Success in Higher Education for Adult Students

Success in Higher Education for Adult Students

A Guest Post By Kelli B Smith

For some adult students, going back to school can be stressful, intimidating, and a down-right chore. But success in higher education is like any other kind of success: you need to create an environment in which you can succeed. After that it's easy. If you haven't set foot inside a classroom for 5, 10, 25, or even 50 years, you might need your memory jogged when it comes to studying. The following study tips can increase your chances for success in higher education.

Tips for Adult Students

1. Take time: It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of returning to, or starting in, higher education. However try not to sign up for the first program that catches your eye. Consider your options, interests, and needs; take the time to find the best fit. Access to higher education is at a historic high; universities, community colleges, technical schools, online programs, and virtual campuses are just some of the options available to you.

2. Study light: Don't fill your dance card all at once. Take a few classes to start with. Adult students won't need an 18 credit-hour load like some of your classmates. You have a life. You have a job, a family, friends, and commitments, all of which will continue to require attention from you. For every three credit hours, plan on studying 6-9 hours per week outside of class.

3. Study fun: When picking your first classes, choose one just for fun. Seriously. Take yoga, take fencing, take underwater basket-weaving; it doesn't matter, as long as it's something you will enjoy. One of the traditional difficulties students face in returning to school is simply getting into the front door, even after registration. Taking a fun class gives you something to look forward to and help you re-establish habits like showing up to class.

4. Make connections: Early in every class, especially the ones you don't like, find something to connect with on a personal level. Find something you like. It could be a character, a theory, a style, a scholar of note, whatever. The important thing is to find something that makes the class personally more meaningful. This will help keep your attention on the class.

5. Study space: Make room for yourself, in time and space. Schedule regular times to study in a regular place. Brush up on study tips and skills; there are many valuable and free resources on the Internet. And turn off the TV. You might think you need the distraction, but that's all it is, a distraction. If you need something to quiet your active mind, try light music and keep your eyes focused on homework.

6. Get involved: Some authors have observed many adult students feel as if they are peripheral to the "normal" activities of their college. However, every campus has support organizations for non-traditional students, offering many resources. Many student organizations could benefit from a more experienced classmate. Not only does research show that there is a correlation between success in higher education and co-curricular activities, but these organizations can also be great resources for study partners, networking, and resume fodder.

There's no doubt that returning to school can be a daunting prospect, but if you keep these tips in mind and ease into your college career, you can find yourself at the head of the class in no time.

Kelli Smith writes about colleges and universities, community colleges, online schools, and career development. She is the senior editor at http://www.CollegesandUniversities.org.

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Is An Online Degree Considered A "Second Rate" Education?

Is An Online Degree Considered A "Second Rate" Education?

By E Traxler

It was not too long ago that when people spoke of getting an online degree, it was regarded as "an alternative to" the mainstream, traditional classroom-based education. But somehow online college degree programs of yesteryear were regarded as being inferior, second-rate, or inadequate, as compared to their traditional classroom counterparts. But online degree programs have sure come a long way since the early days of their inception. In fact, they have advanced so much so that even traditional classroom courses are adopting many of the tools and resources to augment their existing resources, that their online counterparts are already relying on as their sole means of operation. Apparently traditional college and universities must agree that these online degree programs are indeed doing something right.

Not only are traditional classrooms starting to morph more into hybrids between traditional classrooms and distance learning courses, but these degree programs are earning academic accreditation from the very same governing bodies that issue accreditation to traditional schools. You know what this means, right? This means that from the government's perspective, the quality of education offered by an online class is equally on par with that offered by a traditional classroom. In other words, in the 21st century today, a degree in accounting from an accredited online university is equally as good as a degree in accounting from a traditional classroom-based university.

So if online degree programs are just as good as their traditional counterparts, then why isn't everyone doing it now? Why don't we see the lecture halls sitting empty while entire college campuses are being abandoned in favor of their online equivalents?

We are seeing that the number of students opting to enroll in online degree programs is on the rise. But it is a matter of lifestyle choice. It is up to you whether you want to get your degree online or in person. It won't make even one iota of a difference in terms of academic standards of excellence in education. You will gain the same knowledge and complete the same course objectives and take the same tests. It really boils down to a question of personal preference.

Even the busiest person can get a degree online. There's no need to allow your hectic lifestyle keep you from getting the education you deserve. Find out more about online degrees and get enrolled in classes today!

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Distance Education Provides Flexibility for Today's World

Distance Education Provides Flexibility for Today's World

By Troy Childers

People seek educational courses for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you need to learn a new skill for your current employer, or are beginning a new degree program. Maybe you are starting a new hobby, or you want to try something new. You have many choices available to you -- read a book, take a college or university class, enroll in a correspondence course -- and the decision may seem overwhelming. Traditional educational environments rarely meet the demands of today's modern society, and distance education has become a viable option for numerous students. Why go to class once a week when you can learn in the comfort of your own home? Or the local coffee shop?

A variety of non-traditional learning opportunities are available, each designed to give you the flexibility and convenience you need for your lifestyle. Correspondence courses, online classes, and eLearning modules all have more flexibility than traditional learning environments.

Distance Education: Correspondence Courses

Correspondence courses are one of the oldest forms of distance education. The entire course is mailed to you and your assignments are mailed (or emailed) back to the instructor. You have a certain amount of time to complete the course, but extensions are usually available if you need more time. Typically, you may begin any time and work at your own pace. One added benefit of distance education through a correspondence course is that you won't need a computer to access your class.

