only to help you out. Be appreciative and do your work on time to ensure that the instructor in question does not regret taking on this extra work.

Nontraditional students sometimes have trouble identifying steps to succeed in their college careers, because they are unfamiliar with course pre-requisites and scheduling. Essentially, you must become your own advocate, and take responsibility for your own education. The more you know about how college planning works, the better able you are to get your courses in the right order, at the right time.

Ergonomic Pens for Note Taking in College Courses

Taking notes in college courses can be stressful for the nontraditional student. The stress mentioned here is both physical and mental. For many of us, the simple act of using an ink pen or pencil is one we don’t do on a regular basis. When we re-enter the education arena after an extended period of time, hand cramps can result from stress caused by using small muscles in our hands in ways we haven’t used them in a long time. One way to help prevent, or relieve, hand cramps is to use the right writing utensil, an ergonomic pen or pencil.

Years ago, when many of us first started public school, beginning students used a 'fat' pencil. About the second or third grade, we graduated to normal sized number 2 pencils. In recent years, the science of ergonomics has discovered that the larger pencil or pen barrel, especially one with a rubberized grip, is less stressful for the hands.

For students who haven’t used pens and pencils for long periods of time in one sitting, and for students who have arthritic hands, ergonomic pens and pencils are worth the money. The comfort of writing with these pens increases the amount of time that you can take notes without hand cramps. Ergonomic pens for college students, especially nontraditional college students, just makes good sense.
Of all the ergonomic pens available, I have experience with three different ergonomic pens/pencils. The Pilot Dr. Grip, the Paper Mate PhD, and the Pentel R.S.V.P.

• Pilot Dr. Grip
  • I love the feel of this pen. It is weighted well, and is comfortable to use. The ink is smooth, and ink refills are available. Unfortunately, my experience is that the rubberized section of the barrel starts to break down after six or seven months of use, with small gritty pieces coming off over a period of time.


• Paper Mate PhD
  • This pen also is weighted well, has refills available, and is comfortable to use. The ink does not skip on the page. The rubberized section of the barrel does not fall apart and stands up well to consistent and long term use. However, after a year of use, the rubberized section gets loose and makes it harder to grip.


• Pentel R.S.V.P.
  • This is the most economical of the three I have experience with. For $5 to $10 you can pick up a multi-pack in a variety of colors—perfect for visual learners to make notes more memorable. While it is refillable, the price is low enough to purchase a new package, if you can’t find the refills locally. The pens are not weighted as well as the Dr. Grip or the PhD pens, but for an economical ergonomic pen, they are an excellent value. Unlike the other two brands mentioned here, the R.S.V.P. pen comes in a large variety of colors and point styles, including roller ball, ball point, gel, and porous point.

Whether you decide to use one of the above ergonomic pens or choose a different brand and style, an ergonomic pen or pencil will increase your comfort and reduce stress on your hands as you take notes in your courses.

Online Distance Education: Online College Degrees

There has been a change in the way corporations and even brick and mortar education entities view online college degrees. There was a time when an online degree was considered by almost everyone to be a substandard degree. In the past few years, more and more employers not only embrace and approve of online distance education, they offer to help college students pay for their education through work place grants.

The range of online degree programs available continues to grow. At one time, business courses were the most common online degree programs, but now you can get a degree in education, psychology, business administration, criminal justice and much, much more online. If you are considering pursuing your degree online, research the college of your choice to learn if they provide your chosen program online. If not, there are likely others who do.

The great thing about online colleges is that you don't have to apply only to those within your local area. You could live in Florida and attend an online university in California, or even in another country. However, if you chose to attend an out of country university, make sure that the degree will be acceptable where you plan to work. Out of country college degrees in any field that requires certification will probably not transfer to the U.S., and you will not be able to enter that field without additional study.

Online distance education is not quite at the mainstream level, yet, but most colleges are now including the opportunity to take classes online in their course schedules. Online courses are just as rigorous as face-to-face classes, often more so since students are more dependent on themselves to learn material than on the instructor.

If you are interested in learning more about online distance education, contact the state school or online university in which you are interested and ask for the following information:

• What online degree programs do you have?


• Are the programs totally online? (Some require at least a few days of face-to-face meetings.)


• Are classes asynchronous (no specific time set for classes) or do I have to be online at specific days and times?


• What are the eligibility requirements? Do I have to have a high school degree, an ACT, or SAT?


• What is the application fee? Will you waive the application fee? (Some do, most won't.)


• Are the textbooks included in the tuition? (Usually not, but a very few colleges include textbooks in tuition.)


• Are you a Title IV school? (If not, you may not be able to get loans, and will not be able to get Pell Grants.)

