Education beyond high school is important for many people, but the four-year college or university model isn't always for everyone. Luckily today's high school graduates have several options open to them. Students can learn high-demand skills and land well-paid jobs without ever setting foot on a university campus.

There are plenty of online resources for those looking to upgrade their skills. For example, the University of People is a tuition-free, accredited university that offers associate and bachelor degree programs in business administration, health science, computer science, and education.

While "tuition free,"they do charge administration fees:$100 US for undergraduate courses and $200 US for graduate courses. The total cost for a typical four-year bachelor's degree is $4,060 US.

Unlike traditional post-secondary institutions, fees are paid toward the end of the course so if a student loses interest in the subject they can drop out without cost.This easy/no-cost drop option is good and bad.

It's "good" in that students can test drive many different subjects, but "bad" as I think it makes quitting far too easy. I'd prefer it if students paida portion of the fees upfront as it would help motivate them to complete the course.

Other distance/online education sites worth considering are Coursera, EdX, Khan Academy, ITPRO.TV, Lynda.com and Udemy.

The costs vary with each some charge per course (in the $0 to $100 range), whereas others are based on a subscription model, with unlimited access to courses for $29 to $50 US per month.

These are just a few examples, not an exhaustive list.You should do your research and find a program that works best for your budget, learning style, and career progression.

While online courses are cheaper and allow for more flexibility, they aren't for everyone.Some students need the structure of a classroom and scheduled classes and may struggle with the discipline needed for self-study. Online courses also do not allow for the "college experience" students miss out on the connections and social benefits of being on campus.

At the end of the day, no matter where a person receives their education, it comes down to the skills and knowledge gained. If a student has marketable skills, they are far more likely to find a job.

Also keep in mind that newer industries, such as technology, are more open to hiring graduates with online certificates and degrees, than employers from traditional industries.

In my case, prior to enrolling in a college, university or trade school, I would like to see my children take their time to experience different things so they can see what excites them before choosing a career path.

When or if they choose to pursue post-secondary education, they should then approach it like a business decision by asking themselves: "What is the expected return of my chosen degree? Is it worth the time and debt that is often incurred,or would my time and money be better served doing something else?"

If my kids decide not to start their post-secondary education straight out of high school, I'm fine with them entering the job market and first getting some experience.

On-the-job training is often overlooked as a legitimate way to upgrade skills. Simple habits such as showing up early, having integrity in the workplace, and treating customers and co-workers with respect are in high demand for most employers.

For new high school graduates, I recommend trying different jobs to see what comes naturally, then, if it makes sense, they can go back to school.

Often working for a couple of years before going to college pays dividends.Mature students tend to have clearer career goals, can bring their work experience into the classroom, and if they saved properly, might not have to take on student debt.

Another option for many is to start their own business.If this is of interest, I recommend doing this whether you attend school or not.It's empowering and, in many cases, doesn't take much in the way of capital to get started.A good resource is the book, The $100 Startup. There is little risk if the business fails but so much to gain if it succeeds.

This column is part of CBC's Opinion section. For more information about this section, please read ourFAQ.

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Why the 4-year college or university degree isn't for everyone - CBC.ca

Shares ofChina Online Education Group (COE) have seen the volume moving average (VMA) climb over the past seven sessions. The stock recently touched6.65, or a change of-0.55 from the most recent open.

The direction of stock market moves in the short-term are highly unpredictable. Many investors will be tempted to ride the wave whether the trend is buying or selling. Fearful investors may make hasty decisions such as panic buying or selling. Investors may feel compelled to buy stocks after a major run higher. This can be related to the fear or missing out. On the other end, investors may be quick to sell quality stocks when the market is in the midst of a broad sell-off. This behavior often translates into falling into the trap of buying high and selling low.

Looking at the current landscape of the equity market, investors may be doing some bargain hunting for stocks to add to the portfolio. Many sharp investors will welcome temporary market dips which may provide plenty of buying opportunities. Being prepared for these types of opportunities can help the investor make quick decisions in the midst of a downturn. As we move closer to the close of the year, investors will be closely watching the next round of company earnings reports. Even if the individual investor chooses to trade conservatively during earnings, they can still do the necessary research and have stocks lined up to purchase when the time is right.

A longer period VMA (aka Slow VMA a larger number for the period) is often used to highlight long-term surges in volume. Significant volume surges sometimes precede long-term trend reversals. A shorter-period VMA (aka Fast VMA a smaller number for the period) is often used to highlight short-term volume surges, which may precede short-term trend reversals. Watch out when selecting your period for your VMA to avoid setting your period too high or too low, as the volume will either be smoothed out too much or be too erratic for practical use.

Turning to technicals, shares of China Online Education Group (COE) have a 200-day moving average of 6.42. The 50-day is 5.85, and the 7-day is sitting at 6.19. Using a wider time frame to assess the moving average such as the 200-day, may help block out the noise and chaos that is often caused by daily price fluctuations. In some cases, MAs may be used as strong reference points for spotting support and resistance levels. Employing the use of the moving average for technical equity analysis is still highly popular among traders and investors. The moving average can be used as a reference point to assist with the discovery of buying and selling opportunities.

China Online Education Group (COE)s Williams Percent Range or 14 day Williams %R currently sits at -23.26. The Williams %R oscillates in a range from 0 to -100. A reading between 0 and -20 would point to an overbought situation. A reading from -80 to -100 would signal an oversold situation. The Williams %R was developed by Larry Williams. This is a momentum indicator that is the inverse of the Fast Stochastic Oscillator.

