Online Courses - Advantages vs Disadvantages

Many working adults are discovering the need to further their education to compete in today's uncertain and constantly changing job market. However, going to school while trying to balance work, family, and social obligations can be a daunting task for even the heartiest of students.

Fortunately, with the advent of the internet and computer technology, there is now an alternative to the traditional college classroom. Thousands of adult learners are finding that online courses provide an e-learning solution that fits their busy lifestyles. If you are thinking about going back to school to further your education, internet courses may be just what you're looking for.

Before enrolling in any online courses, it's a good idea to weigh the advantages against the disadvantages and then determine if going to school online is right for you. Online courses provide a number of advantages for adult students including:

Accelerated Learning modules that focus on core content. Rolling admissions that allow students to begin class throughout the year.
Attend classes at anytime. You can work full or part time, spend time with family and friends, and still be able to study at a time that is convenient and fits into your schedule.
Attend classes from anywhere. All you need is a computer and internet access.
Work at your own pace. If you need extra time to absorb the course content, you can read and re-read the material until you "get it."
Equal learning environment for students, regardless of age, physical appearance, personality, health, gender, social standing or economic status.
More time to make a response to the instructor's lectures and questions. No need to feel pressured or out-matched by more talkative students-online everyone has a chance to be heard-even the most shy student who might never speak out in a traditional classroom.
Reduced expense. While the actual class, textbooks, and other material may cost as much as in a traditional classroom, there may be a significant reduction of expenses in other areas such as travel expense, housing costs, child-care, and loss of earnings.
Improved communication with classmates and instructors through instant messaging, email, chat rooms, newsgroup threaded discussions, phone or fax.
Accredited courses. Many online courses are accredited by regional and/or national accrediting agencies. Improve technical knowledge of computers, software, and the internet. Working in virtual teams provide the student with valuable skills in the global economy.

Disadvantages include:
A feeling of isolation caused by lack of live contact with instructors and classmates.
Absence of a traditional classroom structure may cause students lacking self-discipline and good study habits to fall behind in class. Requires a good working knowledge of computer hardware and software, file management, and the internet. Technical issues.
Obsolete or malfunctioning computers, sluggish internet connections, or incompatible software may cause problems logging into class, and completing course assignments.
Requires high level of commitment and motivation.
Students have little opportunity to improve oral communication skills, due to course work being in an electronic format. Classes with lab or hands-on requirements may by unavailable online.

While online courses offer many advantages for the adult student there are clearly some disadvantages as well. However, for thousands of students worldwide, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. For these students, attending school online is an effective way to attain their educational goals and advance in their career. If you need to further your education, you might just discover that it's also the right choice for you!

By: Jesse Whitehead
Articledashboard.com

Plumbing Trade School

If you have a hankering to be wanted, then maybe plumbing is for you. It's one of those professions that most people can't imagine being without. And even if you think that plumbing isn't that important, one thing's for sure - when someone needs a plumber, they REALLY need a plumber! For most people, until the plumber arrives, they're left with what's likely to be a rather unpleasant problem to deal with. So if you want to feel appreciated for what you do, plumbing is a good choice.

One of the good things about plumbing as a career is the fact that it's not a job that's going to disappear overnight because of some new advance in technology. It's always going to be in demand. Most plumbers are entitled to belong to a labor union of some sort, which means that minimum wages and benefits are guaranteed, and you can be reasonably confident about what you can earn. With plumbers in short supply, it's quite possible that you can do much better than the minimums, and have reasonable job security as well.

So what do you need to do if you want to become a plumber? Well, the first step is to go to plumbing school. This usually takes 2 years, and you can attend either a community or a technical college. The usual qualification is an associate's degree in plumbing, and you may find that you have to gain this qualification in order to join the union.

At plumbing school you will be shown many different types of problems, and given instruction on how to deal with them. These include both residential and commercial property plumbing problems. Your course will start with classroom studies, together with other plumbing students, but over time you will generally end up spending time with a professional plumber as an apprentice, so that you can get some hands on experience. Often it's this real life training that will teach you the most.

If you want to train as a plumber, get in touch with your local college to see what courses they offer, or else spend some time online looking for plumbing trade schools. As a successful plumber you will always know you're wanted and appreciated!