As more and more students, choose online distance education, and as more and more colleges offer online degree programs, online degrees are becoming quite acceptable to most employers. The ability to attend college online provides a real opportunity to those who for personal reasons cannot attend a brick and mortar university. The main thing to remember is to do your due diligence and know everything you can learn about the university and course of study you choose before signing the application.

Save Money When Buying College Textbooks

The next semester is fast approaching, with the need to purchase textbooks. There are several ways students can save money when buying textbooks. Online bookstores often sell used college textbooks. When buying a used textbook, it is important first to know as much as possible about the textbook. The following list of things to know will be helpful, especially to first time students.

You need to know the ISBN (International Standard Book Number). Textbook publishers release new editions of textbooks on a regular schedule. If you purchase the wrong textbook edition, the assignments and projects may not be the same as those the instructor assigns. The ISBN is different for each edition, so this is a must to know.

You need to know if the textbook has a CD or DVD with it. Often, you can find the textbook used at one of the popular online bookstores. If the textbook you need has a CD or other materials that you need, be sure to only purchase the used textbook if the seller specifically states that the ancillary materials are present. In the case of CDs and DVDs, it is best if the seller states that they are unopened. This way you know the original owner has not scratched it beyond use. Also, the CD may have a license that states only the first buyer may use it. It may have a one-time use activation code. Be careful of the descriptions, too. Acceptable usually means that the textbook is written in, highlighted, or is damaged in some way that does not preclude being able to read it. Like new and new descriptions are best.

You need to know the price at the campus bookstore. It does not help you to buy online just to find out that the book sells cheaper at the campus bookstore (though this seldom is the case). What might happen, though, is that the campus bookstore purchases the textbook from the publisher bundled with additional required materials, such as a student version of software used in the textbook. Often the bundled textbook and materials cost less than purchasing a used book and the required materials separately.

When buying college textbooks on the Internet, order your textbooks from online bookstores well before class begins. Most college instructors are not sympathetic when you do not have the textbook you ordered but did not yet receive, especially when the campus bookstore still has copies available.
Do not purchase a used textbook hoping the answers to questions will be written in the book. Quite often, the answers are wrong, which will lower your grade. At any rate, the course does you no good if you do not learn the material. It is difficult to explain to prospective employers why you are not able to do a task if they know you received an A in the class that teaches the task. Using someone else's answers is lazy, unethical, and immoral-and if you are caught doing so, could be grounds for dismissal from the college or university.

If you are interested in buying a used textbook from another student who has just completed the course, be sure you know that the textbook is the same one being used in your class. Even on the same campus, different instructors teaching the same class may use different textbooks. Also, especially in technical classes, the field changes so fast that textbooks seldom last for more than two semesters before being replaced with newer editions or even different textbooks produced by a different publisher.

If you are using Financial Aid to finance your education and purchase your textbooks, you will probably have to purchase your textbooks at the campus bookstore in order to have them in time for the first day of class. Financial Aid refunds are most often given to students far too late to use them to purchase textbooks for the semester in which the refund is received. If you want to purchase textbooks at a lower price, but must use Financial Aid monies, save back a portion of the refund for the following semester's textbooks.

Untraditional Or Nontraditional Student - Attending College With Your Children's Peers

Due to the economic downturn, many adults are returning to, or attending for the first time, college campuses to earn new credentials. For many untraditional or nontraditional students, going to college with traditional students can be overwhelming, or even down right embarrassing. After all, they are your children's peers, and we are at a time in our lives when we think we should be long beyond college classes. For some, the idea of attending as a first time college student is frightening, for others it is the answer to a lifelong dream.

Older adult learners attending college share some of the same misgivings and fears. What if I can't learn the material fast enough? What if I feel out of place? What if I get lost on campus? These are just some of the fears normal to older students. If we are honest, most of us, as older adults, will admit that we don't learn as quickly or as easily as we once did. The good news is that we can learn it, and once we do, we have the experience to use what we learn. Too often younger students easily learn material, but do not have the life experience to see how that learning can be applied to their lives and livelihoods.

There are some specific strategies that will help you learn. First, find out what kind of learner you are. Are you a visual learner, auditory learner, kinesthetic learner, or a combination of all three? A quick search online for 'free learning style exam' will help you find a test that will give you the answers. Once you know what kind of learner you are, you will be able to focus your learning to your particular learning style, making it much easier to learn the material.

One instructor stated that learning is nothing more than 'repetition, repetition, repetition!' If all else fails, read the material over and over or read it aloud into a recorder and play it back while you are driving, washing dishes, or going to sleep. If you are a visual learner, building a chart or graph will help you visualize the material at test time. Whatever your learning style, knowing it will save you hours of grief when trying to learn class material.