China Online Education Group (COE) currently has a 14-day Commodity Channel Index (CCI) of 117.2. Active investors may choose to use this technical indicator as a stock evaluation tool. Used as a coincident indicator, the CCI reading above +100 would reflect strong price action which may signal an uptrend. On the flip side, a reading below -100 may signal a downtrend reflecting weak price action. Using the CCI as a leading indicator, technical analysts may use a +100 reading as an overbought signal and a -100 reading as an oversold indicator, suggesting a trend reversal.

Currently, the 14-day ADX for China Online Education Group (COE) is sitting at 27.15. Generally speaking, an ADX value from 0-25 would indicate an absent or weak trend. A value of 25-50 would support a strong trend. A value of 50-75 would identify a very strong trend, and a value of 75-100 would lead to an extremely strong trend. ADX is used to gauge trend strength but not trend direction. Traders often add the Plus Directional Indicator (+DI) and Minus Directional Indicator (-DI) to identify the direction of a trend.

The RSI, or Relative Strength Index, is a widely used technical momentum indicator that compares price movement over time. The RSI was created by J. Welles Wilder who was striving to measure whether or not a stock was overbought or oversold. The RSI may be useful for spotting abnormal price activity and volatility. The RSI oscillates on a scale from 0 to 100. The normal reading of a stock will fall in the range of 30 to 70. A reading over 70 would indicate that the stock is overbought, and possibly overvalued. A reading under 30 may indicate that the stock is oversold, and possibly undervalued. After a recent check, the 14-day RSI is currently at 60.8, the 7-day stands at 64.94, and the 3-day is sitting at 57.99.

New traders may face many challenges when entering the stock market. One of the bigger challenges involves not repeating mistakes. As with any new endeavor, there will be a learning curve. Paying attention to historical trades can help the trader figure out where they might have gone astray. Repeating the same mistakes over and over again can lead to the demise of the traders confidence and hard earned money. Traders who are able to move forward and learn from previous errors may find themselves making much better decisions in the future.

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China Online Education Group (COE) Volume Trending Higher - Cedar Park Times

Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE) and Sunlands Online Education Group (NYSE:STG) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Grand Canyon Education and Sunlands Online Education Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Grand Canyon Education and Sunlands Online Education Group, as provided by MarketBeat.

Grand Canyon Education currently has a consensus target price of $140.00, indicating a potential upside of 27.01%. Given Grand Canyon Educations stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Grand Canyon Education is more favorable than Sunlands Online Education Group.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Grand Canyon Education and Sunlands Online Education Groups gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Grand Canyon Education has higher revenue and earnings than Sunlands Online Education Group. Sunlands Online Education Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Grand Canyon Education, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Volatility and Risk

Grand Canyon Education has a beta of 0.75, indicating that its share price is 25% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sunlands Online Education Group has a beta of 2.57, indicating that its share price is 157% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

97.2% of Grand Canyon Education shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 25.9% of Sunlands Online Education Group shares are held by institutional investors. 2.0% of Grand Canyon Education shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Grand Canyon Education beats Sunlands Online Education Group on 13 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

Grand Canyon Education Company Profile

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides education services in the United States. It offers technology and academic, counseling and support, and marketing and communication services, as well as back office services, such as financial aid processing, accounting, reporting, tax, human resources, and procurement services to the Grand Canyon University. The company, through its subsidiary Orbis Education Services, LLC, provides support services for healthcare education programs in 17 universities. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

Sunlands Online Education Group Company Profile

Sunlands Technology Group, through its subsidiaries, provides online education services in the People's Republic of China. The company offers various degree- and diploma-oriented post-secondary courses, including preparation courses for the self-taught higher education examination (STE) for learners pursuing associate diplomas or bachelor's degrees, as well as for the entrance examinations of master of business administration programs. Its STE courses cover 18 majors, including Chinese language and literature, law, pre-school education, project management, marketing, English, human resource management, business administration, business management, modern corporate governance, finance, financial management, advertising, accounting, energy management, administrative management, international trade, and computer information management. The company also provides professional certification preparation course offerings that cover various industries and professions, such as accounting, human resources, teaching, and finance. As of December 31, 2017, it had approximately 1,750 self-developed learning outcome trees covering 123,000 knowledge points. The company was formerly known as Sunlands Online Education Group. Sunlands Technology Group was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

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Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE) & Sunlands Online Education Group (NASDAQ:STG) Head-To-Head Survey - Tech Know Bits

Sunlands Online Education Group (NYSE:STG) and Tarena International (NASDAQ:TEDU) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership and valuation.

