More Students Are Taking Online Courses For Online Degrees

Numbers of Online Degree Students Are On The Rise.

According to a report by The Sloan Consortium, the number of college students who are taking at least one course online is quickly rising in the United States. Annual totals were tallied in the fall of each year and the numbers show steady growth.

In the Fall of 2002, there were 1.6 million students registered taking online courses. In the Fall of 2003, the number of students registered taking online courses rose to 1.97 million. And the numbers rose again in the Fall of 2004 to 2.33 million students registered and taking online courses here in the US.

With these numbers we can project that there is an estimated 370,000 new students every year since 2002 taking college courses online. Bringing those numbers up to date, we find that come the Fall of 2008, there will be an estimated 3.44 million college students attending online courses, in virtual and online classes, getting online degrees.

One of the nation’s very best online education institutions is The University of Phoenix. In fact, University of Phoenix happens to be the nation’s largest private, accredited university. UOP was founded in 1976. The school has been in operation for over thirty years now! University of Phoenix is known for providing relevant, real-world education to working adults.

If you have serious interest in getting your online degree, it is well worth looking into University of Phoenix. There are campus locations and learning centers in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Alberta and British Columbia, for those interested in supplementing the classroom for online courses. And, the internet courses are available across North America. University of Phoenix is for serious degree-seeking students.

Skype and Online Courses: The Evolution of the Online Education Experience

The really cool thing in online education now is that we are finding the introduction of audio and video into the course work.

What we are not discussing here are audio files that are shared and downloaded or streamed to the student, or video files which can be viewed online as part of online coursework. These technologies are certainly available and are a part of the online education coursework. But that is not what we are talking about…

We are talking about Skype! We are talking about live, real time video and audio conferencing during class time in an online course. Today, we are able to skype and be there either by voice, or by both voice and video, brought into the virtual classroom in real time, online. Now, it is actually just like being there, in the moment, in the virtual classroom, and in deed we are…

Though we may be thousands of miles apart at class time, at the same time we are online and in the presence of one another and able to react to the discussion together and share ideas, debate, and have greater impact and absorption of the lecture from the instructor.

Today, the classroom is really happening wherever “you” need it to take place; and we, as students, are able to interact with the instructor and all the other students in our online classes, just like we would in the traditional classroom. As this technology revolutionizes the way we attend classes online, we are evolving the very foundations of education. Skype is the next movement in bringing the video conference into the online class experience.

Individually, classmates are now able to use the video conference as the way to have study groups and individual study sessions outside of class time. The computer video camera is nothing new, but the technology of Skype has taken the video conference or video call to the next level. Skype is software that allows users to make telephone calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service are free of charge. Skype is not just freeware for the masses; it does have a profit component. The other services of Skype are that calls to landlines and cell phones can be made for a fee, a smaller fee than traditional telephone companies. Additional features in Skype include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

So, the Skype technology is not necessarily brand new… video conferencing has been around for many years now. But, the difference between previous versions of video conferencing available through private business including Microsoft and Apple and other companies is that the main difference between Skype and standard VoIP and video is that Skype operates on a peer-to-peer model rather than the more usual client-server model. The Skype user directory is entirely decentralized and distributed among the nodes of the network —i.e., users’ computers— which allows the network to scale very easily to large sizes (currently about 240 million users) without a complex centralized infrastructure costly to the Skype Group.

With Skype, the user does not have to join MSN or Apple in any way. You don’t have to become a member of any network. You don’t have to subscribe or be forced to share your personal information in any way. All you have to do is download the software, get a video camera and headset for your computer and you are up and running.

This means, students can get the software for free with an online download, and get the hardware from any WalMart, Target, or Best Buy at a nominal cost, and then may be able to experience class and study sessions that are more convenient than going to college has ever been! The technology is truly svelte and sleek and easy to use. It is peer to peer and does not require a great deal of set-up. It is easy and affordable and it has revolutionized online education!

Economic News Continues to Push the Workforce Toward Economical and Online Education Resources

The news continues to reveal our declining economic situation that has been plaguing the financial markets and the business growth in the US for last year and more.

