Tuesday, July 10, 2007
3 Diploma Programs that Turn Test Scores and Life Experience into College Credit
Are you passed up for promotions because you don't have a degree, even though you know more than any college graduate in your field? If you have demonstrable knowledge and life experience, you can earn a diploma by enrolling in a nontraditional credit program. Three regionally accredited schools offer students the chance to bypass months or even years of study by demonstrating what they already know. Unlike diploma mills, these legitimate programs require that students prove what they know through rigorous testing and make up any remaining credits by enrolling in distance learning courses.
Here's how it works: You choose a major and send in your transcripts as well as a description of your life experience. The college evaluates your transcripts and helps you put together a plan to earn a college diploma.
You complete your diploma by taking exams, demonstrating your life experience knowledge, and completing additional coursework.
Nontraditional credit programs are a good choice for self-motivated adult learners who have many years of experience and strong test-taking skills. Generally, these programs should be avoided by recent high school graduates. Some very motivated learners have been able to earn a degree almost completely by taking tests in a very short period of time. However, most people cannot pass all of the required subject matter exams without dedicating a lot of time to independent study.
If earning nontraditional credit sounds like a fit for your life, consider one of these three regionally accredited programs:
Thomas Edison State College (off-site link)
Accredited by: The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
You can complete a college degree from Thomas Edison State College by:
Transferring credit earned at other colleges with regional accreditation
Transferring credit from workplace courses that have been approved by the American Council on Education
Transferring credit from military service schools that have been approved by the American Council on Education
Transferring credits earned for professional licenses and certificates
Taking Thomas Edison online courses
Taking Thomas Edison guided study courses (traditional correspondence courses with email support)
Passing TECP subject matter examinations
Demonstrating life experience through a prior learning assessment
Excelsior College (off-site link)
Accredited by: The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
You can complete a college degree from Excelsior College by:
Transferring credit earned at other colleges with regional accreditation
Transferring credit from workplace courses that have been approved by the
American Council on Education
Transferring credit from military service schools that have been approved by the American Council on Education
Transferring credits earned for professional licenses and certificates
Taking Excelsior online courses
Taking Excelsior instructor-led CD courses
Passing Excelsior College Exams
Passing CLEP or DANTES exams
Demonstrating life experience through a portfolio assessment
Charter Oak State College (off-site link)
Accredited by: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges
You can complete a college degree from Charter Oak State College by:
Transferring credit earned at other colleges with regional accreditation
Transferring credit from workplace courses that have been approved by the
American Council on Education
Transferring credit from military service schools that have been approved by the American Council on Education
Taking Charter Oak's online courses
Passing CLEP or DANTES exams
Demonstrating life experience through a portfolio assessment
Completing independent study "contract learning"
source: Distance Learning
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
What You Need to Know about Distance Learning Charter Schools
How are distance learning charter schools different from traditional public schools?
Charter schools generally have more freedom than traditional schools. They are often able to select their own type of instruction and may avoid many of the bureaucratic regulations that public schools must submit to. Consequently, a growing number of charter schools offer an online curriculum and give students the chance to work on their own.
How are distance learning charter schools different from distance learning private schools?
Distance learning charter schools are funded by the government, while distance learning private schools charge tuition.
Distance learning charter schools must meet several state and federal requirements, while private schools have more freedom to do as they please. Students enrolled in distance learning charter schools are provided with instruction and supplies free of charge. Some programs even provide students with a personal computer and an internet connection.
What type of curriculum do distance learning charter schools use?
The curriculum requirements vary from school to school. Some states have strict curriculum requirements that charter schools must adhere to. Others allow charter schools to select their own curriculum. Generally speaking, most distance learning charter schools offer the same types of courses as traditional schools in their state. Because students do not have access to physical facilities, classes such as gym, woodshop, and home economics may be limited.
Do distance learning students have to take tests?
Most states require that charter school students take state exams. Additionally, distance learning programs often use unit tests to measure students' progress. Some states do allow parents to sign a testing waiver form that exempts their child from mandated state testing.
Can a diploma from a distance learning charter school be used for college admission?
Yes – Most charter school diplomas are accepted in the same way that public school diplomas are accepted (particularly if the charter school is regionally accredited). In most cases, colleges and employers are unable to tell the difference.
Can adults finish their high school diploma through an online charter school?