If you want to find out more about plumbing trade schools, click over to Gordon's site at http://www.tradeschoolinfozone.com

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Distance Learning, Online Education, Electronic Education, Electronic Learning

Whatever you want to label "learning at home" and however you want to define the latest buzz words for non-traditional education, you can find a program and method that suits your needs. Right now over 1.2 million people in the U.S. participate in some form of distance learning, with a projected expansion to 2.3 million in just a few years.

In looking at this rapidly expanding and viable form of education and training, there are a few basic things you need to consider and some decisions you need to make in order to create the environment that will best suit your needs. You need to know the what, the why, the benefits and the how of the various forms of distance learning.

Distance learning (correspondence courses) started in Europe in the 1800’s and has evolved into a multifaceted term that serves many purposes. Some of the forms of distance learning are: correspondence courses, online education, internet based education, electronic education, e-education, electronic learning, and e-learning. How these terms differ will depend upon how the institution defines and labels the programs which they offer. To simplify the whole concept, let’s say that these terms represent ways of learning away from a "brick and mortar" facility. Some distance learning and/or online programs may or may not be connected to a university or college. There are many programs that are independent and are not affiliated with any institution.

Distance learning offers a variety of paths to personal goals which include: GED, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, graduate certificates, master degrees, doctoral degrees, non-credit training courses, and others. Whether a person is seeking a degree, keeping professional skills updated, or pursuing skills for an interest area or hobby, there is a program or offering that should work.

Why are so many people turning to distance learning? What are its advantages? On a personal level look at such pros as: maintaining privacy; provides convenience; enables a flexible schedule; allows for balancing job and family obligations; working at own pace, going slowly or accelerating learning; can be less expensive; great for homebound individuals; no unnecessary travel; no formal class attendance; and can "learn while you earn." These are a few of the many things that are causing quite a number of people to take an entirely different approach to attaining knowledge/skills and/or earning a degree.

Those who advocate against an alternative of distance learning, often site the lack of socialization which is a part of a traditional type of education. However, not everyone is looking for the classroom activities, college events/parties, and the interactions that are a part of a school campus. Many of the classroom activities such as discussion and support can be achieved online. The other things that an online education will reinforce are: reading - ebooks, up to date references, current research; listening - through audio lectures or clips; seeing- through graphic illustrations and demonstrations; doing - assignments, quizzes, exams, research papers; and speaking/communication - through email, chats, and electronic discussions. A distance learning program can be far more than just reading and writing.

What are the requirements for becoming a part of a distance learning program? Many programs require a minimum of a GED or taking an admissions test. Usually, the process for applying will include: an application; transcripts; test scores; an essay; and letters of recommendation. The less formal the program, the less formal the requirements. There is a wide range in answering this questions. However, what is necessary for an online program is the right computer equipment with the internet connection (high speed), word processing capability; email; and multimedia player. The program you choose will provide more specific details for recommendation about equipment and software.

In choosing a program there some questions to ask as you do your research and make your selection. Ask about the following: help/support is offered; qualifications of the instructors; number of years the institution has provided services; is it an accredited program; details about the curriculum; and multimedia elements of the program. By the way, accreditation is voluntary since there is no officially sanctioned entity in existence. However, most schools considered the six regional accrediting agencies listings to be legitimate agencies. Ask if it is regionally accredited.

The last thing you need to think about is your motivation and work ethic. If you are a good reader (good reading comprehension skills) who doesn’t procrastinate and can avoid distractions, you will be a good candidate for an alternative approach to education. In this age of global education and the need for current knowledge and skills, this is a fast delivery system that will bring all the technological advancement right into your living room instantaneously. It works for more than a million people, and it can work for you.

Visit our Resource Center on Distance Learning at: http://sbmag.org/distancelearning.html
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About the AuthorBarbara Snyder is a retired California Distinguished School Principal and Coordinator For Human Resources. She has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds elementary education, secondary, community college, and administrative credentials. She is currently the publisher of http://EducationResourcesNetwork.com, co-publisher of Strictly Business Magazine, http://www.sbmag.org.
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