Search Results matching tag 'online learning'

"Paying the Cost to Be the Boss"

JaynaB — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:38:00 GMT

In the hip hop industry, it is perceived that "a boss" is a highly reputable entity in "the hood", he is mostly identified by the one with the most bling, women, cars, and lots and lots of cash. "A boss" is a common term that most hip hop and rap singers use to describe their superiority and "class".

However, in the professional world, the boss can be sort of compared to the hip hop description. It's the person in charge, someone who has worked their way to the top, maybe received additional training, or schooling. One thing is for sure, their expertise and performance was a dominant factor.

From a professional perspective, most of us in online classes, desire to wiggle up to the corporate ladder or own our very own business, perhaps become a consultant of some sort. Whatever the reason is for enrollment, it's to be something better than we are now. As the saying goes, "you got to pay the costs to be the boss!". Not just financially, but through sacrifice in other areas family, personal time, and other obligations.

During my time here at Capella, not only am I racking up on federal government loans (that's literally, paying the costs, lol), but I'm sacrificing other things in my life to get my goals done. Especially during this quarter, Summer has been the most difficult out of all the quarters I've been here at Capella U. With a full load, a family to take care of, and work, it's been quite a few times I've wanted to give up or drop a class. However, I realized that I have to "pay the costs" to reach my goal.

No one wants to live with regrets, but with satisfaction. I try to have a simpler balance with school and everything, but I keep telling myself that is well worth it. And it is worth it, I know it will be. Maybe you are in a situation where you feel underappreciated, unbalanced, or overwhelmed, but you are on a upward spiral to a goal that nobody in your family circle will feel, but you.

Many online learners enroll into universities have dreams of better opportunity, to have better paying jobs, to broaden their expertise, and in most cases, to be "the boss". That could mean executives, project managers, CEOs, supervisors, and community workers. Most leaders have some sort of education, they rise to the occasion to let their employees or clients know, what they are about and how they make a job issue better. Their mastery speaks for them and their leadership skills are superb. As online learners, you are leaders already! Few people can't understand why online learning is favorable, but you know why! You have followed your heart and your dreams, and with a great support system, you were willing to sacrifice some things to make your dreams a reality.

Remember, "many will be called, but few are chosen"...hold that in your mind next time you want to give up. If your aspirations surround a leadership position of some sort, keep that vision dear to you. The costs may be high, but the rewards are great. Sacrifice now, and Live the Life later!

Happy Learning!

JaynaB

Acceleration & Haste are Not Cousins: For all Quarter System Learners

JaynaB — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:17:00 GMT

8 weeks....10 weeks, I can be done in 1 or 2 or even 3 years!!! Whew, fast isn't it? That's one plus that draws prospective online students, is the "quickness" of the degrees. "Get in and get out" may be your thinking. But during your academic journey, are you learning anything????

Online universities are becoming a new wave of learning. People from all sorts of backgrounds are getting into the trend. Those of us who are already online learners are either parents or guardians, suffer from some disability, military member, or have such crazy work schedules that don't allow you time to breathe. But the one concern prospectives have is, will employers accept my degree? Of course they will, if you show them that you can hang with anyone from Notre Dame University, Auburn University, or the small liberal university down the street, then you proved your point. You have the same knowledge and same expertise as anyone from anywhere from a brick and mortar.

But although it may seem pretty fast, it is up to you to embrace your learning. I remember in March 2008, right after I had my daughter, I took a human development course as my first course at Capella U. Now, my father always said "tell the truth and shame the devil." When I took that course, I literally read only the required material and I really didn't read, I mostly skimmed through and only read what was relevant to the discussion questions. Although, I ACED the class, I felt lacking for some reason. I didn't grasp a lot of learning concepts or the core definitions in that class. I saw my calendar and recognized that I had 2 1/2 weeks before my next quarter, so I picked my first course literature right back up and read through important concepts. Sort of like continuing education. But however, as I went through the motions of taking classes, my professors started to demand more and more. The instructors would ask additional questions and challenge you to go the extra mile. [Whle instructors were picking our brains and encouraging critical thinking, I started to really get my back straight. I got it together!

