Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Warm Up to Online Learning

So, are you making plans for your summer vacation? With gas prices soaring, you probably are thinking twice about getting in the car and heading across the country, or even across the state! But, what you may think about is taking the opportunity to either get started or catch up with your degree completion program. And, since you don't have to drive to a campus to do this, you've just saved what could be hundreds of dollars in gas prices alone!

Many college students enrolled full time in traditional programs often want to get ahead over the summer. Or, unfortunately, need to re-take a course in which they received a less than stellar grade. Instead of sacrificing time at the pool or the earnings provided by a summer job, the time and place flexibility of online learning may fit the bill.

Summer is also the perfect time for an adult returning to learning, or new to the online environment, to get his or her feet wet....not in the pool, but in an internet assisted learning environment. Taking just one course over the summer, usually delivered in a six or eight week term, puts you three credits closer to degree completion. And, it provides you the luxury of focusing on just one course, from the comfort of your home or workplace and at your convenience. So, you can still take the family on a day trip to the museum and log in at night to complete your online assignments. Rest assured, all of your fellow classmates have the same hectic schedules and balancing acts that you do. But, they also have the sincere desire to learn and grow...just like you.

Community colleges and state universities will offer a variety of affordable learning opportunities in the summer term. If you are currently matriculated full time at another college/university be sure to check with your advisor regarding the transferability of the course you wish to take.

Always be sure to check the accreditation of a college before enrolling in a course. You usually will want to be sure that a college is regionally accredited. This assures maximum transferrability to another institution and recognition by an employer.

Ahhh, summer....a time of relaxation and renewal....and maybe getting more than a tan, but a jump start on your education.

Lori Pendleton @ 19:43 PM

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Wednesday, 26 March 2008

Lori Pendleton @ 11:24 AM

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Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Speaking of Resolutions…

Since January 1, we’ve all been hearing about the best way to stick to our New Year’s resolutions. While some may be determined to lose weight (my perpetual resolution), quit smoking or become better organized, I know many of you are hoping this will be the year you earn that long sought-after college degree. Here are some strategies to follow to help you achieve your educational goals:

Be Positive --

So many times, I’ve heard adults talk about the barriers they face in achieving degree completion. Many folks provide very valid reasons for postponing their efforts to earn a degree, while others create self-imposed.obstacles. It is important to remember that for each negative, there is a positive!

“I don’t have the money,” you may say. Well, financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships and low interest loans. Furthermore, your earning potential will increase exponentially once you have that bachelor’s degree!

“I don’t have the time.” Give that one another thought! How about eliminating some of the time you spend watching TV, surfing the Web or chatting on the phone. As I’ve mentioned before, online learning puts time on your side by allowing you to determine when you study and by eliminating commuting time to attend classes on a college campus.

“I’m too old.” – That’s nonsense! I often hear the lament that goes something like: ”I’ll be 44 years old by the time I get my degree.” The reality is that time doesn’t stop! You’ll be 44 years old anyway, so why not be 44 having accomplished your educational objectives and increased your potential for career advancement.

Imagine --

Imagine walking across the stage during your graduation ceremony and shaking the hand of the President of the College who slips your hard-earned diploma into your other hand. Or, imagine seeing the proud smiles and tears of joy on the faces of your closest family members and friends as your name is announced. Imagine filling out your next job application or completing an updated resume and finally being able to fill in the “Education” space with the words ‘Bachelor of Science” Imagine being able to apply for the promotion from which you were held back simply because you lacked a degree. And, Imagine seeing the welcomed increase that your paycheck reflects..

Set short-term goals --

Sometimes it’s easier to break down pursuit of your goal into smaller, simpler steps. For instance, you might start by calling the college of your choice and speaking to someone in the Admissions office to see how to get started. Or, get your paperwork in order by completing the college’s admissions application and requesting your transcripts from the institution or institutions you attended previously. If you really want to test the waters, sign up for and take a college course – just one. I assure you -- it will whet your appetite for more!

Enlist the support of family and friends --

Our graduates tell us that the number one reason for success is attributable to the support of family and friends. Tell your children, your spouse, your partner that you want to finish your degree and will need their support and understanding. Explain that your lifestyle may be temporarily altered; that you may need more personal time to attend to your studies; that you’ll need a helping hand around the house – but only until you’ve completed the degree that will contribute to a better life for everyone in your household. Then they’ll understand, and they’ll provide the support you’ll need as you pursue that all-important degree.

It’s a new year, folks! Remember…Sí, se puede.

Lori Pendleton @ 16:13 PM

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Wednesday, 31 October 2007

ONLINE LEARNING...IS IT FOR ME?

I’m sure that you have heard of online learning. I know that I am bombarded with messages when I log on to my home email account from online institutions promising a degree just by hitting the “reply” button and sending a hefty sum of money. The truth is that online learning is not easier than classroom based learning. In fact, sometimes it is more difficult. But it does provide more flexibility to you in terms of the time and place you study. And because of this, you may be able to achieve your goals of earning your degree more quickly and with less frustration.

Charter Oak State College, which has awarded degrees to adult learners for more than three decades, first began offering online courses in 1998. In the past 9 years we have gone from offering 5 distance learning courses to close to 200. Our retention rate hovers at an amazing 95%. I believe this is true because we continuously monitor our courses and provide feedback to faculty and we provide upfront information to students considering online learning. Ultimately, the student needs to decide whether online learning will fit his/her learning style.

Skills that you should have

Time Management – Although it doesn’t matter what time of day you study, you need to commit to studying on a regular basis. So, if you, like most adults, are juggling to take care of children (or parents), work full time and have a life, it is a true benefit to have control over when you “attend” class. Just remember that you do need to contribute to discussions and complete reading and writing assignments on a weekly basis.

Computer Skills - You’ll be required to send e-mails, navigate the Internet, download information, and use word processing software. If you feel a little weak in this area, you may wish to enroll in a computer literacy class through your local adult education program or at a community college.

Strong writing skills - You will be expressing your thoughts and knowledge in writing throughout the class. Clarity is important.

Desire – Remember, making a decision to returning to learning is all about achieving your goals.

Lori Pendleton @ 11:17 AM

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: Name: Lori Pendleton; Visitors: 3102

EDUCATION BLOG Lori Gagne Pendleton is the Director of Admissions, Charter Oak State College, a leader in adult-friendly, distance learning education. She has worked in higher education for over 15 years and is committed to helping adults find the right path back to college. Charter Oak State College offering 'degrees without boundaries'. www.charteroak.edu