Feeling out of place or fearing getting lost on campus does not only affect older learners. In any new environment, people are uncomfortable until they learn their way around. A day or two before class begins, go to campus, and visit the student services office. Ask if someone can show you around. If not, ask if they have a campus map and can show you where on the map your classes are located. Then walk the campus until you are comfortable that you can locate your classes.

Many instructors find that having older students in the classroom is helpful. It provides a real world context that is otherwise difficult to present to the class as a whole. As long as you are respectful and let the instructor know that you understand he or she is in charge, your views and comments will be welcome. It can even be fun to attend classes with younger students--even with your own children, if they can stand the embarrassment! Some of the best parent-child bonding can be accomplished by learning together.

Some simple steps to help you through your first semester are:

• Take your time and learn your way around the campus.
• Purchase your textbooks early or buy them online for more savings--the bookstores sometimes run out!
• Introduce yourself to your instructors. Most instructors enjoy talking with their students.
• Make a list of all your classes, their locations, and their times and dates. Keep it where you can easily refer to it.
• Make a chart of all your assignments and due dates for each class so that you don't get lost or confused about when to do which assignment.
• If you don't understand an assignment, try to meet with the instructor or professor as soon as class is over for clarification.
• If he or she cannot meet with you then, ask for an appointment at a time convenient to you both, but before the assignment is due.
• If the instructor talks too fast, ask if you can have a copy of the class lecture notes. If the answer is no, ask another student to take notes for you, or purchase and use a small cassette recorder to capture lectures. Student Services can help you if you have hearing issues or other health issues that impact your learning, but you have to contact them and ask--it isn't automatically offered.
• If life happens, contact your instructor immediately. Some instructors are extremely strict about due dates, but most are understanding and will work with you if they understand that you have a real emergency.

Enjoy yourself! Learning can and should be fun!

For more helpful information for adults attending college, visit StudentAgain.com.

Nontraditional Students and the Freshman 15 - Keeping Your Health and Sanity When Attending College

As nontraditional students, keeping your health and sanity is a must. Every college student learns about the dreaded 'freshman 15.' What no one talks about is how much more likely gaining 15 pounds or more is for those of us who are no longer in our twenties. As we age, our metabolism slows down, making it easier than ever to bring home the freshman 15 and some of his brothers. Once they move in, it is difficult to get them to leave. Spending hours everyday in front of a computer, sitting in classes, or reading books adds to the problem.

There are several ways to help prevent weight gain while attending college.
Walk to your classes. It is very tempting to drive from one campus building to the next, or jump on the campus bus, but unless the next class is too far away to get to in the length of time between classes, walking will give you some exercise. The fresh air will help you think better when you get to the next class, too.
Sign up or join the campus fitness center. Spend at least 30 minutes three times a week using the campus exercise equipment. If you have never used it before, be sure to talk with the fitness center monitor for instructions on using equipment. Also, you might check in with your doctor or the campus nurse to make sure you are healthy enough to exercise.

Take advantage of the campus swimming pool. Swimming is a good all-body workout, and can help you avoid adding those extra pounds, or even help you get rid of a few.
Drink water instead of soda from the machines. Water is calorie free, required for health, and can be carried from home or purchased at the campus bookstore. Don't substitute juices for soda. Most juice has as many or more calories as soda.
Ride a stationery bike while reading your textbooks. Since you don't have to watch where you are going, you can give your attention to what you are learning.
Form a walking group or yoga group with like-minded students. Whether it is because misery loves company, or because it gives you someone to talk to while exercising, a supportive group can help motivate you to stay with your fitness routine.

The most important things you can do for keeping your health and sanity when attending college is to eat right and get enough rest. Take a good multi-vitamin to help you maintain the schedule most college students endure. Many doctors recommend taking extra vitamin C during cold and flu season. This is sound advice for college students, since you will come into contact with a large number of people on campus. Getting enough rest will also help keep your immune system operating at peak capacity.

The freshman 15 is not a foregone conclusion. With the right diet and exercise choices, you can prevent those 15 pounds, feel better, and cope better with the hectic schedule imposed on college students. Get away from the computer. Put the book down. Get outside and get some fresh air. Your body and brain will thank you for it.

Nontraditional students have very specific needs. For helpful information for nontraditional students, visit Student Again.

Buying and Selling Textbooks

Buying and Selling Textbooks at Campus Bookstores

Each semester or quarter, students are required to purchase textbooks for each class. College campuses have bookstores on campus or have affiliations with area bookstores where students are sent to purchase those textbooks. Unfortunately, these bookstores often have higher prices, even on used books, than the prices available at non-college affiliated bookstores. Selling textbooks to campus bookstores is frustrating, since they will seldom offer up to half of the price paid for the book.