So I vowed to do these 3 things and you should too, quarter learners:

Start Reading before the Quarter starts: Vow to stay about a week ahead. No matter how many courses you have, be diligent in staying in front of your weekly units. If you want to write your initial posting early, save it in your Word program and then copy & paste it to your courseroom. Get all necessary resources and research materials ready to go. When you first access the courseroom, get your first assignment and discussions question early and start working on them.
Each discussion posting, add one more reference: Sometimes your instructor will not require an additional reference outside your textbook, but do it anyway. Add one more inch to your foot. This shows the instructor that you are serious about learning, that you are willing to go above and beyond to learn important concepts, and it adds to your exhibition of scholarship (I will touch on this word later).
Network with classmates and feed off their ideas: Capella is great about encouraging students to work together and network. It's great to see what your colleagues and classmates are thinking.
Read additional literature on your unit. Print off additional peer-reviewed articles and keep them in your archives. You'll may need them later!
Stick with a study schedule (yeah right JaynaB, how can I do that with five kids screaming or my job keeping me past normal hours?). Remember school is a commitment and as they say, no matter what, "school comes first". If you know that degree will open doors and provide better opportunity, key it in your blackberry or pencil it in you calendar. You chose to commit and you must commit. This is your step to greatness.

It is important to display scholarship during your online academic development. Most online universities, Capella University for one, is regionally accredited and has the same accreditations as the local universities here in Memphis. The difference is that I can go to school in my pajamas, but I will not sit here and rush through just because my learning is accelerated. Scholarship in any academic setting is important to show employers, directors, clients, and even aspiring online learners (because they are watching us!!), that you are an expert and that you know the academic knowledge to conquer a problem or issue.

8 weeks or 10 weeks may seem like a favorable situation to get your degree in a great amount of time. But merit is everything. Grasp the knowledge of each class. Acceleration is not the cousin of Haste, it may be the stepcousin, but by no means "by blood". Remember to do your best, be the best, and reach for the best. And most of all, be blessed! See you at the top!

Happy Learning,

JaynaB

"Full Load Syndrome" Meltdown: Help me please!

JaynaB — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:22:00 GMT

My father always told me that procrastination is the thief of time. We prolong and prolong only to get overwhelmed by pressure to turn in things. Then it’s unsurprising when we know it’s not our best work. Procrastination steals the time that you could have used to complete class related tasks.

It’s the 3^rd week of school and honey, I’m feeling the flames under my feet! I am burned out…or almost to that point. I have to literally feel like studying now. When the summer quarter started, I was on top of everything and ahead of the game, up until this week. My momentum has literally pulled the reins of motivation. I look at my books and I’m like okay, when I finish doing this or going there I’m going to get to it. But getting to it is the hard part! Online learning is such a self-disciplinary feat. You definitely have to possess a self-motivation to carry out action. Posting discussions, preparing assignments, and staying on top of your readings, especially with a full load can really overwhelm you. I have 3 classes this quarter and I’m definitely biting off more than I can chew at this point. But with a full mouth, and my hands out for more, I see my graduation in bird eye view.

Being a mother and a worker is surely hard work in itself. All the parents who are online learners certainly understand what I am talking about. You feel like a juggler in a circus and everybody is watching to see if you are going to drop one ball. Children, work, community service, studying, research, personal time (if you actually pencil that in your schedule), and other obligations, make you want to drop a couple of balls, just to ease up the burden. My classes actually gave me a headache, I want to do this, I CAN do this, and I WILL do this….right? Sure I can, if I can stop Facebooking, Twittering, and horse-footing around during my downtime. My schedule is demanding and quite overwhelming, so I have to make some sacrifices.

I’m taking a Survey of Research Methodology, Life Planning & Career Development, and Foundations of Addictive & Compulsive Behaviors class. I thought that this quarter was going to balance out the most difficult and less difficult classes. HA! Guess I’ve been “punked”, Ashton Kutcher where are you?? [:'(]Nevertheless, I thought that my career development class would give a little break, but oh no… That class probably is the most challenging out of the three! Now, to all Capella learners who are debating about this class, it may just be my professor is not cutting any slack. Because he is by not by any means, easing up the load and dude is very critical in grading. But he is my professor who is pushing us to think critically and effectively as potential career counselors.