Like traditional public schools, charter schools are aimed at educating minors. The cut-off age varies from state to state. Some states allow students to continue using public education until they are 21. Older adults interested in earning a high school diploma may want to consider enrolling in a private online high school program.
How do I find out more about distance learning charter schools in my area?
Most states now allow charter schools. To learn about legislation in your state and to locate online charter schools, see: How to Find a Distance Learning Charter School in Your Area.
source: http://distancelearn.about.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Is Distance Learning Right for You?
Before you enroll to take classes through an online school, check to make sure distance learning is really right for you. Earning a degree online can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. But, distance education is not for everyone. While some people thrive on the independence and freedom offered through such classes, others find themselves regretting their decision and wishing they had enrolled at a traditional school instead.
Successful and happy distance learners have a few characteristics in common. Compare yourself to the following list to determine whether or not online classes are a good fit for your personality and habits.
1. Successful distance learners do just as well, if not better, without people looking over their shoulders. While some people need teachers to keep them motivated and on-task, distance learners are able to motivate themselves.
They realize that they will never be face-to-face with the people who give them assignments and grade their work, but they don’t need others to encourage them. The most successful students are self-motivated and set their own goals.
2. Successful distance learners never (or at least rarely) procrastinate. You’ll rarely find them putting off assignments or waiting until the last moment to write their papers. These students enjoy the freedom of working at their own pace and appreciate the ability to complete their work in as much time as it takes them, instead of waiting for an entire class. However, they understand that putting off their work too often can end up adding months, if not years, to their studies.
3. Successful distance learners have good reading comprehension skills. While most people learn by listening to lectures and taking notes, the majority of distance learners are expected to master material through reading alone. Although some distance learning courses offer video recordings and audio clips, most programs require that students understand a large amount of information that is only available through written text. These students are able to comprehend texts at the college level without the direct guidance of a teacher.
4. Successful distance learners can resist constant distractions. Whether it’s the phone ringing off the hook, the kids screaming in the kitchen, or the allure of the tv, everyone faces distractions. Successful students know how to filter out the constant disturbances that threaten their progress. They feel comfortable turning down an invitation or letting the machine pick up the phone when they know there is work to be done.
5. Successful distance learners feel alright about missing the social elements of traditional schools. Sure, they realize that they’ll miss out on the homecoming game, the dances, and the student elections, but they’re convinced that the independence is absolutely worth it. Whether they’re mature adult learners who aren’t interested in the fraternity hype, or younger students who get their socialization from extracurricular activities elsewhere, they are comfortable with their current social situation. In place of classroom discussion, they explore the issues with their peers through email and message boards or discuss what they’re learning with spouses or coworkers.
If you have few of the qualities of these successful students, you may want to reconsider applying to an online school. Remember that online learning is not for everyone and, while it is an excellent choice for some, others will always struggle with learning independently. But, if, after comparing your personality and habits to those of successful distance education students, you’ve discovered that you have a lot in common, online classes may be the perfect option for you.
Monday, June 18, 2007
The 7 Mistakes Distance Learners Make
1. Choosing the wrong school. Selecting the right school is the most significant challenge distance learners face. “Diploma mill” schools charge unsuspecting students thousands of dollars for worthless degrees, whereas credentialed, trustworthy schools are able to give their students diplomas to be proud of. Before you enroll in an online school, make sure it has the appropriate regional accreditation and do some research to find out what type of programs, resources and support will be provided.
2.Procrastinating. This problem is magnified ten-fold when students have the leisure of completing classes at their own pace. Many students never finish their degree because they lack the self-discipline and motivation to sit down and get their work done on a daily basis. If you’re prone to putting off work, set some definite goals for yourself and stick to them. Many students have found it beneficial to create a deadline for receiving their degree and set smaller monthly, weekly, and daily goals that will allow them to reach that deadline.
3. Failing to connect with their peers and professors. One of the most rewarding experiences in education is learning through collaboration. Forming meaningful relationships with your peers and professors can allow you to learn more, stay motivated, and have an outlet to express your own understanding of subject matter. Don’t let yourself miss out on the benefits of these relationships just because your classrooms are online. Stay connected through message boards, chat rooms, email, and other virtual resources.