Distance Education: Online Classes

Distance education through online classes is now offered through many community centers, colleges, and universities. These courses may be taught through an online classroom, use recorded lectures, or include full interactive coursework accessed through the Internet. Assignments and tests are usually completed online, and there may be an interactive forum with teachers and students. Some courses may need to be completed according to the class schedule, while others are able to be completed at your own pace.

Currently, many degrees and certifications are offered entirely online. Many online programs allow you to work at your own pace and complete your degree in less time than usual. If you are pursuing a degree or industry certification, be sure the online program carries appropriate accreditation.

Online courses are also an excellent option when you need to upgrade your current skills. The flexibility allows you to take only the course you need without having to complete an entire degree program. Many occupational and technical schools provide courses working professionals can use to advance their career or skills.

Distance Education: eLearning Modules

One of the newer options in distance education is called eLearning. Frequently, these classes contain both online and offline components. You may be shipped CDs instead of books, the entire course may be contained on CDs, or the course may be online but not dependant on any specific classroom time or schedule. In other words, eLearning is similar to a correspondence course, but contains interactive CDs or online content.

Flexibility is an option many students need to begin or continue their education. Choosing the best distance education format for your specific needs will help you reach your educational goals without sacrificing your current obligations and lifestyle.

Courses Direct is a leading distance vocational education provider operating all over the world including Australia, New Zealand & United Kingdom. Our aim is to provide quality education to students everywhere at a time and place that is flexible and accessible, meaning it fits with work commitments, budget and lifestyle. Online and Distance Education Correspondence Courses offer convenience for your continuing education.


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The Adult Students' Guide to Success in College

The Adult Students' Guide to Success in College

By Linda Aragoni

Heading for college to improve your job skills or train for a new position? You are not alone. First time "nontraditional students" -- those who are not coming directly from high school -- are enrolling in colleges in record numbers. Most of those students say they have the skills, motivation, and desire to succeed in college. Yet according to the Survey of Entering Student Engagement released in March, 2010, a third of those students had already set themselves up for failure in the first three weeks of their college experience.

You don't have to be one of those college failures. Here are three ways you can increase the likelihood of getting your college diploma.

Deal with deficiencies.

If your placement test or previous academic record shows you are not ready to do college level work in a core subject like English or math, bring your skills up to college level before you tackle other college classes. Taking "Introduction to Accounting" is foolish if you don't have the necessary math skills. Likewise, taking a class in which your term grade depends solely on two essays is foolish if you are deficient in writing.

Instead of waiting until you get to college to begin remedial study, look for alternatives that you can do immediately, such as online tutorials or attending community adult education classes. Such alternatives are cheaper than college courses, and they may be all you need to avoid having to take remedial college classes.

Go to class.

Showing up for class is the first step toward your diploma. If you miss a class early in a term, you may miss directions for something you need to know later.

At least your first term, aim to have only "cast or casket" absences -- those that are unplanned and unavoidable. If attending your daughter's soccer games is a priority for you, don't take a class whose meetings conflict with scheduled games.

Do your homework.

It is imperative that you manage your time so that you get your work done on time. Failure to turn in homework or turning it in late marks you as unmotivated or irresponsible. Those are not descriptions you want instructors to associate with your name.

Many students scramble to get written assignments done, but fail to keep up with reading assignments. As a result, they may find themselves unprepared for final exams. Keep up with required reading right from your first day of class.

Following just these three simple rules will start off on the right foot. If you run into a problem later, you'll find college instructors will be very willing to work with you because you have shown you are serious about your education.

A writing instructor who taught adult college students in online classes for five years, Linda Aragoni continues to support students embarking on college careers through her e-book Grammar Abusers Anonymous which teaches study skills for turning error-riddled papers into grammar exercises. She also offers free essay help in an on-line forum at website, You-Can-Teach-Writing.com. Copyright 2010, Linda G. Aragoni. You may reprint this article provided the whole text, the author's name, the links, and this copyright notice remain intact.


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The Adult College Student's Don't Do List

The Adult College Student's Don't Do List

By Linda Aragoni

Out-of-school adults are entering college in increasing numbers. If you are one of those students, knowing what not to do can make the difference between between flunking out and graduating. Here are four tips to help you make the most of your college experience. 1. Don't expect college to be like high school. Unlike high school teachers, college instructors won't break the work into daily assignments for you. They expect you to read the syllabus and plan your work to meet the class deadlines. In many classes, your semester grade may depend on one or two assignments. College instructors rarely give a separate grade for homework and class participation, so your course grade will likely be based solely on test grades and papers.

2. Don't expect college to be like your workplace.

Your employer probably hired you because of your aptitude for your job, told you how the job must be done, and trained you to do it. At least for the first week, someone probably checked daily to see how you were getting along and whether you had questions.

In college, your instructors will assume you have skills such as time management, study skills, and academic writing. If you do not have those skills, may find yourself plunged into situations for which you have little or no preparation. You may be a whiz at bookkeeping, for example, but find yourself enrolled in English, history, and sociology.

3. Don't take on too much.

If you have been out of school a few years, you many find it best to ease into a college program by taking just a single course. For starters, take a course in which you have some expertise or interest. That will help learn your way around and gain confidence. Be careful, however, that your grade in the course will not depend heavily on skills you don't have. If your grade in an art course will depend on a term paper and you need remedial writing, don't take the art course until you have dealt with your writing skills deficit.