Profitability

This table compares Sunlands Online Education Group and Tarena Internationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Sunlands Online Education Group has a beta of 2.57, indicating that its stock price is 157% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Tarena International has a beta of 0.61, indicating that its stock price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Sunlands Online Education Group and Tarena International, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Tarena International has a consensus price target of $6.90, indicating a potential upside of 422.73%. Given Tarena Internationals higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Tarena International is more favorable than Sunlands Online Education Group.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

25.9% of Sunlands Online Education Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 25.1% of Tarena International shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Sunlands Online Education Group and Tarena Internationals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Tarena International has higher revenue and earnings than Sunlands Online Education Group. Sunlands Online Education Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Tarena International, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Sunlands Online Education Group beats Tarena International on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Sunlands Online Education Group

Sunlands Technology Group, through its subsidiaries, provides online education services in the People's Republic of China. The company offers various degree- and diploma-oriented post-secondary courses, including preparation courses for the self-taught higher education examination (STE) for learners pursuing associate diplomas or bachelor's degrees, as well as for the entrance examinations of master of business administration programs. Its STE courses cover 18 majors, including Chinese language and literature, law, pre-school education, project management, marketing, English, human resource management, business administration, business management, modern corporate governance, finance, financial management, advertising, accounting, energy management, administrative management, international trade, and computer information management. The company also provides professional certification preparation course offerings that cover various industries and professions, such as accounting, human resources, teaching, and finance. As of December 31, 2017, it had approximately 1,750 self-developed learning outcome trees covering 123,000 knowledge points. The company was formerly known as Sunlands Online Education Group. Sunlands Technology Group was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

About Tarena International

Tarena International, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides professional education services through full-time and part-time classes in the People's Republic of China. It offers education courses in 13 information technology (IT) subjects, such as Java, .NET, C++, software testing, embedded, PHP, Android, iOS, Linux and network engineering, Big Data, Web front-end development, VR/AR, and Python; and 3 non-IT subjects, including digital art, online sales and marketing, and accounting through live distance instruction, classroom-based tutoring, and online learning modules. The company also provides three kid education programs under the TongchengTongmei brand name. As of December 31, 2017, it had a network of 184 directly managed learning centers in 59 cities. Tarena International, Inc. was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

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Contrasting Tarena International (NASDAQ:TEDU) and Sunlands Online Education Group (NASDAQ:STG) - Slater Sentinel

Hughes Global Education is the pioneer in providing the Interactive Online Learning Platform for the working professionals to pursue an Online Executive Diploma/Certificate Programs. The programs are provided by the top notch B-schools viz; IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIFT New Delhi,XLRI Jamshedpur & INSOFE. The best faculties in the country take live lectures imparting knowledge that is exclusive with specializations across various streams like General Management, Sales & Marketing, Human Resource, Project Management, Finance, International Trade, Artificial Intelligence & Hadoop Data Management etc.

We offer both offline and online executive post graduatecertificate courses for all working professionals to maintain a pace in their career. Hughes brings the best career oriented management programs from the top B-Schools in India with the top class faculties and the latest technology to create an unbeatable combination in providing the very best results in the programmes.

A Hughes Education alumnus boasts of some very successful individuals who have outperformed their peers after successful completion of their executive management programs offered. We have been creating leaders in the corporate sector for over 12 years. Staying ahead of the pack is the game today. If you are in junior management, middle management or senior management there is a program that can make a difference in your career and life.

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Hughes Education: No. #1 Executive MBA in India

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.As talks continue in Daleville after the closure of two online charter schools, many parents are looking for different online options for their students.

There isnt a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to online learning. Its not a good fit for every family, but for the families thatit is,there are many options, especially in Indiana.

One of those options is Connections Academy, which has over 4,000 students enrolled right now. The students receive a strict curriculum, a teacher for each subject whos also online, and a learning coach whos typically someone they can talk to in-person.

Some people have misconceptions about what online students do in a day. Some think students sit around in their pajamas all day, only work when they have to, and are lazy. Students enrolled in Connections have different reasons for taking school online.

I got surrounded with a lot of bad people, and I wanted to get out of that, Abigail Taylor said. She is a 10th grader in Connections. She was enrolled in a traditional school, but she left to switch to online learning.

She says she just didnt feel safe at school.

I feel like Im in a much safer place with all that happened last year in 2018, said Abigail. I felt reallyuncomfortable going to a brick and mortar school thinking someone could go in there and just end it all, but here I feel safe because Im at the house.

Sophie Taylor has an autoimmune disease which requires her to go to multiple doctors appointments a week. If she were in a traditional school, shes be severely behind. But she says it isnt a walk in the park going to online school. Instead,she has to make sure she stays motivated.

I want to do all my schoolwork, and knowing that I can get all that done in just one day and getting it done as early as I possiblycan keeps me motivated, said Sophie. I know I can work ahead and get it done instead of having to sit in a classroom for eight hours a day. And so, just that standpoint of not having to be rushed all the time really motivates mejust knowing that I have my owntime to do it.

Abigail and four other students enrolled in Connections go to Sophies house every weekday morning to go to school. Sophies house is a classroomof sorts. They start their day around 8 or 9 and start their assignments for the day.

Alissa Pryor is a 6th grade science teacher with Connections. Shes taught many students, including Sophie. She says even though shes online, it doesnt mean she doesnt have a rapport with her students.

Its different from a classroom where you have 30 kids in a room and the craziness, chaos that ensues from that, said Pryor. Im reallyable to build connections with students that are individualized and personal and help them through their journey through school.

Students can reach their teachers in several wayswebmail, texting, calling, and they can even book a time to virtually meet with their teacher.

But the teacher isnt the only adult Connections students havethey also have in-person Learning Coaches.

Sophies mom, Stacy Taylor, is a learning coach. She says it has not only helped her family become closer, but it has helped her reallybecome involved in what her kids are learning in school.