Buying and Selling Textbooks Online

So, how does a financially strapped student get the best buy for over priced textbooks? My favorite place to purchase college textbooks is www.amazon.com. I seldom buy a new textbook, unless it is one I plan to keep. Amazon has a Marketplace where students can buy used books, as well as sell textbooks you no longer need. You set the price, and it will usually sell for more than the college bookstore would give you. For those who are concerned with giving credit card information over the Internet, you might purchase a pre-loaded VISA card, available at most banks and many retailers, for the amount you will need, and use that. Buying and selling textbooks online is simple, and your textbooks arrive at your door.

What You Need to Know When Deciding Whether to Attend an Online University

When I completed my undergraduate degree, I talked with the Chair of my degree program about getting an online college degree (this was in 2001). He knew I was interested in teaching college courses, someday. His response was, "If you go to an online college for your master's, don't come to me for a job."

I was understandably upset, since I had to go to work full-time right out of college, and could not afford the time commitment to attend graduate school full-time in a brick-and-mortar school. After thinking about it for a while, I decided that online graduate school was what I needed. I earned a MS in computer information systems at University of Phoenix. About a year after the MS, I talked with the same Chair about teaching some adjunct classes online. He not only agreed to let me teach for him as an adjunct, when a full-time faculty member quit the week before fall classes started, he called and offered me the full-time teaching position. So, what had changed?

The most important thing that had changed was the attitude of many higher education institutions concerning online colleges. After all, if the online college is accredited by the same body that accredits the university in question, how can they say the online college degree is no good without condemning their own degree programs?

When choosing an online college, it is vital to ensure that they are accredited. Accrediting agencies in the United States include:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education


• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities


• The Higher Learning Commission


• New England Association of Schools and Colleges


• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools


• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• 
  

If the online college is accredited by one of these Department of Education sanctioned bodies, your degree will be a valid program that will enhance your career opportunities. One caveat: If you plan to teach in higher education and want to teach at a research university, an online education may not get you the opportunity you want. I have been warned about this by other online college graduates, but I have not applied to any of the research universities, so I cannot personally comment on this. I recommend that you contact the Chair or Dean of the department for which you would one day like to teach and ask if an online degree is acceptable for employment in their schools.


Top Online Universities For Distance Learning Programs
By Amit Kothial

Over the past few years, education has undergone a major shift in teaching as well as learning mode. Staring from conventional knowledge-based courses to modern job-oriented courses, education has transformed its facade and now getting popularly known as distance education. In fact today, distance education has achieved new heights and emerging as one of the great way to advance one's qualifications.

Facilitating a student to study from home and set his or her own schedule and pace for learning has made this mode of learning a convenient option. Students from all over the world have started taking up this style of learning so much that it has become an essential part of modern education. Making the best use of modern methods of delivery like video conference, teleconference, and online communications such as, e-mail, chats and pod casts, it is also easily accessible.

These days almost every modern course is available for students through distance learning mode. In fact many working personnel are also opting for distance learning or online education programs. No doubt, if we carefully look at the present scenario the possibilities of obtaining useful knowledge and distance learning degrees are endless but it has become more important to filter those fake institutes and universities that are spread all over. Students must perform initial research to check the authenticity of the diplomas offered from various distance learning universities or else it can hamper student's career, time and effort. However, here are some of the best inline distance learning universities that offer some of best online education programs and learning classes meeting the standards of current education industry:

University of Phoenix- This is one of the best online universities that offer online, on-campus, and hybrid degree programs at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Each degree is a balanced combination of academic theory and practical application. Every online education program is fully accredited and designed in collaboration with academic and industry professionals to ensure quality. Today, University of Phoenix is one of the largest private universities in North America, with nearly 200 convenient locations, as well as internet delivery in most countries around the world. The university is well known for providing best distance learning service and constantly aim to help students balance education and life in a fast changing world.

Argosy University- It is a private university and well known for providing flexible online programs in business, education and psychology. Argosy University has established campuses and supports one of the largest graduate student communities in the United States. Besides this, the university is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. All online lectures are designed to improve student's practical knowledge. The best highlight of various online education programs provided by Argosy University is it facilitates students take the accelerated online classes at their convenience, during the day or night. Moreover, experienced instructors are always available to provide students individualized attention through online class session.

Capella University- Capella University is yet another famous distance learning university that offers online degrees in information technology, business, psychology, public health and human services. As an online university, the greater part of learning takes place via the Internet. Besides this, its online environment is organized into course-rooms, with each course utilizing its own individual component. These course-rooms are built on the Blackboard Learning System software. Every online course offered by Capella University is taught by industry professionals possessing years of teaching experience. United with the flexibility of having all courses and resources available online, selecting Capella University for attaining a online degree can be a very attractive option.