Then, when you are familiar with the college environment, take a single course in which you expect to have some difficulty. In this way, you will not only have time to adjust to college, but also get one tough class out of the way.

4. Don't hesitate to seek help.

If you see you are having difficulty with an academic subject, make an appointment to see your instructor right away. If you have problems that affect you in more than one class, such as a learning disorder, check the college catalog or ask your advisor to refer you to someone who can help.

If your problem is not academic, you may still be able to get help on campus. Most colleges can direct you to employment services, academic aid, health services, and counseling for personal problems.

With realistic expectations and a willingness to ask for help you'll be off to a good start on your college degree.

A former college writing instructor who taught adult students in online classes for five years, Linda Aragoni helps teachers do a better job teaching expository writing to students at her website, You-Can-Teach-Writing.com. She continues to support students embarking on college careers with essay help in an on-site forum. Copyright 2010, Linda G. Aragoni. You may reprint this article provided the whole text, the author's name, the links, and this copyright notice remain intact.

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5 Ways to Make Better Grades in Higher Education - College Tutors and More

5 Ways to Make Better Grades in Higher Education - College Tutors and More

A Guest Post By Mark Etinger

Although grades aren't everything, they are the most accurate indicator of your progress in a course. Your grades reflect your level of comprehension for the material you've studied, and if they're low so is your level of understanding. This is extremely problematic in college, as it's a time when you should really be interested in your coursework and be doing all you can to understand it thoroughly. After all, the reason you're in school is so you can apply the material to your prospective career, so it's in your best interest to find the material personally and academically fulfilling.

Here are 5 tips to help you get better grades and find your college courses personally fulfilling.

1) Streamline your note taking. You should think of note taking not so much as detachedly writing down what your hear your professor saying, but actively listening to the lecture so you can easily pinpoint key topics that you can referenced in the future.

2) Bring a unique perspective toward assignments. It's always good to strive for a sense of originality in your work. To really set yourself apart from other students. To do this, you should stay away from recycling old arguments and popular ideas and strive to put a new, imaginative spin on every assignment you complete. As long as you can back up your claims and ideas with solid analysis, then you're sure to make excellent grades.

3) Find someone in every class that you can forge a "study alliance" with. Find someone you find interesting and introduce yourself. Ask about comparing notes/studying, and exchange phone numbers. As they say, sometimes two heads are better than one, so with a study ally you've doubled your intellectual resources for your next exam.

4) Contact college tutors if you need help. There's nothing worse than suffering silently while you fail a course, while college tutors are literally a phone call or few clicks away. College tutors will give your supplemental learning material that's personally tailored to your schedule and academic needs. The golden rule of academics is: if you put in the time, you'll start to see better marks on your exams and assignments. So if you need help putting in the time, college tutors are waiting to help.

5) When registering, choose courses that sincerely interest you. You should be really be excited about the courses you're enrolled in, and intrigued by the material. By taking a course that interests you, doing assignments and studying becomes easier as you are actually eager to learn more about the subject. It's unrealistic to say that every course you take is going to excite you, but you should have a good balance every semester of courses that you have to take, and courses that you actually like.

All in all, hard work, dedication, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge are some of the overarching characteristics that contribute to good grades. If you have those, but need a little extra help molding your study habits and absorbing the material, you should, talk to your professor and look into college tutors.

Newcastle Tutors offers college online tutoring services for university-level math and science courses. Our college tutors provide flexible scheduling and individual attention, ensuring the success of each and every student.

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The Adult College Student's Don't Do List

The Adult College Student's Don't Do List

A Guest Post By Linda Aragoni

Out-of-school adults are entering college in increasing numbers. If you are one of those students, knowing what not to do can make the difference between between flunking out and graduating.

Here are four tips to help you make the most of your college experience.

1. Don't expect college to be like high school.

Unlike high school teachers, college instructors won't break the work into daily assignments for you. They expect you to read the syllabus and plan your work to meet the class deadlines.

In many classes, your semester grade may depend on one or two assignments. College instructors rarely give a separate grade for homework and class participation, so your course grade will likely be based solely on test grades and papers.

2. Don't expect college to be like your workplace.

Your employer probably hired you because of your aptitude for your job, told you how the job must be done, and trained you to do it. At least for the first week, someone probably checked daily to see how you were getting along and whether you had questions.

In college, your instructors will assume you have skills such as time management, study skills, and academic writing. If you do not have those skills, may find yourself plunged into situations for which you have little or no preparation. You may be a whiz at bookkeeping, for example, but find yourself enrolled in English, history, and sociology.

3. Don't take on too much.

If you have been out of school a few years, you many find it best to ease into a college program by taking just a single course. For starters, take a course in which you have some expertise or interest. That will help learn your way around and gain confidence. Be careful, however, that your grade in the course will not depend heavily on skills you don't have. If your grade in an art course will depend on a term paper and you need remedial writing, don't take the art course until you have dealt with your writing skills deficit.

Then, when you are familiar with the college environment, take a single course in which you expect to have some difficulty. In this way, you will not only have time to adjust to college, but also get one tough class out of the way.