I actuallysee what theyre learning so, you know when people say, Oh this wasnt in that book or theyve added this to the curriculum, I can look at the book and say, No, they havent or Yeah, its there, said Stacy. So, I at least feel I know what theyre doing. Theres a 7-year age gap between my kids. So, with where my boys are at and all the activities theyre in, they wouldnt really know Sophie very well if they had gone to a brick and mortar.

Learning Coach Jennifer Young said she had her own reasons for becoming a coach and enrolling her own kids into Connections.

My husband was going through cancer treatment, so for usI could be available to take him to appointments or my kids could when my son was old enough, he could drive but then not miss his school dayas well, and we have that family time, said Young. It prevented us from worrying about what he might need or when we might need to be available and it allowed us to be just have that family time.

Young says Connections gave her the time together her family needed.

That was reallyimportant when we found out something that drastic that we wanted to be together, said Young. We wanted to be able tospend as much time together as possible and be a part of our childrens lives.

But online learning isnt for everyone. Pryor says a good Learning Coach can make all the difference for a good online learning experience.

If theres not a parent or grandparent at home or aunt, uncle or some trusted adult at home to help that student, its probably not the right place for them, said Pryor. High school students can be prettyself-sufficient during the day, of course, with no parental help, but they still need a learning coach to guide them through everything, make sure theyre on task. So, definitely students that dont have that strong parental or learning coach support, dont succeedthey dont do well with us.

Even though theres a Learning Coach to helpout, they cant do all the work for the students. The students really learn skills to make them more independent; things like sending their teacher requests to meet when they dont understand something or when they need more help.

Its helping students learn time management skills but also learn a little bit of independence, especially at the middle school level, said Pryor. Thats what we talk about a lot in 6th grade is youre learning how to take charge of your own education and learning when to show up on time and be somewhere when you say youre going to be. A lot of that independence is fostered from being at home and being with your parents learning.

Some think thatenrolling in online learning means kids miss out on the social aspect of school, but for Connections students, thats not the case. Students go on field trips, prom, and they can even get involved in sports leagues just for online learning students.

Connections Academy is just one option for online learning in Indiana. There are many other options available for students.

If youd like to learn more about Connections, click here.

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Online learning options keep Indianapolis students on ...

Online learning has become an integral component of higher education, as is evident by the steady emergence and growth of online course offerings and online academic and professional degree programs. In most fields and disciplines, students can take advantage of a broad range of online learning opportunities, from individual online courses to fully online undergraduate, certificate, and graduate programs. However, choosing from among the many options for advancing ones academic and career goals through an online program can be a challenge.

OnlineEducation.com researches and classifies online programs, tracks technological and pedagogical innovations in online instruction, interviews experts in the field, and publishes comprehensive, up-to-date information on various types of online degrees and programs. The site is designed to provide students with a definitive and expansive guide to online learning, to function as a practical resource for those who may be considering online educational opportunities, and to reduce the challenges inherent in choosing from among the growing number and types of online programs.

Note: All programs listed on the site are offered by accredited, non-profit colleges and universities. Programs offered by schools that lack proper accreditation and programs offered by for-profit colleges and universities are not included. In addition, programs on the site must offer all or most of their instruction online. See below to learn more about online vs. hybrid programs.

Online education is not a new phenomenon. It has its roots in distance education and the emergence of digital technologies that facilitate the efficient and reliable delivery of lectures, virtual classroom sessions, and other instructional materials and activities via the Internet. Advances in online learning management systems (LMSs) and instructional platforms, combined with persistent demand for affordable, high-quality education that is accessible to students who cannot or would prefer not to relocate or commute to a college campus, have positioned online instruction as a thriving and viable alternative to traditional campus-based instruction.

As a result, online learning, online courses, and online degree programs are an increasingly common feature in the realm of higher education. Most large public and private universities now offer online courses and many have fully or partially online undergraduate and/or graduate programs. In addition, a growing number of smaller colleges and universities have incorporated online learning options and are developing online courses and degree programs to enhance existing academic programs and to extend their reach to non-traditional students.

Recent findings, including a 2017 Brookings Institution report on the state of online education, suggest that a third of all students in the US will take at least one online course while in college. Data collected by the US Department of Educations National Center for Education Statistics for its Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) indicates that enrollment in online courses and degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels has been increasing steadily since 2013, when the overall number of students engaged in some type of online learning was roughly 5.3 million. As of the most recent available data, that number had risen to over 6.7 million, an increase from roughly one quarter to almost one third of all students.

The table below further illustrates the growth of online learning and the steady increase in online course and degree program enrollment over a five-year period, from 2013-2017. While the total number of students enrolled in college and university programs has remained relatively stable at roughly 20.5 million, an analysis of IPEDS data indicates that the number of students enrolled in online courses and in fully online programs grew by more than 1.4 million, from nearly 26 percent to almost 33 percent of all students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

In practical terms, the data suggest that students currently enrolled in a college or university program and those who are considering a bachelors or graduate degree program are likely to have opportunities to take online courses, as well as options for pursuing a degree through a fully or partially online program. At the undergraduate level, for example, an analysis of the IPEDS data reveals that the proportion of undergraduates enrolled exclusively in online courses had reached 12.98 percent by 2017 (up from 10.19 percent in 2013). Over that same period of time, the percentage of students enrolled in at least one online course rose from 12.57 percent to over 27 percent or more than one in four students.