4. Paying too much. The sad truth is that school is pricy. You’re probably not going to get your education for free, but make sure that the future rewards will outweigh the cost of the debt you accumulate now. You don’t want to find yourself making a $30,000 teacher’s salary while paying back a $100,000 student loan. (unfortunately, this case is not all that uncommon). However, an MBA from a reputable school may be worth a significant student loan in the long run. Whatever you choose, make sure you only take loans for what is absolutely neccissary and try to save in other ways. Books and supplies can often be found at significantly lower prices (or even for free) if you know where to look and most computer and software companies offer huge discounts for currently enrolled students.
5. Scaring potential employers. More and more people are recognizing the validity of online education. However, be aware that it is not completely accepted by all people. Some potential employers may see warning signs if you announce that you earned your degree through the internet. A lot of people are still ignorant of the advances online education has made in recent years and fail to recognize the difference between legitimate degrees and “diploma mill” certificates. Even if you attended a reputable school, avoid calling attention to the fact that your studies were done online. It may not make a difference, but it may end up saving you a lot of hassle.
6. Not getting credit where credit is due. You don’t have to start from scratch when you begin learning online. If you have credit from previous schools, make sure to have transcripts sent to your online university and have the counselors check for course equivalency. Even if equivalencies are not granted automatically, you may be able to petition to receive credit. (Just make sure you do a good job of stating your case). A few schools will allow you to receive credit for life experience, based on testing or portfolio reviews. Check with your school’s counselors to see how you can get credit for what you already know.
7. Remaining ignorant of online resources. There’s a lot of online material available to help out students; make sure you know where you can get the help you need. Be aware of general resources such as virtual dictionaries, research help, and online books, as well as resources that relate to your specialized subject matter. Finding these sites from the start will save you money on books and help you find success in your studies.
source http://distancelearn.about.com
Sunday, June 10, 2007
High School Diploma or GED?
There’s more than one way to prove your knowledge. While many students spend years earning their high school diplomas, others take a battery of tests in a single day and move on to college with a GED. But, is a GED as good as an actual diploma? And do colleges and employers really care which one you choose? Take a look at the hard facts before deciding how to complete your high school education:
GED
Eligibility: Students who take the GED exams must not be enrolled in or graduated from high school, must be over the age of sixteen, and must meet other state requirements.
Requirements: The GED is awarded when a student passes a series of tests in five academic subjects. In order to pass each test, the student must score higher than 60% of the sample set of graduating seniors.
Generally, students need to spend a considerable amount of time studying for the exams.
Length of study: Students are not required to take traditional courses in order to earn their GED. The examinations take seven hours and five minutes cumulatively. Students may need to take preparation courses in order to get ready for the exams. However, this is not mandatory.
Reception at the office: The majority of employers hiring at entry-level positions will consider a GED score as comparable to an actual diploma. A small number of employers will consider the GED inferior to a diploma. If a student continues school and receives a college degree, his employer will probably not even consider how he completed his high school education.
Reception at the college: Most community colleges admit students who have received a GED. Individual universities have their own policies. Many will accept students with a GED. However, some colleges will not view it as equivalent to a diploma, particularly if they require specialized courses of study for admittance. In many instances, a traditional diploma will be viewed as superior.
High School Diploma
Eligibility: Laws vary from state to state, but most schools will permit students to work on completing their high school diploma at a traditional public school for 1-3 years after they turn eighteen. Special community schools and other programs often provide older students the opportunity to complete their work. School diplomas do not generally have minimum age requirements.
Requirements: In order to receive a diploma, students must complete coursework as dictated by their school district. Curriculum varies from district to district.
Length of study: Students generally take four years to complete their diploma.
Reception at the office: A high school diploma will allow students to operate in many entry-level positions. Generally, employees with diplomas will earn significantly more than those without. Students who wish to advance in a company may need to attend college for additional training.
Reception at the college: Most students admitted to colleges have earned a high school diploma. However, a diploma does not guarantee acceptance. Factors such as grade point average, coursework, and extracurricular activities will weigh into admissions decisions
Sunday, June 3, 2007
10 Myths About Online High Schools
Don’t believe everything you hear about online high schools. Dispel your misconceptions by finding out the truth behind the ten most common myths.
Myth #1 - Colleges won’t accept diplomas from online high schools.
Colleges around the country have accepted and will continue to accept high school diplomas from students who have done their work online. There is a catch, however: in order to be widely accepted a diploma must come from an online school that has accreditation from the proper regional board. As long as this is covered, colleges should accept diplomas from distance learning schools in the same manner they accept diplomas from traditional schools.
Myth #2 - Online high schools are for “troubled kids.”