4. Don't hesitate to seek help.

If you see you are having difficulty with an academic subject, make an appointment to see your instructor right away. If you have problems that affect you in more than one class, such as a learning disorder, check the college catalog or ask your advisor to refer you to someone who can help.

If your problem is not academic, you may still be able to get help on campus. Most colleges can direct you to employment services, academic aid, health services, and counseling for personal problems.

With realistic expectations and a willingness to ask for help you'll be off to a good start on your college degree.

A former college writing instructor who taught adult students in online classes for five years, Linda Aragoni helps teachers do a better job teaching expository writing to students at her website, You-Can-Teach-Writing.com. She continues to support students embarking on college careers with essay help in an on-site forum. Copyright 2010, Linda G. Aragoni. You may reprint this article provided the whole text, the author's name, the links, and this copyright notice remain intact.

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How to Get More Money When You Sell Your Textbook

How to Get More Money When You Sell Your Textbook

A Guest Post By Daniel P Cooper

A college education is one of the most important and expensive endeavors a young person can take. There are many costs and expenses that go into a college degree, not the least of those being textbooks. According to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), college textbooks have increased at a rate of 6 percent per year over the past two decades. This is nearly twice the rate of inflation. With increases like this for college textbooks, along with the many other college expenses, students need to find ways to cut back on costs in order to pursue a degree.

Rising textbook costs are one of the most frequent complaints heard by college students. Carlo Checri, a recent graduate from the University of North Texas, stated that "books are always those things you don't think about when you're registering for classes, then when you go to the bookstore, you suddenly realize that you have to spend a lot more money." Mr. Checri's sentiment is felt by a many college students. In fact, numerous community colleges see textbook costs totaling the same amount as semester long classes.

In addition to the high costs of buying books, when asked about reselling them, Checri said, "I've had some luck selling books back, but a lot of the time it wasn't worth the effort since I knew I would be getting back less than half of what I paid anyway." Mr. Checri went on to say that he has tried selling his books back to his library, to friends taking the same classes, and online.

There are several unique ways to try to get more money for selling college textbooks. However, to start, one wants to make sure they are buying their textbooks the cheapest possible way. Finding good deals on textbooks really helps when a student goes to resell them. In a perfect world, students would be able to buy their books, and sell them again for the same price. Several ideas covered here can help move students closer to that "perfect world".

WAYS TO BUY TEXTBOOKS CHEAPER

Procrastination is the most costly part of buying textbooks. As many students will notice, college bookstores typically sell books new and used. The used books are typically much cheaper than buying a book new; however, the used books are always the first to go because of this. If a student waits until the last minute to buy his/her books, chances are, all the used books will have already been sold and the student will end up paying the higher cost of buying new.

Another option for purchasing books is to buy online at sites like Amazon or Half. However, when purchasing books online, students can face similar problem as purchasing from the local book store. Other problems can also arise, such as shipping costs and time frames, and the possibility of lost packages. All this can increase the cost of purchasing books, and also add additional frustration and hassle.

A final option for purchasing books would be on sites like Trade My Text, a free site that allows students to buy, sell, and trade textbooks with each other for free. A site like this allows students to buy their books from classmates who may have just taken the class they need the book for. This can cut down on the cost of purchasing the book and also eliminates the dreads of shipping.

WAYS TO SELL BOOKS FOR MORE

So how do you sell a book for more than the half back "guarantee" of the local book store? There are several ways, many of them similar to the above ways to buy a textbook. In a perfect world, a student would buy a used, $100 book for say $75, use it for the semester, and then resell it for right around $75. In the real world, that same student buys the book for $100 and typically resells it for $50 or less. The way to sell a book for more is to try to accomplish the "perfect world" scenario. Getting a good deal on a book allows a student to turn around and quickly resell it at a price of nearly what they paid. Again, the key to selling for more is purchasing at the right price.

The college bookstore is always a last resort option for selling a book. Chances are that a student won't make much of their money back by selling to the bookstore. The best place to start when selling a book is online. Going to places like Amazon, Half, or Trade My Text can save students time and get them more for their books. Amazon and Half allow students to reach a large viewing group to market their book and although there is a fee, it is not terribly high. Also, with Amazon, there is no fee charged unless a student sells their item. Trade My Text is a unique site that acts as an online market place for students to buy, sell, and trade textbooks among each other at their particular college for free. This is also an effective way to sell a book at the end of the semester.

Using online websites to market books is the most effective way to sell a student's book for the most amount of money. Using several sites can be even more effective than using just one. For example, listing a book on Amazon, Half, and Trade My Text opens a student's book up to many more viewers, and since Trade My Text is free and Amazon only charges if the books is sold, there is no loss in doing this.

In summary, textbooks can be a very expensive part of any college education, but with a few unique and untraditional tactics, saving money on books becomes easy. Keep in mind, the first step to saving money on books, is buying them at the right price. When a book is bought at the right price, selling it for more on the back side becomes easy.

Save money on College Textbooks by buying/selling/trading with local students for free at www.TradeMyText.com!

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Will Going Back To School To Earn An Online Degree Help You Get A Better Job Or Promotion?

Will Going Back To School To Earn An Online Degree Help You Get A Better Job Or Promotion?

A Guest Post By Derick Sutton

Adults going back to school may feel uncertainty about new challenges and requirements in their lives. They want to complete unfinished college degrees or to advance in their careers. Others are motivated by the need for increased financial worth. Some like the challenge of continual learning and intellectual growth to fulfill personal and work needs. Nontraditional students are adults returning to an online university for a higher education, do not fit into the young, living on campus, college student. Nontraditional students are adults over the age of 25, and have become the new trend in higher education at online universities.