Kaplan University- Kaplan University also offers various online degrees and distance learning programs in finance, international business or sales and marketing. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), every online degree and certificate programs are taught by experienced instructors. These instructors use hands-on approach to teach and give their students practical exposure with the tools and knowledge of their specific trades. The university also provide interactive learning program that in turn allows students prepare their course schedule as per their convenience.

A degree from a reputed online distance learning university can be regarded as advantage and ambitious students from all the across the globe always crave for it. It not only adds an impressive touch to academic background but also helps student identify his or her core competencies, build new skills, create a portfolio to mark a positive career growth.

Find detailed information on top online distance learning universities providing top online distance learning degree and programs in United States and Canada. Choose the best distance learning programs and universities in your preferred location and earn online degree at the convenience of your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amit_Kothial http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Online-Universities-For-Distance-Learning-Programs&id=2735140

Nontraditional Students: Avoiding Shoulder and Back Paid

Avoiding shoulder and back pain takes some planning. Heavy textbooks and backpacks are a recipe for shoulder and back pain. Most college instructors expect students to have their textbooks with them in class. On large campuses, where parking is limited and often a long distance from classes, this means you have to carry most of the books you need for the day with you. Unfortunately, this makes it almost impossible to avoid shoulder and back pain, unless you are careful when purchasing bookbags. First, you should never, never use a regular student backpack. While these are the most common method of carrying books, followed by book bags that are similar to laptop bags with handles and shoulder straps, these are the most dangerous to your physical health.

The best answer to this type of shoulder and back pain I have found is to purchase a bookbag/backpack that has wheels and an extention handle. While these rolling backpacks are a pain on stairs, they work well everywhere else, and even dealing the occasional stairs is better than having a constant strain on back and shoulders. The Olympia 19" Rolling Backpack is a good choice, but you can find others that will work just as well in avoiding shoulder and back pain.

Today's Sponsor:

Helping Family Understand Your Choice to go to College

Quite often, family will not understand 1) why you want to go to school at this time in your life; 2) what good it will do you; 3) and what you need from them in terms of support.

Many of us did not have the opportunity to go to college as young adults. Others of us have lost jobs, and found we did not have the skill sets employers require today. Still others just want to learn and have time to do so now that the children are grown and moved away. Our reasons for wanting to go to college are as varied as we are. Sometimes, family members, spouses especially, may see our college learning as threatening. And it is, in some ways. After all, once we go to college, things will change--hopefully for the better, but change they will. We won't be the same people we were. We will have new interests, new acquaintances, new insights, and maybe even a new perspective on life. For some spouses, this promotes a sense of insecurity and uncertainty.

Addressing the possibility of these issues (or even the likelihood), can help our spouses understand and may convince them to support our decisions to go back to school. It is important to let your spouse know that you are doing this for both of you, that your education will make you a more interesting person to be around, and will give you the tools to help create a solid financial foundation for your family.
If all else fails, borrow money go to school, anyway, then two semesters down the road let your spouse know that if you quit now, you won't have the skills needed to make the money to pay back your loans. LOL! Just kidding, there! Being sensitive to your spouse's concerns will help the adjustment process.

Include your spouse as much as possible in your new endeavor. If you have a concert to attend for college credit, ask your spouse to go with you. Make a date night of it and enjoy yourselves. Share your successes, but be careful of taking too many problems to him or her. It might make your efforts seem too much trouble. Ask for help with household chores, if necessary. No one can do everything, and homework and study take a good bit of time.

If you still have children at home, make a study time when you can all work at the dining table to complete homework. Having you there as an example will help them get their own homework done. And you never know, they might be able to help you with your homework, too. Some nontraditional students have reported that their children help them learn how to use presentation software, or even how to save a file on the hard drive. It will give your children a sense of participation if you let them help you when they know something you do not.

Last, let your family know what your study and homework schedule is. If they don't know what you have due, they won't know to leave you alone for the time you need. Ask for volunteers for cooking, cleaning, or mowing the lawn. You might have to eat hotdogs or pizza everytime they cook, but children middle school ages and up can be a great help in finding the time to get your homework done.

Today's Sponsor:

Working while Attending College

Nontraditional students often don't have the luxury of not working while attending college classes. I have been working the entire time I have taken graduate classes, and learned some things that might be helpful to other nontraditional students.

Organization is crucial. I use Excel to print out calendar pages (click on the button at the top left corner, then click New and locate calendar templates), one for the entire year at a glance, and one with each month on its own page. Work hours, assignments and other tasks I have to accomplish for the month are penciled in as soon as I know about them. These sheets are clipped into a zipping binder, so that I can take them with me everywhere I go.

