Distance Education is Now Training the Next Genertation of Medical Assistants
September 3, 2010
Some people are calling it distance-free learning for the Medical Assistant. Distance Learning happens wherever the learner is most available, free from the traditional boundaries of geography. It could be in the next room, or in the next state. It uses whatever technology is most available and appropriate to allow effective learning wherever needed. It changes the rules. Now, you and your colleagues, the learners, are more able to adapt and use your newly-gained knowledge for your real world challenges immediately. Laboratory work is done at your own location.
Typical Methods of Distance Learning for Medical Assistant programs and other schools include:
One-way video/two-way audio via satellite
Two way video and audio conferencing
Multiple user audio-only conferencing
World Wide Web-based access to educational programs
Internet and e-mail-based distributed educational programs
Online labs using innovative distance education technology (excellent for the Medical Assistant student)
A critical element of effective distance learning today is the learning environment. Interaction within that environment can occur by many technical means: e-mail, fax, telephone, two-way video. Interestingly, this interaction is becoming more asynchronous Qmeaning it doesn’t have to happen at the same time for all participants.
Distance Learning Degree Program ? How to Study
August 21, 2010
The format of distance learning courses is different than what most students have experienced. The teaching style is more student directed and you will have to become accustomed to these differences. Distance learning relies heavily on technology. If you aren’t computer and internet savvy, you will need to learn new skills, in addition to your coursework. Look for classes or workshops on computers and the internet. These are often available in public libraries or community centers. You may feel overwhelmed at the thought of taking another class, but the time you spend learning to use the technology will save you time in the long run.
Most colleges offer support for new students. Some schools may have orientation sessions at the start of a new semester. If your school offers this, plan on attending. You will gain valuable information about the structure of the course and the technology used. Instructors often give advice for organizing your time at these sessions. In addition, you will get a feel for the teacher’s expectations. Most schools offer tutorials to help you learn to use the online classroom and other software used in distance learning programs.
On-line Universities and Degrees ? Find the Right One for You
August 8, 2010
The first step to finding the right online university is to decide what degree you want. Do you want an undergraduate or graduate degree? Are you interested in a certificate program for work related study? If you are returning to school for work, you may want to get feedback from your employer for this decision. List your long and short term career goals to help you decide which degree will help you reach your goals best. Once you have decided on a major, you can start to research different schools.
Find out the requirements for admission into the program. Each university has its own set of regulations. All schools will want to see your transcripts from high school or college. Some will ask for test scores as well. Make sure you can meet the minimum requirements for admission before you apply. Gathering the necessary documentation before beginning the application process will save time later.
Distance education programs have different on campus requirements. Some require that you come to campus a few times each semester, while others allow you to complete the entire program at home. Programs offered completely online are more difficult to find, depending on the degree you are seeking. Make sure you can commit to the schedule required by the university. A program that requires you to travel to campus one or more times should be within driving distance of your home.
Accredited Life Experience Degrees ? Accelerate Your Progress Online
July 26, 2010
Chances are you are pursuing an online degree to reap benefits in the workplace. For this reason, you may be interested in accelerating your progress to get your degree faster. This article will explain seven ways to finish your degree faster. Keep in mind that you will work harder to finish faster and must be willing to make this commitment.
Check with an admissions counselor to see if you qualify for the Credit for Life Experience Program (CLEP). Experience in the business world can translate into college credits with this program. You will have to show documentation of your work experience. The school will verify this experience to determine how it fits into your degree program in terms of college credit. The credits you receive from this program can shorten the time you spend earning your degree. This program isn’t offered at all schools or for all degree programs.
The Proficiency Exam Program (PEP) is similar to CLEP. This program allows students to earn college credit for independent study or other training received without college credit. You may have learned the subject matter in another forum and not need to take the class. You will have to show documentation and pass an exam to qualify for credits with PEP.
Facing Your Fears as an Adult Returning to School
July 13, 2010
In case you hadn’t noticed, career colleges aren’t just for learning a vocational trade anymore. Nowadays, career colleges can help you obtain a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or even Doctorate Degree in just about any field of study, or they can even help you simply brush up on skills you might already have on your way to earning a certification or Associate’s Degree. So while some career schools might still specialize in vocational trades like auto body repair, masonry or hair styling, the majority of today’s career colleges are designed to help working professionals meet their career objectives.
Prompted by an inviting and growing selection of career and online colleges, more adults are returning to school than ever before. Whether you’re seeking to advance your current career and education, break into a whole new field, or just enjoy studying something you’ve always wanted to, going back to school can be enjoyable and rewarding.