Statistics from the U.S. Education Department's National Center for Education state that college admissions in colleges and universities are expected to climb from 18.2 million in 2007 to 20.6 million in 2018. The most significant growth will be among older students, minorities and women.

Significant changes in an adult's life especially in their career can prompt the need for continuing college education. A few reasons could be being passed over for job promotions because of lack of skills, job requirements have changed, discontent within their company's hierarchy and the possibility of announced layoffs or mergers.

Personal motivation and self improvement is a high motivator for adult learners. Learning about new topics, studies or special interest is a reason for going back to college. Learning new technological skills not only increases their job security but helps them in the home. Learning about social trends could improve their involvement in community activism and volunteer work. The completion of an online degree could revolve around their career and simply be a desire to finish what they started.

Some adult learners begin a new college degree at the retirement stages of their life. Their involvement in new college studies fulfills a need for community engagement and provides the opportunity to stimulate intellectual growth. Others are motivated by a need for change especially with career prospects. Adult students may have decided midlife to transition into new career paths that require additional knowledge and accreditation for them to begin their change.

Nontraditional students have numerous college opportunities especially with the increase in online colleges and online degrees. Add in the potential for financial aid, scholarships, and grants, especially to specific groups such as minorities and women, and going back to school does not have to be an unfulfilled dream.

Many adults, especially during economic downturns, are returning to online universities to complete previous college degrees or to increase their financial worth. The American Council on Education states that higher education colleges and online universities experience a surge in college admissions during these times. Employed and unemployed workers return to school to advance their skills and seek to increase their appeal to their company or potential employers. The increase of online colleges and online degrees are making higher education accessible to returning students especially for those who continue to work and support their families.

Returning to school gives the adult learner a chance to improve their career skills or change career directions. Many returning students do so because of changes in job structure, being passed over for advancement, job requirement changes and possible layoffs or mergers in their company's future. In general, the higher the education a person holds means the higher the salary and better career security.

The potential for salary increase varies with the type of college degree you want depending upon the needs of your career field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with advanced degrees earn more than workers with a high school diploma or GED. The Bureau of Labor employment projections for 2008-2018 show that nearly half of all new jobs and one-third of total job openings will require a postsecondary college degree or award. Also projected is that 14 out of the 30 fastest growing occupations will require a bachelor's degree or higher.

College counselors through assessment services can provide valuable guidance when shopping for online universities and degrees. Be sure to find a personal counselor who can access multiple college searches within college programs such as transfer credits, cost comparisons, and accreditation.

College Equalizer is a revolutionary college search and counseling service that provides you with a personal counselor for your search. With a patented computer system the counselor is able to compare your life experience, such as work and military experience, training, certificates, licenses and others with the transfer requirements and tuition rates of hundreds of accredited colleges and online universities around the country. http://www.collegeequalizer.com

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Nontraditional Students - What Kind of College Degree Do You Need?

Nontraditional Students - What Kind of College Degree Do You Need?

A Guest Post By Amy Doughten

As an adult nontraditional student, your educational needs are different than a traditional student going to college directly from high school. You may need a degree to advance to the next level in your workplace or to qualify for a particular kind of employment. You may find that your earning potential is limited without a college degree.

The type of degree you consider is closely intertwined with your end goal. Two year (Associate degree) and four year degrees (Bachelor degree) are the most common. Of course, within those two types of degree is an almost infinite variety.

Associate Degree

An Associate degree usually requires two years of college. Associate degrees are typically offered at community colleges, technical and vocational colleges, and some 4-year colleges.

It is vital to understand the different types of Associate degree because the choice you make can affect your future schooling opportunities. There are two main types of Associate Degree: Occupational and Transfer.

Occupational:

If you need a degree for a specific skill, an occupational Associate degree may be a good choice for you. The courses you take will be heavily weighed toward the occupation you are studying; you will take a minimum of traditional general education courses like English and Mathematics.

Although each college is different, generally an occupational Associate degree results in:

Associate Degree of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

ProsYou can be career-ready in two years. There are a significant number of careers where an Associate degree is helpful. Some examples include: interior design, fashion design, auto mechanics, computer networking, computer programming, social work, veterinary technicians and healthcare.

Cons

If you plan on continuing your education to obtain a 4-year degree, be aware that the majority of occupational-related coursework you do will probably not transfer to your selected school. Typically, only the general education coursework you complete will count toward a 4-year degree.

Transfer:

A transfer Associate degree is designed to be the first step toward a 4-year bachelor's degree. Most of the coursework will be in general education areas (English, Mathematics, Sciences) and will correspond to the core classes offered at a 4-year school. This is a great way to enhance your current career by adding a degree to your skillset while you work to obtain your bachelor's degree.

Although each college is different, generally an occupational Associate degree results in:

Associate of Arts (A.A.) Concentration in humanities and social sciences

Associate of Science (A.S.) Concentration in science courses

Pros

This can be a very cost-effective way to get through the first two years of required coursework for your 4-year degree. Tuition at the local community college is usually a fraction of the cost of tuition at a private university. You obtain a degree which can enhance your career prospects and increase your potential earning power.