I also print out an appointment page for each day, and pencil in more details as needed. For instance, my full page monthly calendar may have Week 2 Assignment 3 on it, but the appointment page for the due date will have the page numbers of books I am to read, and specific information about the assignment.

There never seems to be enough time to read everything required for graduate courses. To help with this issue, I carry at least one textbook everywhere I go, spending 10 minutes at the doctor's office, or 15 minutes at lunch, to read a few pages. Highlighting makes a textbook hard for me to read. Instead, I purchase sticky notes. I write the page number in the top right corner in case it falls out of the textbook, and write whatever notes or comments I have on the sticky note. The note is stuck to the page on which I am commenting, with about 1/4 of the bottom edge sticking out of the book like a tab. This makes it easy to find my notations when I am ready to write my papers.

I am visually oriented. When writing papers, I struggle to create an outline. To get past this, I use some inexpensive (about $65 for students--you need to contact Inspiration.com for accurate pricing information) software, Inspiration. You can download a trial version at www.inspiration.com. This software allows me to create a mind map of the topic, using circles with my notes in them. Once I have the overall concept down, I can click one button on the toolbar and Inspiration creates an outline for me. The more detailed the mind map, the more detailed the outline becomes. I plan to use this tool extensively once I begin the dissertation phase of my degree program. Inspiration is the only software I have found that will create the outline for me, so it is one of my most used tools.

Questions and Answers: Online or Face to Face Classes?

It's been a while since I posted. We have moved from one state to another over the past 8 weeks, all while working teaching online college classes and taking two graduate courses. Not easy!

Today's post concerns deciding on which path to go, online or face to face colleges. There are definite advantages to both, as well as disadvantages.

Advantages of online classes include:

• Taking classes on your own schedule, for instance, after the kiddo's are in bed.


• Working around other significant events in your life (such as moving across the country!).


• Classes can be attended from anywhere, even while traveling across country, as long as the hotel has high speed Internet.


• If your computer crashes, you can use a friend's computer or a library computer to attend your class.


• Saving gas and time, since you don't have to travel to get to the campus.

Disadvantages of online classes include:

• Not having the instructor right there to answer questions


• Computer and technology issues.


• Have to have a basic knowledge of computers.


• Have to be able to teach yourself.

Advantages of face to face classes include:

• More personal interaction with other students.


• More one on one time with the instructor when you need help.


• Don't have to teach yourself.


• More structure for scheduling of class time and assignments.


• Get away from home and have a specific place to learn.

Disadvantages of face to face classes include:

• Have to be in class at a set time and place.


• Can't be tardy.


• Cost of gasoline and time to attend classes.


• Have to schedule work and family around class times.

After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of each method of taking courses, you need to consider yourself. What are your strengths? Are you able to read material and figure things out without someone explaining things in detail? Do you have the time to attend regular face to face classes? Are the courses or academic program you are interested in offered in the venue you desire?

Each person will come to the answers best for him- or herself. For me, online education was the only way I could attend college, since I worked full-time and was the only breadwinner in my family.

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How To Prepare for the ACT or SAT Exams for Nontraditional Students

For nontraditional students, preparation for the ACT exam or SAT exam can seem overwhelming. First, realize that these are primarily basic multiple choice exams. The most important thing to remember is to take your time and make sure you understand what the question is asking for before answering. If you are not sure of an answer, or need to think about it, skip it and come back to it if you have time.

The Princeton Review test preparation guides, the Cracking the ACT, 2009 Edition and the Cracking the SAT, 2009 Edition are two of the best preparation guides available.

Taking the ACT or SAT exam is just one of the tasks you need to complete before registering for college courses. For more information on beginning your college journey, visit Adults Going Back to School.

Nontraditional Students and High School Transcripts

Believe it or not, nontraditional students have to supply their high school transcripts when applying for admission to college--even if you graduated high school thirty years ago or more. For some nontraditional students, this is not easy to get. When my husband decided to attend some college classes, the school he where had graduated had closed for a period of ten years, due to low enrollment.

Fortunately, one of the administrative assistants of the school district was able to locate the transcript by going through boxes of old records that had been in a closet for many, many years. This lady, bless her, took the time to find his transcript. If she hadn't, it is possible he would not have been admitted without taking the GED (which was mentioned at one point by a college official).

As soon as you make the decision to be a student again, contact the high school counsellor where you graduated. Give them a long lead time to find the transcript, especially if you graduated before computers and even more time if you graduated before microfiche became popular for keeping records. This will make it more likely the transcript will arrive within the allotted time period. Even if you don't know where you want to attend college classes, most high school administrations would appreciate a heads up that you are planning to go and will be requesting the transcript soon.