So the meltdown continues. I have to pick it up quickly, the quarter ends in September. I have to get with the program. Motivation?? Where are you? Determination, where are you hiding? Oh well, hopefully they show up at my doorstep in the next few hours, because I see my bed and I want to go to sleep. So, excuse me while I continue to look at the beautiful covers of my schoolbooks….aaaahhh.

BS in Web Development/Web Multimedia and Animation - Online College or Universities?

Shaunta37 — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:55:48 GMT

Hello, I am active duty military and get tuition assistance. I am trying to pursue an online degree in Web Multimedia and Animation or Website Development. In the near future I want to open a Website Designer Business to create websites mainly for christian organizations (churches, non-profit organizations, and outreach ministries) to help increase their ministries.

Does anybody have any advice as too which online college or online university is trustworthy and a good choice? Does anyone have any idea how do I get a Website Design License to be able to create websites legally?

I tried Kaplan Online University, but found a lot of recent crooked reports in www.ripoffreport.com. I saw over 20 different reports stating that Kaplan is ripping off people constantly. It is a good thing I did my research before I enrolled into the college.

Maybe you guys know some other colleges or universities that are honest and trustworthy. I want to make sure I use my Military Tuition Assistance wisely.

Thanks.

Re: Online MBA -- affordable schools with best reputation? Help, please!

jbocchiwebmba — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:45:15 GMT

I am the director of the Georgia WebMBA - an online MBA offered through five schools in the University System of Georgia. The schools and degree are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. We rank in the top 20 by GetEducated.com for affordability. Hope this post doesn't violate site policy.

That old feeling of being overwhelmed

Cajun — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:26:00 GMT

Today was kind of rough for me. I worked from home which was great but I just realized something about 5 minutes ago. I’ve been sitting in the same chair in the same place since 7AM with the exception of a 30 minute break for lunch, an hour break for dinner and an hour to run errands. I went from working almost 9 hours from the house right into doing my homework for the two courses at WNMU. To tell you the absolute truth, I’m tired, fatigued actually. I’m feeling that burnout feel I get usually right before I hit my stride. I don’t know why it happens like that but whenever I start a new degree program after a long break at first I’m excited, everything is new and cool. Then I start to feel overwhelmed and quickly like I’m burning out, then I just stick it out and the work becomes routine. Almost to the point that I don’t even realize how much actual work I do in a day until I quit doing it. When I graduated from Ashford it took a while to adjust to all the free time I suddenly had. Almost like post partum depression took place or something, I just felt like there was this huge hole in my day to day activities, like there was nothing driving me, nothing to do, no goals to look forward to, etc.

Well now I’m back in school and all I can think about is “why the heck am I doing this to myself?” I mean seriously, it hasn’t exactly been a barrel of laughs. The coursework itself is not hard, I mean let’s face it, I’m not exactly doing quantitative methods or anything here, but it there is an overwhelming amount of it. I guess these professors feel like I have nothing else going on in my life except for their course. I have something in the neighborhood now of 4 to 7 discussion questions PER CLASS plus quizzes and assignments. It’s ridiculous. It’s almost like if the material isn’t quantum physics or something they just want to bury you in paper. Or in this case me. Well at least I should be all wrapped up by Friday night. Come on Friday!!!

Yet another Reason to Love Distance Education

Cajun — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:42:00 GMT

Oklahoma and parts of Texas are either in or soon will be in a big 24 hour ice storm. In fact it’s predicted to be so bad this evening that my job cut everyone loose at 2:00PM. Another great thing is that today I am working remotely, as in not in the office, as in pretty much the same type of thing that I did while earning my degree. Still think distance education is bogus? (I’m talking to the skeptics, not you)

Anyhow I have to “attend” class tonight at Western New Mexico University, remember it’s 3 days attendance minimum required and just like work, I’ll be doing so from my dining room, watching the weather outside huff and puff and try and blow my house down. I know, you’d think that with all the online learning I’ve done the novelty would wear off but nope, it’s still cool.

What’s new however is working remotely, talk about real world application to something I’ve learned “in school”. My boss even asked me if I was comfortable “being productive” (code for not goofing off) at home, I replied that I was, after all I earned my grad degree online. I’m not taking anything for granted though, it takes time management and of course a huge deal of self discipline, I have to tune out all the distractions around the house and focus on the job just like school. Whether I’m sitting at my desk or not, I’m still considered very much at work. Call me old fashioned but I think you should work at home just like you would in the office, no slacking off. Of course the dress code is more casual… :)

So there’s another reason to love online learning. Think of it as part of your career training for when you work remotely.