ConsTypically you will choose a concentration of study. If you later change your mind about the type of 4-year degree you wish to pursue, your two years of coursework may not translate to a full two years of transfer classes.

Talk to your academic advisor to make sure your coursework will transfer to the 4-year college of your choice! Many community colleges have articulation agreements with local state colleges, but not all coursework automatically transfer. If a transfer degree is your goal, save yourself time and money by ensuring your coursework will count at the college of your choice.

Bachelor's Degree

Also referred to as either an undergraduate degree or a 4-year degree, a Bachelor's degree generally takes a minimum of four years to complete. As an adult student, it may take several years to complete the coursework for a Bachelor's degree so be prepared that your 4-year degree might take you 6, 8 or more years to complete. A Bachelor's degree is a prerequisite to a Master's degree (a graduate degree) or a Doctorate.

A Bachelor's degree typically focuses on a specific area of study combined with general educational courses. For example, a Bachelor's degree in psychology is general educational courses, some elective courses, and a heavy concentration in a number of psychology-related courses. This specific area of study is called your Major.

Like the Associate degree, there are different types of Bachelor's degrees. Each college is different, but typically a Bachelor's degree results in:

- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Concentration in humanities and social science.

- Bachelor of Science (B.S). Concentration in scientific and technical fields.

- Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.).

- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

One Last Note: Degrees versus Certification

A certification isn't a degree in the traditional sense, but it certifies that you have gone through specialized education for some type of trade or skill. For example, you may want to be certified as a massage therapist, beautician, or a truck driver. These skills do not require a traditional college degree. Certifications are typically offered by technical/vocational schools and community colleges.

Amy Doughten is a full-time nontraditional student attending Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Read her blog at http://www.backtocollegenow.wordpress.com and follow her progress at http://www.twitter.com/amydoughten.

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Are You Thinking About Pursuing an Online College Education?

Are You Thinking About Pursuing an Online College Education?

A Guest Post By Vera Baylor

For many people, an online college education is the only way they could pursue a college degree. For others, online degree options present the option of convenience around an already busy life. Online colleges open up a world of possibilities to otherwise nontraditional students like retirees, those who have already entered the workforce and are heading back to school to either earn another diploma or finish courses they've already started taking, those with kids, and more. These are just a few of the situations where an online college education program is not only convenient but often a requirement. These, and others like them, simply wouldn't be able to work in the time around any otherwise full schedule to earn their degree. Does this sound like you?

On the other hand, even traditional students who are fresh out of high school are pursuing an online college education as well. For these students, they may want to enter the workforce straight from high school yet still pursue a college education. Others may have personal commitments at home, such as caring for a sick relative or even small kids to take care of. Still others simply find that the college scene isn't for them and they feel more comfortable learning from the comfort of their own home.

Whatever your situation is, pursuing your college education over the internet is a great step. You will enjoy the same quality education, but can take your courses at a time and in a place that is most convenient for you. There are many different schools from all over the world that now offer online degree programs, so there is a world of opportunity open to you for pursuing your college degree online. Today, just about anyone with some extra time and financial resources can purse a college education with college degree programs available over the internet.

Vera Baylor is a writer and researcher on online college education. You can save time and money by comparing degrees from multiple schools and reading about the options open to you and at Vera's blog: findonlinecolleges.net

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Online Colleges and Universities - A Perfect Fit For Busy Adults

Online Colleges and Universities - A Perfect Fit For Busy Adults

A Guest Post By Natasha Bright

Today, the typical college student isn't quite so typical. About 40% of all students today fall into the nontraditional category, which means they aren't fresh out of high school and moving out of the house for the first time. Many of these so-called non-traditional students are returning to a degree program after taking a break to either work or raise a family. Still others are making the decision to enter new career fields and want the required educational background to move forward.

Since these non-traditional students are often working adults or adults with serious family responsibilities, a full-time college schedule isn't always possible. One possibility for them, and traditional college students, too, is to take a class from an online college or university program. One definite advantage that online classes offer is the ability to take several classes before they actually have to commit to a degree program.

The economic issues of the day may be one reason that many non-traditional students have chosen to return to school. Although they know they want to improve their employment opportunities, they may not know what direction they want to go in, career wise. Choosing an online school can help guide them in their path, because they can take several different classes that will help them decide what path is right for them.

Another great advantage to an online college is that a student needn't be tied down to someone else's schedule. Online schools allow students to create their own schedule; some classes are completely open ended, while others have certain due dates. Non- traditional students can choose the type of class and schedule that will work the best for them, and they won't have to worry about having to quit their jobs to go to school.

Because many non-traditional students haven't been in a classroom environment for several years, they might be concerned about their academic performance. If they are worried their scholarly skills aren't quite up to snuff, an online class is a good place to hone them. An online class will allow a student to familiarize themselves with college level work without the worry of peer pressure, because they will be able to study at their own pace and in the privacy of their own home.

More and more educators are seeing the real benefits that online education can offer students. At the secondary level, some public schools are even offering a great deal of coursework to their students in an online format. Time will only tell, but it seems that as online education becomes more prevalent, degree holders from online school will be just as common and in the same upper management positions as degree holders from traditional colleges.

The workplace is definitely being transformed by online education. Many employers want to see their workforce as highly educated as possible, and are willing to help them with tuition assistance or other funding for school. Online degree programs are ideal for this, because employees can invest in their employees without worrying about them having to take precious time away from work.

