The good thing about going to an online college is that there is no reason to be nervous because it is so different, yet similar and familiar to attending a traditional college class. The following are ten reasons you shouldn’t be nervous about going to an online college:
1. You get to go to school from the comfort of your home.
2. You don’t have to worry about talking to anyone new.
3. You don’t have to worry about public speaking, which is excellent for those with anxiety.
4. You can take your time and do your class work anytime of day.
5. You don’t even have to get dressed! You can be in your pajamas and go to school online. Online college allows you to be nice and comfortable and not have to worry about how you look.
6. You don’t have to worry about driving and traffic. You can save money going to an online college because of high gas prices.
7. You don’t have to worry about asking the teacher for help because you can do this through emails, which makes it easier to ask questions.
8. You shouldn’t be nervous about going to an online college because you are in control. You choose when and where to do school. Online college is made to focus on the student, so you are in control, given the tools for ultimate success of a higher degree of education.
9. You still get books and lecture notes to help you study and get a good grade on your class quizzes and tests, just like you would in a normal classroom.
10. You also still get to interact with fellow students, just in an online environment, which may make it easier to talk to someone new and make a new college buddy. They can help you with class assignments and with any troubles you may have in an online college.
Ten Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Nervous About Going To An Online College
Ten Obstacles In Going Back to College and How to Overcome Them
1. Going back to college will require certain financial resources. It is never easy to be able to find enough money to take this step and go back to school, but there are options that will aid this process. You should first contact the college’s financial aid office. The individuals there will be able to assist you with certain scholarship and grant resources. This is an important step that need not be looked over. You should take full advantage of any financial aid offered, and receive advice on student loans and other options available.
2. Going back to school requires a time commitment. When you decide to go back to school, you must realize that attending class and completing assignments is going to require a large amount of time. It is an investment that will benefit you in the long run, but you must be willing to sacrifice other activities in your schedule that can be eliminated.
3. The process will be stressful. Just know first thing that starting back to school is going to be stressful. With the work load and great demand placed on you, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed. It is important that you properly know how to deal with stress. Eating healthy and exercising regularly will help reduce stress.
4. Procrastination will be tempting. Transitioning back to school will be difficult in re-learning time management skills, but do not be discouraged. It is a part of the process, but always remember to avoid procrastination. It brings undue stress and will only make the assignment much less enjoyable.
5. Having a family definitely adds another dimension to being a student. If you find yourself married or with children and going back to school, this may be an incredibly difficult step. This will include some of the other challenges mentioned, including stress, time management, and added financial burden. The key here is to maintain a proper balance between school and family time. Set limits, and make yourself follow them.
6. The classmate variety may be slightly different upon your return to college. Depending on your age, this may look different in every case. You may find yourself in a class of varied ages, or you may find yourself feeling very old in comparison with your peers. This should not be of importance to you. It may impact how you choose to communicate and interact with them, but always remember that you are all participating in the same challenging coursework.
7. Your teachers may seem different upon your return to college. As in with the classmates, a teacher’s age will certainly range. You may find yourself being the same age as your teacher, or much older. This may complicate your approach in knowing how you interact with them, but again, remember they are your teacher. Regardless of age, you are the student and they will respect your hard work and dedication to learn.
8. Transportation to college may pose a challenge. Depending on your circumstance, you may find it difficult to find the needed transportation to school. Before you decide to return, look into your options. Try looking into local bus routes, or networking with other individuals who may also be traveling along your same path.
9. Choosing which college to attend is a significant decision. Look into the programs offered to ensure they offer the specific fields that you are interested in. Also compare the college values and tuition fees to assist you narrow your considerations.
10. Discouragement and setbacks are inevitable in your transition back to college. Brace yourself for these times, and move forward with your head held high.