Some online programs cater to students who haven’t been successful in traditional schools. But, there’s a host of other schools targeted towards different groups: gifted students, adult learners, students interested in a specific topic, and people from particular religious backgrounds.
Myth #3 - Online classes aren’t as challenging as traditional classes.
It’s true that some online classes aren’t as challenging as traditional high school classes. But, some traditional high school classes aren’t as challenging as other traditional high school classes. When looking for an online school, you’ll find a wide range of difficulty. The nice thing is that you can pick the school and class type that fits your knowledge and ability best.
Myth #4 - Online high schools are as expensive as private schools.
Some online high schools are pricy, but there are also many quality schools with low tuition rates. Even better, state-sponsored charter schools give online students the opportunity to learn for free. Some charter schools will even provide a home computer, internet access, specialized materials, and personal tutoring at no cost.
Myth #5 - Distance learning students don’t get enough socialization.
Just because a student isn’t socializing at school, it doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t have the opportunity to socialize outside of the classroom. Many distance learning students connect with friends in their neighborhoods, meet others through community organizations, and participate in outings with other online students. Online schools may also provide the opportunity to interact with students and teachers through message boards, email addresses, and live chat. Is the half hour lunch break at traditional high schools really enough time to socialize anyway?
Myth #6 - Online high school students do less work than traditional students.
Online students may finish their work faster than traditional students, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing less. Consider the interruptions in a traditional school day: breaks, transition periods, busy work, waiting for other students to catch up, teachers trying to quiet down the class. If there were some way to take out those interruptions and just let students focus on their work, they’d probably finish in about the same time it takes online learners to complete their assignments. Of course, this isn’t an absolute and the amount of work can vary between online schools. Some may offer a lighter load and others may challenge students with even more work than traditional schools.
Myth #7 - Students who earn credits online won’t be able to transfer them to traditional high schools.
As long as the online high school is accredited, the credits should be able to transfer to a traditional high school. Sometimes credits don’t transfer because the traditional high school has different graduation requirements than the online school. In this case, the credits don’t transfer because the traditional school has nowhere to record them, not because the online school isn’t being recognized. The same issue can be a problem when students try to transfer credits between two traditional high schools.
Myth #8 - Distance learning students don’t get enough physical activity when they take classes online.
Most online schools require that students complete a physical education requirement in order to graduate. Many distance learning students also participate in community sports teams and other athletic activities. Some traditional schools even make exceptions allowing local distance learning students to participate in school sports programs.
Myth #9 - Distance learning students can’t participate in extracurricular activities.
It’s true that most online students will miss out on prom. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have access to exciting, worthwhile activities. Some online schools organize social outings for students. With special permission, many traditional high schools will allow local students to participate in specific activities while continuing their studies elsewhere. Online students can also become involved in community clubs, classes, and volunteerism.
Myth #10 - Online high schools are just for teenagers.
Adults looking to get their high school diplomas are welcome to participate in many online high school programs. Distance learning schools are often convenient for adults who hold jobs and can only complete assignments during certain hours. Some schools even have programs created specifically for mature students.
source http://distancelearn.about.com
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Pros and Cons of Earning Your High School Diploma Online
Moving from a traditional school to an online school can be a big transition for any student, whether they are a teenager or a returning adult. Take a look at a few of the pros and cons of the option before making your decision.
Pros:
• You can work at your own pace, taking time when you need it and speeding through courses that are easy.
• You have greater flexibility in your schedule and can arrange your classes around work and other responsibilities.
• It’s easier to avoid the distractions (peers and parties) of regular school and focus on getting work done.
• Many students see it as a way to develop their own identity, apart from the social pressures of traditional schools.
• You won’t have to put up with the “bad influences” or bullies.
• You may be able to specialize in learning subjects that are interesting to you.
• Some students are able to earn their diploma early (a few even finish twice as fast as traditional students).
Cons:
• Most online programs don’t have the fun elements of traditional high schools such as prom, senior day, graduation, weird hair day, etc.
• Some subjects (such as writing and math) may be hard to master without a teacher present.
• Many people find it challenging to focus on completing work when there isn’t an actual teacher there to encourage them on a daily basis.
• Some students become isolated or anti-social.
• If your online school is not accredited, your transcripts probably won’t be accepted by businesses and universities.
• Unless you find an accredited charter school, you can expect to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars on tuition, curriculum, and computer equipment.
source http://distancelearn.about.com