Online college may definitely be the best way for non-traditional students to complete their college degree. Whether they want to complete a previously unfinished degree, or move into a new field altogether, this type of degree program can help them navigate their way through these, and other, choices. The programs offered by online colleges and universities will help students gain new skill sets and knowledge, while helping them gain confidence and abilities that may help them move upward and onward at work.

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Delegation for Non-traditional Students

Attending college as a non-traditional student is challenging, especially if you have been the homemaker and caregiver to your family. One of the most difficult parts of college for non-traditional students is finding time to study and do homework.

Learn to delegate chores at home to give you the time you need for your studies. Delegation will save you time, and provide the much needed time for homework and study time. Learn to trust your family to do their share, so that you can have time to do the things that will eventually make all your lives better.

When you delegate responsibility for a task to one of your children, always follow up an hour or a day or so later, depending on the job. Make sure the task has been started or completed within a timely fashion. Children are not expert cleaners, so if cleaning is one of the chores you delegate, you may have to make allowances until they get better at it.

Communication is very important. Providing your family members a list of tasks makes it easy for them to remember everything they are expected to do, and the order in which it should be done.

Carefully assess your child’s abilities and skills. Match their skills with the available jobs. Give them the authority to do the job they have been given. If their job is to take out trash and someone is leaving empty cans on the counter, make sure they have the authority to deal with the situation appropriately. Keep the lines open so that you know what is going on, but don't tell them how to do the job and don't ride them about the job. It is, however, a good idea to teach them how to do the job, before assigning it to them.

Make sure they know what to do and how to do it. When you assign a task, give them a time table, so that they will know when you expect them to have the job done.

Let them make the decisions involving their job. If you don't, you are still doing it yourself. Trust them to do the job right, but follow up to make sure they are staying within the rules.

Don't plan for them. Occasionally, check to see if they need help. Either provide them with help, or help them yourself, but don't do the job for them.

In addition to helping you have the time you need to complete your school work, delegating household chores helps your children learn how to be independent in their own homes, someday. Everyone should learn to wash clothes, wash dishes, and keep a house straight. Learning to cook doesn’t hurt, either.

Be consistent in your expectations. Your family needs to know they can depend on you, too.

New Algebra Recommendations

Unfortunately, the books I recommended in my last post for helping college students who struggle with Algebra are no longer available.

One of the main reasons learners have trouble with algebra is that they have poor basic math skills. If you can't multiply and divide easily, don't understand fractions and ratios, and sometimes squareroots, algebra will be a foreign language.

After a long search both online and offline, I have found some books that are excellent choices, and are currently in print. None is over $20 brand new, so these are still a good value.

E-Z Math
by Barron's covers whole numbers, fractions, percentages, beginning algebra, beginning geometry, beginning trigonometry, word problems and probability statistics.
Recommended retail price is $14.99, but you can get it brand new HERE
for $10.19. (Please note, prices may change in the interim.)

A-Plus Notes for Beginning Algebra: Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1
by Rong Yang has a suggested retail price of $19.50, but you can get it HERE
for $13.26. (Please note, prices may change in the interim.)

These are the books I am recommending to high school and college students who need a refresher in basic math and pre-algebra skills.

My experience is that having several algebra books allows you to better understand a topic in math, since each author will describe the topic in slightly different terms.

Non-traditional Students and Trouble with Algebra

Like most non-traditional college students, I really struggled and had trouble with college algebra. One of the issues I had was that it had not just been too long since taking algebra in high school, it had been too long since I had used much math at all. I discussed this with the introductory algebra teacher, and eventually tried to make the same case for my own students who were having math issues, but the main problem is that colleges will not go back into basic math to help students get to the point that algebra makes sense.

Fortunately, I had homeschooled my son through high school. When he had trouble with algebra, we did a grade level exam and found that he had missed some information from 4th and 6th grade math. Once we went back and addressed those problems, we started with pre-algebra, and he whizzed through all his math courses after that, without much help from mom (since I was not able to do the same work he was doing).

I used his pre-algebra book to relearn fractions, ratios, percentages, review basic multiplication and division, and reacquaint myself with all the stuff you have to learn before doing well with algebra. Because I had worked some with my son while he was learning algebra, my understanding was spotty, but I knew enough to do well on the ACT. I had to pressure my advisor to let me into the introductory algebra class, but will always be grateful I knew myself well enough to insist. I could not have passed algebra without taking the time to work through some pre-algebra work and work through introductory and intermediate algebra.

The textbooks my son used in his high school work, and that I borrowed to help me learn algebra, are available from Amazon.com.

College Outline for Pre-Algebra by Alan Wise

College Outline for Introductory Algebra by Alan Wise

College Outline for Intermediate Algebra by Alan Wise

I like these books, because they don’t expect you to understand or know anything. Alan Wise is thorough in his explanations, and the books are not designed to have an instructor helping you understand the material, unlike many school textbooks. They have the material for the chapter, then a section on worked problems that explain step by step how to do the problems, then a list of what you need to have learned, followed by a few pages of problems for you to try. At the very end of each chapter are the answers to all problems, so that you can check to see if you correctly did the work.

I can’t recommend these books highly enough. They helped me make it through my college algebra courses with an A in both introductory algebra and intermediate algebra, and a B in college algebra. If you are having trouble with algebra, I believe these books will help in your efforts to pass algebra.

Best wishes for your success!