Ten Financial Aid Resources for Mothers Wanting To Go Back To College
If you are a mother and you want to go back to college to finish a college degree or to start working toward a new career, there are financial aid programs designed to help you defray the costs associated with higher education. Here are ten resources that can help you go back to college:
1.) Subsidized Federal Student Loans: Subsidized student loans are available for students who attend an accredited college with at least half-time status. These loans are not required to be repaid until after graduation and the government pays the interest while the student is still enrolled.
2.) Unsubsidized Federal Student Loans: These student loans are available to all students who receive subsidized loans. The difference is that students will be required to pay interest only while they are enrolled. Larger payments will be required upon graduation
3.) Federal Perkins Loans: This is another type of student loan offered by the Federal government. It does not need to be repaid until after graduation and the interest rate is low. These loans require that students meet income requirements which indicate financial need.
4.) Federal Student Grants: The Federal government makes grant money available for students each year. The student must show financial need to qualify. This form of financial aid does not need to be repaid.
5.) State Grant Programs: Much like Federal grants, individual states offer grants to students who qualify financially for assistance with their educational costs.
6.) Scholarships: There are many programs and organizations which offer scholarships to mothers who are returning to college. They can help the student reduce their educational costs and help with living expenses while in school.
7.) Other Grant Programs: Depending on a mother’s financial situation there are grants available to help cover things like child care and transportation. Mothers who receive public assistance should ask about these programs.
8.) College-Based Grant Programs: Individual colleges and universities often have private grant funding available to help cut educational costs based on the student’s demonstrated financial need.
9.) Nursing Loans: Mothers who want to return to college to study the field of Nursing may be eligible for loans specially developed for Nursing students. Many times, once the student completes a work requirement the loan will be considered paid in full.
10.) Employer funded programs: Many employers have programs to help their employees complete higher education programs.
Tips on E-mailing Online Instructors and Teaching Assistants
Always Identify Yourself in the Subject Line
There is a good chance that your instructor or teaching assistant is handling several students from several classes each semester. Make sure that the subject line of your e-mail includes the name of the course as well as the call number. It is more important to have the course title in the subject than it is to include the actual subject topic of your e-mail. Most online instructors receive quite a few e-mails from students, so it is helpful if they can sort the e-mails into classes without having to actually open each e-mail first. Identifying the course title and number in the subject line will help make sure you receive a timely response.
Use Short, Concise Sentences
No matter what the topic of your e-mail is, you want to be sure that your point is understood by the instructor. Avoid flowery language and long run-on sentences. An e-mail should be straight to the point. Think of a school-related e-mail the way you would think of a business related e-mail. It does not need to be overly formal, but it does need to be short and clear. Whenever possible, use page numbers, author names, or web addresses to support the things you mention in your e-mail. These give the instructor a better frame of reference when he or she is composing a response.
Avoid Emoticons or Abbreviations
Since e-mail is a sort of short cut communication mode for most people, it can be tempting to include smiley faces or other emoticons to emphasize the emotions behind the sentences. Remember that not all online professors are fluent in the normal abbreviations that are used for text messages or social networking. Use correct grammar and spelling at all times when you e-mail your instructor. The e-mail should follow all of the rules that you would use if you were composing a short essay.
How to Use an Online Degree to Enhance Your Current Career
1. Learn the latest teachings
When you learn the most up to date information in your field, your value as an employee will automatically increase greatly.
2. Take courses that are a twist on your field
Find courses that have a different way of looking at your career field. Take these classes to gain a powerful, alternate perspective.
3. Show employers your dedication to the industry
Take advantage of the impression you’ll leave on employers by looking for a way to advance in your current career or to seek a promotion.
4. Gain an additional degree
Additional credentials or a separate degree are a great way to enhance your worth in your current career.
5. Study a new skill
Learning a new skill is the best way to enhance your current career and job position.
6. Network with your fellow classmates or instructors
By networking with fellow classmates, you’ll gain a powerful community of resources that can help your career.
7. Seek a degree that will make you eligible for a promotion or new position
Study your company’s job requirements, and determine what degree you’ll need for the position you want before attending school.