As for the transcript contents, don't worry too much if your high school GPA was less than stellar. You just need it to show that you completed high school. Most colleges will require nontraditional students to take the ACT, SAT, or a some kind of placement test to give them an idea where to place you as far as Math and English courses go. They want to make sure they don't put you in an Algebra class if you need to brush up on basic mathematics and pre-algebra, etc.

Going to school and being a student again is stressful enough without worrying about the highschool transcript Just be sure you request it early, then spend your worry time prepping for the ACT or SAT!

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Today's Nontraditional Students May Attend Classes with Their Children

I personally attended classes with both my son-in-law and my daughter. While you might think this would have been awkward, I found it enlightening. I learned so much about these two very much loved people, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Untraditional Or Nontraditional Student - Attending College With Your Children's Peers

by Linda Pogue

Due to the economic downturn, many adults are returning to, or attending for the first time, college campuses to earn new credentials. For many untraditional or nontraditional students, going to college with traditional students can be overwhelming, or even down right embarrassing. After all, they are your childrens peers, and we are at a time in our lives when we think we should be long beyond college classes. For some, the idea of attending as a first time college student is frightening, for others it is the answer to a lifelong dream.

Older adult learners attending college share some of the same misgivings and fears. What if I can't learn the material fast enough? What if I feel out of place? What if I get lost on campus? These are just some of the fears normal to older students. If we are honest, most of us, as older adults, will admit that we don't learn as quickly or as easily as we once did. The good news is that we can learn it, and once we do, we have the experience to use what we learn. Too often younger students easily learn material but do not have the life experience to see how that learning can be applied to their lives and livelihoods.

There are some specific strategies that will help you learn. First, find out what kind of learner you are. Are you a visual learner, auditory learner, kinesthetic learner, or a combination of all three? A quick search online for 'free learning style exam' will help you find a test that will give you the answers. Once you know what kind of learner you are, you will be able to focus your learning to your particular learning style, making it much easier to learn the material.

One instructor stated that learning is nothing more than 'repetition, repetition, repetition!' If all else fails, read the material over and over or read it aloud into a recorder and play it back while you are driving, washing dishes, or going to sleep. If you are a visual learner, building a chart or graph will help you visualize the material at test time. Whatever your learning style, knowing it will save you hours of grief when trying to learn class material.

Feeling out of place or fearing getting lost on campus does not only affect older learners. In any new environment, people are uncomfortable until they learn their way around. A day or two before class begins, go to campus, and visit the student services office. Ask if someone can show you around. If not, ask if they have a campus map and can show you where on the map your classes are located. Then walk the campus until you are comfortable that you can locate your classes.

Many instructors find that having older students in the classroom is helpful. It provides a real world context that is otherwise difficult to present to the class as a whole. As long as you are respectful and let the instructor know that you understand he or she is in charge, your views and comments will be welcome. It can even be fun to attend classes with younger students--even with your own children, if they can stand the embarrassment! Some of the best parent-child bonding can be accomplished by learning together.

Some simple steps to help you through your first semester are:

• Take your time and learn your way around the campus.
• Purchase your textbooks early or buy them online for more savings--the bookstores sometimes run out!
• Introduce yourself to your instructors. Most instructors enjoy talking with their students.
• Make a list of all your classes, their locations, and their times and dates. Keep it where you can easily refer to it.
• Make a chart of all your assignments and due dates for each class so that you don't get lost or confused about when to do which assignment.
• If you don't understand an assignment, try to meet with the instructor or professor as soon as class is over for clarification. If he or she cannot meet with you then, ask for an appointment at a time convenient to you both, but before the assignment is due.
• If the instructor talks too fast, ask if you can have a copy of the class lecture notes. If the answer is no, ask another student to take notes for you, or purchase and use a small cassette recorder to capture lectures. Student Services can help you if you have hearing issues or other health issues that impact your learning, but you have to contact them and ask--it isn't automatically offered.
• If life happens, contact your instructor immediately. Some instructors are extremely strict about due dates, but most are understanding and will work with you if they understand that you have a real emergency.
• Enjoy yourself! Learning can and should be fun!
  

Adults Going Back to School - Is it Worth It?

Adults are Going Back to School in Droves
Even before President Obama encouraged (ordered?) all adults to go back to college for more education, adults have been flocking to college campuses in droves. Up 30% to 40% just in the last few years, 'untraditional' nontraditional students are attending college courses for a variety of reasons. Some go to enhance current job skills or to gain skills needed for a promotion. Some go to get skills they need to keep or find new jobs when their jobs are changed or phased out. Some go in response to being laid off or fired. Still others go for personal enrichment. Whatever the reason, campuses across the United States are dealing with swelling numbers of students during a time of shrinking education dollars.