And yet, many potential students who could clearly benefit from enrollment at a career college are hesitant to do so. The reason? In too many cases, they are being held back by nothing other than their own fear.
The First Step is Admitting It
Most Colleges Require Letters Of Recommendation
June 29, 2010
I cannot overemphasize the importance of developing strong relationships with high school teachers and counselors as early as possible. An extremely well written, all-telling letter can absolutely make the difference of being accepted or rejected to any college.
Students at the top of one or more of their classes should first ask those teachers to write a letter of recommendation (LOR). However, if a teacher balks, is the least bit hesitant or shows no enthusiasm about the prospect of writing such a letter, another teacher, one who is likely to make the student shine, should be approached instead. A less than exemplary LOR is virtually worthless!
Chose wisely. I often review LOR’s for content and grammar, and am constantly amazed at how careless and lax some teachers, counselors and other well-intentioned people can be with a letter of such great importance! Choose teachers who have expressed a genuine interest in the student’s future.
Most schools require LOR’s from guidance counselors, and some ask for one or more from the student’s English, Science and/or Math teachers. Additional LOR’s, letters other than those requested on the school’s application, are also recommended. I suggest no more than two extras, unless a third is absolutely extraordinary.
Writing The All-Important College Application Essay
June 16, 2010
The application essay is the most crucial piece of writing the student will submit to the colleges, and, if not done impressively, it will also be their last. In most cases, it is the college’s first actual exposure to the student, and first impressions have a habit of lasting. A memorable essay contains all the student’s Kodak moments interlaced with some less than blissful adventures to create the necessary drama in the writing.
Students must begin by choosing the right topic, meaning the right topic for them, and one that will be well received by the admissions committees. The subject matter chosen and its degree of difficulty say volumes to the school about the character of the author. As the quality of the essay is dependent on the student’s ability to respond to the subject matter, making the correct choice is absolutely essential.
Students should select a most thought-provoking and stimulating subject to write about, and it helps greatly to view the task as a "we dare you to compete for the privilege of attending our school" challenge from the college. In other words, if there’s a literary masterpiece inside the student crying out to be written and read, this would be a good time to unleash it!
Tips On College Selection
June 3, 2010
It is highly recommended that early in the college selection process, parents and student(s) visit some schools to determine if they’ll be suitable. The criteria that must be considered before any college is applied to include:
? Average GPA, SAT I, class rank for acceptance ? The school should offer enough choices in the event the student changes their major ? Size, location, Greeks, religious affiliation ? Percentage of freshmen that return for year two ? Percentage of freshmen that graduate in four years ? Percentage of financial need met ? Percentage of gift aid/self-help awarded ? On or off campus job opportunities ? Meal plans and dietary situations met ? Name recognition ? Student/teacher ratio ? Average class size, semester or trimester ? Percentage of professors who teach and percentage of teaching assistants ? 2 or 4-year college or university ? Co-ed dorms ? Freshman cars permitted ? Handicap accessibility ? Cost of the sheepskin
The All-Important College Application
May 20, 2010
H.G. Wells once said, "Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe," which emphasized the importance of continued schooling. As the fate and future not only of any great nation ? but the world, is dependent on the education of its youth, a far brighter light is cast upon the college application process.
It is in the application process, more than anywhere else, that the academic future of any student is determined. There is only one moment in time when the student’s stuff shows up in the admissions office ? and it better shine! Negligence in this arena leads to failure, and this cannot and must not be an option in any student’s life.
The first item that is reviewed by admission committees is the student’s transcript. It immediately determines whether or not the student is qualified. Simply put, it either contains qualifying grades and scores or it doesn’t. If not, the rest of the student’s stuff, no matter how carefully prepared or impressive ? will be tossed in the waste basket!
Submitting The College Application
May 7, 2010
At this point, except for the waiting, the worst is basically over! However, the way you submit the student’s stuff is just about as important as the stuff that’s being submitted!
The correct order is: (1) The application is first (2) followed by the essays, which should be attached to the application unless there are specific instructions to the contrary; (3) Next is the resume, which should be stapled together, but not to the application or the essays; (4) The special essay(s) follow and should be paper clipped to the resume as opposed to being stapled to it. Attach a large paper clip to all of the above to ensure everything stays in the proper order, and then send the entire package overnight or 2nd day with a signature guarantee. Whew!
If by any chance you’re planning to submit the application electronically, consider this very carefully before you click the submit key. You may accidentally send the application before it’s completed, or send it with errors. What will you do then, and how will you get a copy for your records?