8. Study with some of the most respected instructors
Online classes may give you the opportunity to connect with some of the top professionals in your career field, so that you can learn practical, tangible lessons to apply to your career.
9. Use your learning in a way that is applicable to your company
Take some of your lessons to work with you, and find an improvement that you could make in the office. Take action right away.
10. Create additional opportunities for yourself
Your online degree may offer you a way to build additional income or opportunities, a great way to advance professionally.
Ten Excuses That Won't Work in an Online Course
1. “My printer stopped working.”
A classic excuse for many that is hard to dispute, this one simply doesn’t work in an online course when you submit all of your assignments digitally.
2. “My car broke down on the way to class.”
This one is popular because it can happen to anyone. However, when you’re working in an online course, you probably don’t need your car to commute downstairs to the computer.
3. “I don’t have internet access.”
Some students may get away with this excuse in a traditional classroom environment, but it would be pretty difficult to pull this one over on your online instructor.
4. “I lost the assignment.”
Assignment papers are easy to lose amidst your other schoolwork - but when the teacher is posting the assignments online? You could always download another.
5. “I got pulled over.”
Though getting pulled over on the way to class is hard to argue with, there are no patrol cars watching your internet speed.
6. “My paper blew away in the wind while I was walking to class.”
When your assignments are all saved and submitted online, there’s no need to worry about errant pages drifting away.
7. “I couldn’t find any resources.”
With the entire internet at your fingertips, it’s always possible to find a source.
8. “My alarm didn’t go off.”
Online classes are convenient because you can study whenever it’s best for you - but that means you can’t say you overslept and missed class.
9. “I got lost.”
The web is a big place, but there’s no getting lost on your way to class when you’re taking online courses.
10. “My dog ate it.”
And of course, the age-old favorite. This one simply doesn’t work in an online course.
Ten "Brain Foods" for Going Back to College
Going back to college can be a difficult task, even for the most dedicated students. In order to make your work load a bit easier to manage, try eating the following ‘brain foods’ before or during your study time. These foods have been proven to boost your mental functioning, allowing you to do your work more efficiently and at a better quality than ever before.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are full of phytonutrients such as anthocyanins, which have been clinically proven to strengthen the brain’s neurons.
2. Dark Chocolate
When eaten in small quantities, dark chocolate can actually improve your mental functioning. The antioxidants in cacao beans have been linked to cognitive enrichment.
3. Avocados
The unique cell structure found in the flesh of an avocado has been shown to reduce blood pressure in many people. When blood pressure is reduced, the brain is able to receive an adequate amount of the nutrients that it needs without stressing out your circulatory system.
4. Salmon
Your brain needs an ample amount of omega-3 fatty acids in order to create new brain cells and tissues. Many fish have large quantities of these fats; salmon is reputed to be the best source.
5. Almonds and Pecans
The nutrients found in various nuts (particularly almonds and pecans) have been shown to boost the functioning of your nervous system. This helps you to think clearly and rationally, even when under pressure.
6. Whole Grains
Whole grain bread, brown rice, corn, and more have all been linked to optimal brain functioning. It is believed that the combination of these grain’s fibers and minerals improve cognitive function.
7. Flax Seeds
Ground flax seeds have an enormous amount of ALA fats available to be digested by the body. These fats are crucial in the construction of new, healthy brain cells.
8. Whole Eggs
A nutrient called choline can be found in high quantities in the yolk of a chicken egg. Researches suspect that this nutrient plays a part in the proper functioning of your memory.
9. Grass-Fed Beef
Grass-fed beef possesses higher amounts of omega-6 fatty acids than their commercially raised counterparts. Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the formation of new brain tissues.
10. Greek Yogurt
The protein found in Greek yogurt has been linked to better comprehensive skills.
Ten Things Your Kids Can Do When They Ask If They Can "Help" You With Your Online Classes
1. Quiz you with flashcards
Writing your study materials on flashcards and having your kids quiz you is a great way to get them involved that will actually help you study at the same time.
2. Be your audience for a presentation
If you’ll be giving a presentation through video or audio, get your kids to sit down and pretend to be your audience while you practice.