Similarly, professionals with a bachelors or a masters degree who are considering going back to school to add new skills, advance in their current field, and/or switch careers can typically do so from their home or office through online courses and degree programs in many if not most areas of study. As an indication of that trend, the number of graduate students who completed some or all of their courses online grew from just under 30 percent to 37.95 percent from 2013 to 2017. Within that data, the segment of graduate students who completed their degree exclusively online went from 22% to nearly 29% over that same period.

Career advice, academic guidance, and personal insights from leading women in business, engineering, science, technology, and other historically male-dominated fields, coupled with in-depth investigative reporting on workforce trends, academic training, and more. Read More

OnlineEducation.com aims to equip current and aspiring students with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about online degree programs. Appling to and potentially enrolling in an online or a campus-based undergraduate or graduate program involves making important and consequential decisions that can have short- and long-term implications financially, personally, and professionally. There are many factors to consider, some of which may be unique to online learning while others are not. Addressing these factors in order to simplify the decision-making process for those interested in pursing an online degree program is one of the primary goals of this site.

Among the relevant variables and differentiating factors that are important to consider when choosing an online program are issues related to instructional methods, enrollment options, and program structure. Understanding the importance of accreditation and state authorizations can also be helpful for reasons detailed in the sections below.

Online programs use digital platforms to stream lectures and deliver course materials via the Internet, which means that students must have the proper technology to engage in online learning and complete online coursework. Technology requirements vary by program, but a secure Internet connection and a functional laptop or desktop computer is generally adequate. Some programs may also utilize mobile apps, which can be advantageous for students who commute to work and like to study on the go.

However, students should be aware that there are two different modes of delivery of online courses: synchronous and asynchronous instruction. The instructional method determines whether or not students must be logged on to a programs LMS at specific times for lectures and other class activities. Synchronous instruction takes place in real-time, so programs and courses that utilize this mode of instruction have scheduled meeting times for classes. In contrast, asynchronous instruction does not have a real-time component and allows students to access pre-recorded lectures and presentations at their convenience, 24-7.

Synchronous instruction provides more structure as it more closely resembles traditional classroom instruction, but also provides less scheduling flexibility. In contrast, asynchronous instruction offers more scheduling flexibility, but requires more self-discipline and self-motivation to keep up with lectures and assignments. Students should choose a program that offers the type of instruction method they think will best fit their own personal learning style.

Online programs are generally designed to accommodate students who have work or other commitments outside of school. However, enrollment policies vary by program, which can be an important consideration when choosing an online program. For example, some programs have fixed full-time and/or part-time tracks and course sequences, which determine the number of courses students are expected to complete per term and the order in which all or most of those courses must be completed. Other programs have flexible enrollment policies, allowing students the freedom to select the number of courses they take per term within certain limits.

Full-time enrollment allows students to complete their degree in less time, but requires taking more courses per term. Part-time enrollment allows students to take fewer courses per term, but students take longer to earn their degree. Students should carefully review their personal and professional obligations to determine if they have the time to pursue a program full-time or if part-time would be a better option.

A consumer guide to online degree programs, featuring interviews with experts on the mechanics of online learning, detailed reporting about trends in online education, and insider advice for choosing an online degree program. Read More

The traditional academic calendar begins in the fall and encompasses two 15-week semesters (fall and spring) and, in some cases, a shorter summer session. Some online programs adhere to this schedule, offering courses two or three time per year and giving students the option of several annual start dates. There are also programs that operate on a quarterly system, offering four ten-week terms per year.

However, there a many online degree programs that utilize alternative academic calendars, offering courses five, six, or more times per year during shorter terms that last four, five, six, or eight weeks. These programs may have more start dates and they typically allow students to take just one or two courses per term without significantly extending the time it takes to earn a degree.

While the overall time to completion is typically the same for programs that use traditional versus alternative academic calendars, the student experience can be different. In a masters program that uses a traditional calendar, full-time students often take three courses over a 15-week semester, which means they must complete readings and assignments for three courses concurrently. Programs that use five-week terms compress 15-weeks of learning into five weeks, allowing students to focus on one course at a time while completing three courses sequentially in the span of a traditional 15-week semester.

While the overall completion time does not change, the number of hours a student should expect to devote to classes and coursework per week also does not change based on the format, as it is more dependent on full-time versus part-time enrollment. For example, students who are working full-time may prefer part-time enrollment where they take one or two courses per 15-week period, which can reduce the number of hours required for schoolwork per week. Whereas programs that use 5-week terms, where students take one course per term, do not really have full-time versus part-time enrollment options. Students should expect a full-time course load every term. For students who enroll full-time, the difference is probably not as significant.

Institutional accreditation, which is administered by seven regional boards, is a relevant consideration for any type of degree program. It serves as an assurance that the school offering the program meets or exceeds general standards for quality and integrity in the field of higher education.

Selecting an online program offered by a regionally accredited college or university is a reliable way to ensure that the school offering the program has undergone formal institutional assessment and has demonstrated that it possesses the resources deemed necessary to properly administer undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs. Institutional accreditation can also be helpful for students who need to transfer credits from one program to another, as schools are generally more likely to accept credits earned in programs offered by accredited institutions. Finally, the federal government and some state agencies may require schools to be accredited in order for students to receive certain types financial aid and loans.