Untraditional Students: Beyond the Comfort Zone

Every five weeks, I see a new group of students beginning their college careers. Some of these students are traditional students, but most fit into the nontraditional or even untraditional categories. Nontraditional students are usually defined as anyone who has been out of high school for more than six months, or has a family. Untraditional students are usually older adults (meaning out of high school for five or more years), and can be adults returning for second career training.

Some untraditional students may have had college courses before, may even have completed college degrees before, but have been out of college for many years. Even with previous degrees behind them, untraditional students often feel out of place and concerned over their ability to complete the course work. Untraditional students may be in college due to loss of a job and inability to locate comparable work, death of a spouse who supplied the family income, divorce, another life changing event, or may have just decided that it was their turn to get an education. Whatever the reason, untraditional students seem to have strong emotions such as fear of the unknown. They are out of their comfort zone, so to speak, and don't know what to do, how to do it, or even if they can do it.

As an untraditional student who started classes in January 1998 and just never quit going to college, I can relate. One thing to keep in mind when starting something new, however, is something Lou Tice of The Pacific Institute tells his students, "It is OK to be afraid. It is not OK to stay afraid." New experiences can be frightening, but with determination, study, and perseverance, we can make it through the education process to walk across the stage and receive a diploma well earned.

One way Lou Tice recommends to help you do this is to create affirmations. Affirmations are single sentence goals that are always positive and always present tense. "I have accomplished my goal of earning my degree," is a sample affirmation. Make up several affirmations and say them out loud several times every day and you will find that they come true, just because you unconsciously start looking for ways to make them come true. Learning requires students to go beyond their comfort zone. Take a deep breath, settle your nerves, and get started. Come on in--the water is fine.

Scheduling is Everything for Non-Traditional Students

Guest Blog by Susan Elliott

Non-Traditional Student on Campus

Stepping onto a campus, of any size, after several years absence, or for the first time ever, can be a bit overwhelming. Fear is normal. It is also normal to feel like all the younger students are staring at you, and that you will never fit in. Don’t worry. You don’t have to fit in or be popular, this is not high school. You are in college to learn, fulfill your dreams and start anew. Relax, the chances are you will excel in your new environment.

Scheduling is Everything

Before you ever begin a class you have to create your schedule. Many students find this preparation the most confusing time of their school career. Non-traditional students must consider two things when selecting their class schedules, what else is going on in their life, and can they be reasonably sure that they can make it to their classes.

Children, spouses and work all make big impacts on your schedule. Many classes require a lot of outside studying. Can you commit to the hours needed for class preparation, projects and activities? If not, you better select a different class. Some teachers are more lenient towards non-traditional students, but they will still expect your best efforts. If you can’t give them, don’t bother.

Also, consider you time constraints. Do you have to be somewhere every Thursday, does PTO meet on Mondays? What about driving time, carpool? Does the class you’re considering conflict with any of these things? If so, you may want to choose a different class, or make a commitment determining what things you are going to give up during that particular class time. Don’t make these decisions on impulse. Carefully consider all your options before committing to a class.

Confidence Determines Success

The very first day of class the pressure may seem unbearable. Walk into class with your head held high, and with your most inviting smile on your lips. A smile can actually break the tension in the class. There are many students that are just as scared as you are.

Make eye contact with people. This eye contact may actually help you make friends. A person’s response will also help you to decide if he is a possible partner for any group projects that may be assigned during the class.

Notes are Key

On the first day of class you will always have an A. It is your job to keep it. Properly formulated notes can be the key to keeping high marks. Consider what the teacher is saying. You do not have to record everything he says.

If your teacher is fond of telling pointless stories, don’t take write them into your notes. It is a waste of paper, and it will also waste your studying time. Leafing through pages of notes to find a few lines of pertinent information is never fun. Record things that are related to the class or the things that the teacher says will be on the test.

Develop Your Own Note Taking System

Make use of colored pens, highlighters or computer software to keep track of important information. Programs like Microsoft OneNote are perfect for recording notes and important facts. The OneNote program allows the user to create folders for individual classes, as well as daily pages under a class heading.

Remember, you will succeed as a non-traditional student. Be your biggest cheerleader and keep on trucking!

Windows 7 Video Training

Wow, it's been a while since I posted here. With teaching at two colleges and attending graduate school full time, I have been stretched a bit thin lately. I promise to do my best to do better in this new year. This post is about the new Windows 7 computers available now.

One of the schools where I teach is now using my Student Again web site to help their students learn computer basics. Today, I added a link to Windows 7 video tutorials collected from YouTube.com and embedded into a web page to make it easier for learners who are buying new computers for school to learn how to use them.

Actually, I was totally impressed with the videos about Windows 7. For a freelance job I have been working, I had to get a Windows 7 computer. So far, it is still in the box, but I can't wait to find time to play with it and see how the new features work. One of my favorite new features is the Snip It tool that comes in the Windows 7 Accessories. Using Snip It, users can instantly create a JPG image of anything on the computer monitor, or the entire screen.

The tutorials I selected for the Windows 7 tutorials provide a solid overview of the operating system and how it works. Depending on where you buy, a Windows 7 system could cost you anywhere from $500 to $1500, depending on the place you purchase it, and the system specifications. If you are buying a new computer for college work, the basic $500 model has more than enough power and resources to fit your needs.

As I learn more about Windows 7, I will let you know what I think of it.