Is Going Back to School Worth It?
The answer to this question is, "It depends." It might even be best answered by asking more questions. Why are you going to college? To gain new skills or qualify for a promotion? If so, be very sure which course of study your employer will find acceptable. Studying botany won't help much if you are a computer salesperson. If you are going to school because you have been laid off or fear being laid off, do you have a plan? How is what you are studying going to help? Are you interested in the field you think will get you a job?

How are you paying for college courses?
Loans may be more difficult to get during tough economic times like these, but it is worth trying--if you can't pay for your school any other way. Loans have to be paid back, and the only way to get loan forgiveness with federally insured loans is to be permanently physically incapacitated or to die--even bankruptcy can't erase student loans. Be sure you don't borrow more than you can realistically pay back. Federal grants are available to those who qualify. Unfortunately, qualifying isn't as easy as it once was. FAFSA.gov is the place to go to learn the most current rules and regulations concerning federally insured loans and federal grants.

Do you know what you want to study, or why you want to study it, if you do?
There is nothing to keep you from changing your mind once you get started. In fact, it is quite common that freshman change their minds after a few general education courses, but you should have some idea where you want to be once the studying and testing is done. It is important to determine why you want to study your chosen field. Is it because your mom or dad were doctors, lawyers, scientists, mathematicians, business managers, etc.? Often, students find they are not interested in subjects their family members studied. Some students have gone through four years of college, earned a degree, then hated the field in which they were qualified to work.
Do you have a plan for after college? What do you intend to do with your new credentials after graduation? Do you plan to start a business or work for a Fortune 500 company? Your ultimate goal should dovetail with your major. Earning a degree in English won't help you much if you plan to be a research chemist. The most important thing to know is what you intend to do in the future. You can always change your mind. It is ok to reassess your life and take a new road, if you decide that is the best direction for you.

More Important Questions
Are you willing to commit to spending the major part of your time for the next four or more years to earn a degree? Students who attend full-time take a minimum of 12 hours, or four courses if you are on the semester system. Twelve hours a week (four courses with three hours of class time each week) will give you another twelve to sixteen hours of homework or study time each week--especially when you get into the science and math courses. Do you have time for 24 or more hours each week to take a full course load? Some college advisors recommend taking five classes each semester. That way, if you find a class you just can't handle, or an instructor you just don't get along with, you have the option to drop one class without affecting your full-time status or your financial aid.

The Most Important Question
Do you want it badly enough to go through weeks, months and years of study to get it? One of my relatives asked me if she should go back to school. One of her sisters and many of her cousins have attended college in their 30's and 40's--many of them earning multiple degrees. My answer was that she should consider her life, consider what she had to give up to go back to school, and consider not just the advantages, but also the disadvantages. She is in her 50's and nearing her personal retirement goal. If she really wants to go, she should go for it. But, if her reason is because everyone else is doing it, she would not stay with it to finish. Then she would have bills she doesn't currently have, and the opportunity to work for many more years before getting to retirement. It has to be her decision. Only she knows what she really wants, if she is happy with her life, and if she is committed enough to make a go of it. How about you? Are you that committed?

For more helps and information concerning adults attending college courses for the first time or returning to college for more education, visit http://www.studentagain.com for basic computer skills tutorials and much more.

The Journey Continues

The StudentAgain.com Web site will be done, at least the first edition, by the middle of next week. There is more to do than I will have time to get done before the end of the quarter, but this site will stay live. I will continue to update and improve the site even after the capstone course is over, since I have wanted to do this site for quite a long time.

I hope it is a benefit to the students who find it and utilize the links.

Until next time,
Linda

From the Beginning

In January 1998, I embarked on one of the most frightening and exhiliarating journey of my life: higher education. With one child married (one grandchild), and the other engaged to be married, I decided it was time--it was a leap of faith, in that I was not really sure I could succeed at this new venture. After completing a BS in Computer Information Systems, I started working full-time as a computer programmer. Shortly thereafter, I started on an online masters program. As both a non-traditional face-to-face student and a non-traditional online student, I learned how to navigate the educational highway, so to speak.

This blog will be dedicated to non-traditional students everywhere. Know this, you CAN do this if you want it badly enough. There will be frustrations, fears, accomplishments, successes, and failures, but it is possible to get through them all to the completion of a degree. Over the next few months, I will be posting content that is designed to aid non-traditional students in navigating the higher education system. This blog is not about me. The only reason I told you so much about me is to assure you that I do know what I am writing about. I have been there. I can help you get through it, too.

I will try to update this blog weekly, starting in January 2009. If you have questions you would like answered, you may email moderator@studentagain.com.

The Web site, http://www.studentagain.com/, is not yet officially launched. It will be a site dedicated to non-traditional student concerns, and will offer help files as well as links to other Web sites that would be useful to non-traditional students.

Until later,

Linda