In addition to institutional accreditation, some types of degree programs may receive programmatic accreditation. Programmatic accreditation is administered and granted by national organizations in fields such as business, counseling, nursing, psychology, and social work. Selecting an online program that has programmatic accreditation can be advantageous in several ways. In fields that require licensure, programmatic accreditation may serve to assure students that a programs curriculum provides adequate training for eventual licensure. It can also provide potential employers with assurance that graduates from that program are prepared for work in a particular field, and assure students that a program offers coursework and other types of training (clinical practicums, professional residencies, field education, and/or labs) designed to properly prepare graduates for a professional career in that field.

A series of state-by-state reports that provide an overview of accredited public and non-profit private colleges and universities offering online masters degree programs in many of the most common fields and areas of graduate study, including business, computer science, education, engineering, healthcare, nursing, and social work.

One of the inherent advantages of online learning is that it allows students who do not live near a college or university to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree without having to relocate or commute to classes. It also gives applicants a broader range of potential options to explore for earning a degree in a particular field, which can be particularly helpful in cases where there are no local school offering a particular type of degree program. Many but not all online degree programs accept qualified applicants regardless of where they reside, and some programs charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state online students.

Note: While many programs charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state online students, there are programs that charge higher rates for students who are not residents of the state. Tuition differentials for in-state and out-of-state online students are more commonly found at public universities than at private schools, although this is not always the case. Students interested in out-of-state programs should research tuition costs to make sure they have the most up-to-date information before applying.

However, colleges and universities offering online degree programs typically must receive formal authorization from a states board of education in order to enroll students who live in that state. In other words, a school must be authorized by the state in order to enroll students from that state.

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is attempting to address problems related to online programs receiving authorization in all 50 states and other US territories. However, some online programs may choose not to accept applicants from certain states for a number of reasons, including the complexities of the state authorization process. Certain types of online degree programs, particularly programs that require field placements, supervised internships, and clinical residencies, may also restrict admissions eligibility to students who reside in some but not all states.

Potential applicants to online programs offered by out-of-state schools should research state authorizations carefully prior to submitting applications. For programs that require on-site, in-person field placements, internships, and/or residencies it is also advisable to contact a program administrator regarding these requirements prior to applying. Finally, because licensure requirements in many professions vary by state, potential applicants to out-of-state online programs in fields that require state licensure should make sure that a programs curriculum provides adequate training for eventual licensure in their state.

There are many online degree programs that do not require students to attend any on-campus sessions. However, some programs incorporate a limited number of campus visits and/or other in-person instructional sessions. There are also hybrid programs that offer some courses online and others on campus or have courses that utilize a mix of online and on-campus instruction. While there are no universal standards for what constitutes an online program versus a hybrid program, programs that require students to take entire courses on campus for one or more terms are generally considered to be hybrid programs. OnlineEducation.com researches program formats and classifies programs accordingly; programs that require student attendance at more than two or three campus sessions per year are not currently listed on the site.

In-person orientations, workshops, labs, networking sessions, and other campus-based activities can enhance the online learning experience. They provide opportunities to meet face-to-face with instructors and classmates and may help students forge a connection with the college or university offering the program. Additionally, hands-on training may be necessary or preferable in some fields. By utilizing a limited number of campus visits or a hybrid format, schools can offer students the convenience and flexibility associated with online instruction, while providing complementary and/or necessary in-person instruction.

However, campus visits, which can last from two or three days to a week to ten days, require travel, which may be inconvenient and/or burdensome for some students. In addition, attending campus-based sessions and short-term residencies can add travel and lodging expenses to the cost of earning an online degree. Potential applicants should factor these additional costs into the overall expense of an online program prior to submitting an application.

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OnlineEducation.com - Research Accredited Online Degree ...

Welcome to HFC Online Learning

There are different types of online learning classes. Your class may be:

Note: all online classes follow the same semester calendar and procedures as on-campus classes.

Register for an online class: Use HFC Self-Service to register for an online classes. If this is your first online class please complete the online orientation module. This module will prepare you for your online class.

Check your class start date: You can not access your class until the first day of class. Your class start date is listed on your class schedule in the HFC portal.

Log in to HFC Online: Use your HFC username and password to log in to HFC Online.

Contact your instructor: If your class does not appear in HFC Online. Not all instructors use HFC Online.

Get additional help about logging in to your online class or obtaining further information.

Learn to become an effective online learner by completing a short orientation module.

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Online Learning | Henry Ford College

Online education is booming. We all know the now obvious benefits that are advertised at every institution that offers online education. It is convenient and cost effective. It can now usually be accessed at any time and place. Websites promoting or informing potential students about online education have told us of the comfort of learning at your own pace and location. However, here are 25 surprising facts that most people may not know about online education.

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Distance education is big! And is growing. In contrast to a still common notion, online higher learning is not limited to a certain type of student. Distance education is used by students of all walks of life in almost every field of study. Because of its rapid growth, universities and colleges now focus more upon distance education and placing resources in online education presentation and development. This means that distance education students get schooling and training that are tailored for the needs and traits of the online learning environment and community.

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There are many reasons to study online. Common reasons are convenience and accessibility, scheduling flexibility and accelerated courses. Theseallow students to move more quickly through their studies than they could in the more common brick and mortar institutions. Distance education gives students the chance to continue in their careers and personal duties while earning their degrees. On the other hand, there are other good, though not so clear, and even surprising reasons for learning online.