The workforce at large is finding that the need to compete in the workplace is forcing many to either increase their current skill set or obtain new work related credentials and education. The ever-growing online education system is a resource that more and more people are finding the best value for the dollar.

One example of an online education student today is Dave Coffman, a 45-year-old husband and father of two who works in law enforcement. He is the major provider for his family and has little time to devote to furthering his education and the cost involved, but a new bachelor’s degree is essential to his career growth.

Families always benefit when a parent earns a new degree.

Dave did not want to take out student loans or put forth the time away from his family that a traditional education would have required. Mr. Coffman discovered that he could easily afford afford an online education without a huge impact on his family budget.

This is one example of how online education is revolutionizing the workforce’s ability to increase their marketability and workplace value.

While the current US economy is in a downturn, there is still no time to waste in acquiring the skills and degrees that every individual needs to compete for the best jobs or to maintain the ones that individuals already have. Since, typically, online education is more affordable and less taxing on the student, online education is now in vogue. Online Education has already revolutionized the way we are educated students today… and it is on it’s way to replacing the traditional education system with one that is driven by the new technologies of an online society.

Are you thinking about going back to school starting your first class online? Find out everything you need to know from the nation’s best online education provider, University of Phoenix.

With Soaring Gas Prices and the Need to Compete, Students are Opting for Online Degrees!

More and more students are going to school online.

Now that the economy is in such dire straits, and the gas prices are soaring to record highs, the workforce is still looking to improve their resumes and skills sets but needs to find the way that makes the most sense and saves them the most money!! So, current students, and those going back to school, are getting online degrees. They are choosing to go to school via online programs and online classes. Students are getting their degrees online!

The most popular courses in online degree programs right now are:

• AAHCA - Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration
• AACJ - Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
• AAPSY - Associate of Arts in Psychology
• AAB - Associate of Arts in Business
• BSCJA - Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
• AAHCA/MR - Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration-Medical Records
• CONT-ED - Continuing Teacher Education
• AAEE - Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
• BSED/E - Bachelor of Science in Education / Elementary Education**
• AAACC - Associate of Arts in Accounting

So, what is apparent, right now, is that as a workforce we still need to develop our skill sets and resumes with new degrees, especially in today’s detracted economy where competition for jobs is intense. When this fact is combined with higher and higher gas prices, we find the solutions in the form of staying local and staying home. Everyone in America is traveling less now, and any ways in which we can save money are being embraced.

Online degrees are a sensible choice in today’s economic climate. The workforce is able to increase the value of the individual as a skilled employee; and the individual is able to better his or her position by getting a new degree, by being in control of their busy schedules through the attendance of courses online, conveniently from home, and moreover by being able to save money from travel and gas expenses.

The Next New Class… CCSI-360 Computer Ethics

I started a new online class with DeVry University. This time, I am taking an Ethics course.

As with most of DeVry’s programs, all of my courses have been offered as online classes, meaning I can take my courses anywhere, anytime. I’ve been able to get the same great education online, taught by the same great faculty as in the classroom. What’s been the difference? Classes starts whenever I’m ready. And I never have to leave home to be there.

This online ethics course is great. CCSI-360 Computer Ethics. What is this course all about? Computer Ethics explores the nature and social impact of computer technology. This course explores the corresponding formulation and justification of governmental and organizational policies for ethical uses of such technology.

The DeVry Computer Ethics Online Course addresses the legal, ethical and sociological concerns about the ubiquity of computer software and hardware, as well as concerns about the proliferation and pervasive nature of computer networks.

It is proving to me that I can study the high brow ideals, as well as the down to earth real world philosophical impacts, of what ethics is all about in life and the workplace. I see how ethics applies to my job and I am taking it into consideration every day. I like that I am able to bounce Ideas off of the other students, have real and significant conversation, without having to sit in a class room. I truly love that I am able to take challenging classes at my own pace, on my own time, and right from my virtual classroom at home!