3. Help you brainstorm ideas
Kids often can come up with creative, unfiltered ideas. Enlist your kids in your next brainstorming session and see what they come up with.
4. Listen to your paper and see if it makes sense
If your paper is well-written, even your kids should be able to understand what you’re talking about, or at least to pick up on jarring sentences. Read aloud to them and you’ll both catch mistakes as you go.
5. Make you dinner
Sometimes it may be a great help just for them to make you dinner while you work!
6. Show you a great trick for the computer
If your kid is a computer whiz, see if he or she knows any great computer tricks that could speed up your work.
7. Read a book in the room and keep you company while you work
When you need quiet working time but have kids who want to help, ask them to read quietly in the same room to “keep you company.”
8. Look up extra materials online
Give kids a research project and ask them to look up information online for you.
9. Read aloud to you while you do work around the house
Have them read your assignments out loud to you while you do housework.
10. Give you a break after a long study session
After a long study session, your kids can help you by participating in a play break!
Ten Ways Social Media Can Help You In Your Online Courses
1. Social media allows one to network with your classmates. Getting to know who you are going to class with is one thing that enhances your online experience. Since there are often different discussions required, it is beneficial for one to know with who you are exchanging information and opinions.
2. It allows you to access your teachers. Assuming your teacher is also a part of your social media network, this provides a great tool for getting to know more about your teacher.
3. The huge advantage of social media is that of convenience. Since social media is networking online, it is all done as you have time and are available. If you do not want to be involved with classmates, you are not required. But, it is a convenient option to have at your disposal.
4. Social media may allow you access to material you are seeking. If a course requires specialization in a certain area or field, you may choose to access someone that you find is familiar with the subject at hand. This is an immediate tool that can assist you.
5. You are able to make better use of your time via social media use. Instead of trying to access classmates or teachers via phone or e-mail, social media is an excellent way to communicate.
6. It allows you to be a part of discussions, other that those you are required to for your course assignments. These discussions can be beneficial to your overall understanding of the subject matter.
7. Social media allows different opinions to be expressed. Regarding various matters, it is important to have a forum in which to provide a place of open discussion. Various opinions may provide a new perspective that will be advantageous to you as an online student.
8. Social media creates a virtual community, since there is no physical one present. Unlike a typical classroom setting, online classes may seem informal and impersonal, but social media aids in the feeling of community.
9. You can find other individuals with common interests/knowledge you are seeking via employing social media. By doing a keyword search, you may find these individuals easy to access.
10. Social media allows groups to come together. Whether it be individuals joining for a discussion, a common cause, coursework, or other reason, social media provides the perfect outlet to make connections.
Ten Tips On Using Facebook to Network with Fellow Students from Your Online College
1. Create a group for the class
Making a page or group for the class is a great way to bring all of your classmates together for centralized communication.
2. Check out mutual friends you may have
See if you and your classmates share mutual friends, as you may know some of the same people in your industry.
3. See if you “like” any of the same pages
Finding out what common interests you share through pages you “like” is a great way to connect with your classmates on an individual level.
4. Befriend people who you’ve connected with and send a message
Communicate with the people you’ve already interacted with in the course via wall posts or messages to further the relationships.
5. Friend request the other students and introduce yourself
If there’s someone you haven’t met yet, send them a friend request and introduce yourself.
6. Update your status about things relating to the course
Use your status updates to stay in touch - let everyone know when you’re working on a paper or studying for that big test!
7. Share links to valuable material
When you come across material that’s relevant to your course, share it in a link on Facebook to help others.
8. See if there is anyone you can help
Look for people who mention needing help with their work in their statuses, and offer your assistance as a friendly gesture.
9. Use Places to check in when you’re out studying
If you’re at a coffee shop studying, use Facebook Places to check in and invite others to join you.
10. Stay in touch outside of the course
Facebook is a great way to stay in touch with people after the course is over and to also connect with your classmates on a different level.