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A common error about distance education is that it is more geared towards and a better fit for students who arent able to attend traditional classes. This can be because of age and the changes in state of life, work responsibilities and other similar reasons that college would create. But, the most recent data shows that distance learning is highly diverse. There is a large number of students of all ages who are working in an online program or in online courses. Online learning appeals to students of all ages because it gives the convenience, pacing and flexibility theyre looking for. According to the most recent studies:

When this data is further boiled down, the picture shifts to show that although distance learning is not exclusive to the 24+ age brackets, older students tend to study in distance learning programs at a higher rate than younger students:

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Many reasons are offered for the percentages of male and female students enrolled in distance education. The most recent data shows that more women than men enroll in online course and/or degree programs. Among undergraduate students the ratio between women and men is more even. In online graduate studies the number of female over male students is greater. Without trying to provide the many reasons why this is the case, here are the facts:

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Online studies are very racially and/or ethnically diverse. The National Center for Education Statistics provides the following breakdown of percentages of students in terms of their ethnic background:

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On account of the freedom and flexibility online schooling offers, studies find that students enrolled in online courses and degree programs vary widely from part-time students seeking to complete a degree, to students looking to advance their careers through more training and education, to full-time students, seeking to earn an undergraduate or graduate degrees. Heres the mix:

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Online colleges offer many more programs in a wider range of fields than you might expect. Students just like you are putting to very good use these great learning options.If a person thought that online college learning offers only a very small number of courses that relate to only a few basic areas of study, he or she would be in for a surprise at the vast and growing number of online courses, certificate and degree options. Hundreds, if not thousands, of online colleges courses in dozens of fields are now are open to distance learners. From business to computer science to education, engineering, health and sciences, to technical and vocational training, distance education has the power fill most any educational need. Online undergraduate and graduate students divide into the following groups of study:

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This may seem counter intuitive. Surely, online education makes living the life of both student and employee much more manageable. Truth be told, the majority of online college students dont seem to have jobs outside of their studies. The level of students with outside jobs becomes much higher among online graduate students as compared with their undergraduate counterparts.

For those whose entire degree is online the degree of employment for both undergraduates and graduate students goes down. At the same time the gap between employed graduate students versus undergraduates grows larger.

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It is true that most of the people who receive an online education are out of their parents homes. But, it may come as a surprise that there is a large percentage of undergraduates taking online courses and earning online degrees under their parents or guardians roofs. Independent undergraduate students are very attracted to online education as well, and the largest groups of independent undergrads have dependents of their own. Online graduate studies are almost pursued independents. The largest group that the option for online education assists is that of unmarried independent students who have their own dependents. The dependency status for distance education students reveals some surprising facts about the kinds of students online education is most serving.

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What online institutions attract the most students? Online education has created a space for both the establishment and rapid growth of private, for-profit distance education schools and degree programs. Public and private, non-profit online options are very popular in their own right. It may be a surprise to some that for-profit distance education programs receive the highest number of both undergraduate and graduate students. In undergraduate distance learning, for-profit online schools, according to the latest statistics, has a healthy lead over public and private non-profit avenues of distance education. In graduate studies the gap between for-profit and public or private non-profit school significantly increases.

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For some jobs, whether or not a degree is earned through a private, for-profit online school or a non-profit online school is a key factor for judging who is the most likely best hire.Its important to know how likely employers in your field of study and future work view this question. Some jobs tend to favor online degrees and training from non-profit schools over the same degrees from for-profit schools. Before you enroll in courses or a degree program, do some looking around among possible future employers to see if they have a preference one way or the other. This could mean the difference between getting a return call on your job application or not!

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Undergraduate students with disabilities are more likely to enroll in distance education.The most recent information on this topic is from the 2007-8 academic year. What this data reveals is that students with disabilities lasting 6 or more months such as impaired mobility, sensory disability as well as disabilities in learning, remembering and fulfilling other educational needs enroll in some form of distance learning at a higher rate than do students who do not report any disabilities. Sensory disability refers to conditions such blindness and deafness. Disability in learning can be caused by psychological, emotional or learning impairments that can affect a students ability to be successful in traditional college settings.

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This may come as a surprise to many, but the U.S. Department of Education reports that students completing online courses perform slightly better then their traditionally educated counterparts. A recent study conducted by the Department of Education found that, on average, students in online learning conditions performed modestly better than those receiving face-to-face instruction. Other studies argue that online students are more likely to drop out of courses than traditional students. However, if you have the motivation and discipline for online learning, youll be in the company of high achieving distance learners!

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Although online schooling may seem to remove any reason for choosing to study through a school in ones home state, more students choose to study online through schools in their home states. In 2014 there were a total 2.66 million students enrolled in online college courses and/or programs:

The majority of in-state online students pursue their studies through public, non-profit institutions. Federal and local financial aid and scholarships are likely a strong influence for these students.

When one looks at private distance learning options the proportion between in and out-of-state institutions is reversed. Private for-profit schools are the schools of choice for students who look beyond their home state for a distance education. Of the 1.12 million students taking classes online classes through out-of-state programs:

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Through advances in technology and communications, a college education through distance education is a global possibility. The advent of online education makes it possible for students who are outside the USA to receive advanced training and earn college degrees without having to leave their native countries. Online education is booming in poorer countries, which promises to raise the economic and social conditions in these countries.

The 2016Distance Education: Statewide, Institutional, and International Applications provides massive documentation on the rapid growth of international participation in US-based as well as non-American online colleges and universities by international students throughout the world.