After I finish this class, I have just a few more courses to finish this online degree. When I am finished with this… I plan to go on to University of Phoenix for the University of Phoenix Project Management Certificate Degree online.

Final Exam: Contracts and Procurement

I took my Final exam in Project 410 through DeVry on-line the other night. It was after a long day at work, and I was simply ready to relax once I arrived at home. So, as I mentally prepared myself for the final exam to come, I actually just grew very relaxed… and I found it really nice to have been able to take my online exam at my convenience.

This business class in ‘contracts and procurement’ seemed to go by so quickly… 8 weeks went by so fast for me. I learned a lot, if nothing else, how to manage my time, how my contracts in my work environment require extensive knowledge as to the relation of Legal entities and how contracts allow for certainly flexibilities but are rigid and binding agreements at the same time.

My final exam was great. I was able to take it at my leisure… and because my learning environment was how I made it, working on my time truly helped me to do well.

Power Point and a Thesis paper

All of the students in this course were tasked to work together, every one of us assigned to specific groups of 4 to 5 students, to design a Final Thesis Power Point presentation as a final presentation or ‘Final Thesis’. This task was not easy! We were presented with the issue of making sure the final product maintained cohesion and all flowed together as though it was prepared by people in the same room.

We are working on this thesis now. We have a lot of management issue’s as far as time goes. We have people from all parts of the country involved so we are using a virtual meeting room right now. It is a seamless way of having multiple parties to pull together for a good presentation.

I am absolutely amazed at how efficient technology has made the virtual business environment. We can literally do projects in real time with people in offices hundreds of miles away and work as a team! Amazing… and this is everyday technology now!

Balance: Full-time Job, Wife, 3 Children and Attending an Online College Degree Program

I realize how hard it is to go to school while juggling the rest of a very busy life schedule. When I started with the online program in IT Systems Management, I knew I needed to do enhance my career and my life with a new degree. Working full time and having 3 kids, but I am able to go to school because of the real flexbility I can create with my scedule. Going to school online is not easy, you still have the work you have to do, but you can do it without the hassle of actually going to a physical location. No traffic, no bad drivers to deal with, just my computer and my classmates meeting at a given time while I sit on my couch.

Why Online School was Right for Me

I needed to go to school but found going to a traditional ground based program was not going to fit into my life. Attending online school now, I am able to mold my school experience and needs around my life, as opposed to me having to mold my life around going to school.

I had already been attending school at the DeVry University Campus in North Brunswick, New Jersey. I had to go to work for my normal work day and then make it through rush hour traffic to get to the campus to attend class. Everything was so rushed and so hectic that I inquired about the online program. Once my school advisor began to describe to me the program and how it worked, how sophisticated the technology and the actual learning process was for students, I knew that this was the answer for me.

This has been the greatest benefit I could ever have imagined. I go to school on my time and my terms. Yes, there are expectations to log-in and attend classes during the scheduled times in the evenings. There are scheduled times for Online Discussion groups and for turning in assignments. But, as I am going to school and attending class, I am already home… in this time,  I have never been forced to contend with rushing through traffic to get to campus on time, I have had the opportunity to handle my requirements for the evening at home for dinner and family, and then I pull up the laptop to my spot on the couch or to my desk in the bedroom and I am settled and relaxed and ready to go.

Online Term Papers are Less Pressure

Writing a term paper for my online course has been much easier for me than similar assignments in the past. I don’t seem to have the pressure I had when I attended classes on campus.

Doing this term paper assignment for my online class is a whole new experience. I can take my time and write with a clear mind. It’s funny but being able to have my own pace, without the seeming time-line is a lot better for me in the creation of this term paper. I have a clarity and a focus that is all my own; there are no feelings that I am being burdened by going to class and handling the demands of being there and taking notes and focusing when I am tired after work and then knowing that I must absorb all of this for my paper. It may seem trivial but I have a time frame to get my paper drafts in and there is a lack of pressure because I don’t have to contend with the other focus of attending classes on campus and then the constant reminder that I have even more to do… I am more free to focus on my time… I can simply write the paper as I am going and submit it upon the deadline.