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Distance education is defined by the National Center for Education Statistics as: any online class or degree program conducted entirely online [source]. Many online schools and degree programs participate in the Federal Financial Aid program, and are thereby able to offer distance learning students access to federal loans and grants just like on-site colleges and universities. If you are looking to receive financial aid be sure to check your schools financial aid page to determine if your school participates. This website has more information on financial aid.

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A common assumption is that online education costs are less than their traditional brick-and-mortar counterparts. This is often true. However, the savvy student will want to make sure his or her distance education choice is actually the best deal. Its important to look around a bit and compare costs. Often one will find that schools will have different tuition amounts for in-state and out-of-state online students. Also, online courses will have per course fees that bump the online costs above the on-site costs for the same courses. Its always good to double check when it comes to cost.

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Even with its rapid growth, development and expansion as well as the new opportunities it creates for students to receive college instruction, many college and university professors remain wary and unconvinced about distance education.U.S. News & World Report notes that, according to a recent surveys, Only 30.2 percent of officials surveyed said their faculty members accept the value and legitimacy of online education. The same article makes the point that online education at the college level continues to grow, and A lack of faculty support is [an] obstacle schools must overcome. The take away from this is that the distance education student should make sure to be aware that not every professor in online education will believe in distance education as much as the student does. And, students should gravitate towards enthusiastic professors and institutions that give their full backing to their distance education programs.

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However, watch out for common pitfalls in making online college choices. To make your hard-earned online degree or training most attractive be sure to check into the following key areas and be sure to be able to explain your reasons for making the choice to study online. Employers really do look at these issues and questions about your own personal motivations do arise in the course of job interviews.

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Student support services are important!Some might think of the online learner as a kind of academic Lone Ranger. Dont make this mistake. Distance education has its own learning curve and requires students to acclimatize to the distance education environment. There will be technical and technological factors that will need to be in order as well as time scheduling and course participation techniques that will need to be quickly mastered if the online student is to thrive and be successful. When considering which college or program to enroll in, always be sure to inquire into that schools online support philosophy and level of commitment. High quality distance education will normally have a staff of trained specialists in online student support that can address any number of student questions from the best technologies and applications to how to more easily get in touch with instructors and classmates. Good online instructors will often have in their course materials a resource guide on how to be successful online students as well.

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This fact may not be all that surprising or earth-shaking to many readers. However, as weve already hinted at earlier, there are common misconceptions about online education. Online programs and courses are not one size fits all. Its important not only to find a good online school, its just as important to enroll in the right classes. Options abound in online education, so theres no reason to rush into programs and classes that dont fit your needs and aspirations. Give yourself time to do the needed research and explore your options, so that youll land in the best programs and coursesfor YOU! The following are some key areas to explore when considering distance learning. Normally admissions counselors should be able to address many of the following areas:

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New technologies, more students in college and growing demand for online instruction are coming together in a way that suggests that the future of higher education is digital and distance. What began as small, often for-profit, ventures in online learning now sees big name schools in the act. According to one recent study, the massive developments and movement towards a more digital educational experience has met with approval from college students. Experts predict that as the number of those studying in college continues to grow and diversify the student population, well see greater numbers enrolled in distance learning. There is a also potential darker side to online education as well. As demand increases and technology develops, companies will want to get a piece of the action by promoting their goods and services. This is part of the inevitable mix of money and education. However, the best schools and programs will not forget that their first priority is providing the best possible online education for their students.

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Distance education is delivered in a number of ways, and the virtual classroom experience can vary widely, depending upon institutional and program standards as well as each professors approach to online teaching and student interaction. In looking at various online options its helpful to have an idea of the basic ways in which distance education courses are most commonly delivered. Knowing the mode of a program or courses delivery will help you make an informed decision about the kind of commitments and responsibilities that will be required:

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Most distance learners will not have constant or easy access to standard resources available to traditional students through their institutions. Online students will need to invest a bit more in technology and hardware if they want to flourish in online education. Some of the most common items that will greatly assist distance learners, beyond a good computer, are:

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It may surprise you to learn that many places offer online courses thatanyone can take. This universal access to online courses and programs is called open learning or open and distance learning (ODL). The name means just what it says. Any interested person, regardless of prior education, background or financial status can participate in the benefits of the course offered. In addition to distance education options with academic prerequisites and tuition costs, open learning options are available. Often these courses can be used for credit in degree programs as well. Take the time to explore ODL courses in addition to the more standard distance education models. You may just find what youre looking for.

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25 Surprising Or Little Known Facts About Online Education

Welcome to the Indiana Land Title Association's online education portal! ILTA is a certified provider of pre-licensing and continuing education (CE) through the Indiana Department of Insurance. One of ILTA's missions is to provide top-quality continuing education to land title professionals and others.

As a reminder, after the pre-licensing course is completed, a title insurance producer is required to renew his or her license every two years. To renew, you must have taken at least seven (7) credit hours of continuing education courses related to the business of title insurance. I.C. 27-1-15.7-2. The seven (7) credit hours must include at least one (1) hour of each of the following courses: (1) Ethics; (2) Title Insurance Underwriting; (3) Escrow Issues; and (4) Principals of RESPA. If you have any questions about the requirements, please contact the licensing division of theIndiana Department of Insurance.

Thank you for choosing an ILTA online course. Your use of these courses supports ILTA's mission. ILTA also provides networking events to its members in conjunction with live seminars.

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