Routines and Rhythms: The keys to your success

Cajun — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:50:00 GMT

I’ve said it before I’ll say it again, two things you need to be successful as an online student, especially one who is also professionally employed, is good scheduling and time management skills. The thing that I use to meet the rigors of academia is routine. That’s right, kind of like your grandparents, I have a certain time I get up everyday, a certain time I arrive at work, a certain time I finish and workout and lastly a certain time that I do school work. Without a routine there would be no possible way for me to get everything done that I do in a day, which quite honestly is more considerable than you may imagine. So if you want to be successful as an online student I suggest, in fact I strongly urge you to get used to the idea of conforming to a routine. Get acquainted with the fact that spontaneity, which has been referred to as the spice of life by some, will all but vanish. That’s right, if my schedule were an entrée it would be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Quick, efficient, gets the job done but is hardly anything to get excited about.

So for those of you wondering how to adopt a new routine to a smarter, thinner, sexier yet more boring version of yourself (remember there’s no spontaneity) follow these simple tips:

1.) Sit down and list all the things you have to do throughout the week, one day at a time and list them according to day.

2.) Next place a time next to each thing and move things around until it is reasonable. Note, you need to prioritize, do not reduce study time to increase T.V. time. T.V. is a privilege not a necessity.

3.) Wear a watch, know where you need to be and what you need to do and when. Live by time and schedule new responsibilities and tasks around your otherwise busy schedule.

4.) Adhere to your schedule. If you are supposed to be at work at 7:00AM then by God you be at work by 7:00AM. Being late in the morning can cause you to be late in the afternoon like a domino effect. “Tic-toc and you don’t stop” as Everlast would say. You know, Everlast. What? You don’t know Everlast? The rapper? No? House of Pain? The song Jump Around? Ringing any bells? Never mind.

5.) When it’s time to relax, relax. Don’t over commit and yes you need to schedule time to relax. Without doing so you cannot have routine.

After about 2 to 3 weeks of living like this it becomes 2nd nature and you will be amazed the amount of stuff you can fit in a day. Also, one last hint, if you didn’t schedule it the answer is by default “no” unless there is a compelling need to break routine, like a trip to the emergency room or to the Betty Ford Clinic for addiction to caffeine pills.

Just get into a routine, let that develop into a rhythm and watch the amount of success you can have in astonishingly quick amounts of time.

Combating the fear of starting a degree program

Cajun — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:58:00 GMT

No doubt about it, starting a degree program can be scary. We’re talking about committing to something that is very time consuming and that can cost more than a new car. The stress involved in researching and choosing a specific school and degree program is something that almost any working adult graduate student can relate to, especially those full time working adults who were forced to maintain a job, keep up with family obligations and be super student all at the same time. Earning a degree is no small thing and is not something that should be lightly considered.

If you are experiencing some fear and apprehension about finally deciding upon a degree program then you may be somewhat relieved to find out you’re not alone. Here are a few tips I used to help myself finally decide upon an MBA program and enroll.

1.) First I realized that fear and apprehension were normal emotions for what I was doing. Not necessarily an indicator that something was wrong with me or the program.

2.) I came to understand that the money I was looking at spending would be an investment and that eventually I would realize some form of return.

3.) I eventually understood that there was no perfect school or perfect program. I chose the one that was best for me, uniquely to me and not necessarily what would be best for anyone else. As such I took the advice of others with a grain of salt. I also began to understand that even though Ashford had flaws, they were by far head and shoulders above the others I considered at the time. Not perfect, just better. As such I didn’t weigh small flaws as deal breakers.

4.) I took some consolation in the fact that my school was properly accredited. This of course is indicative of quality of the education I would receive or at least is supposed to be.

5.) I liked the fact that I had someone I could talk to on the phone at the school should I hit a bump. Being able to make a phone call was a big help and helped me feel connected.

6.) I had a supportive family who believed in me and in what I was doing.

7.) I took a measure of security in the fact that my particular school was primarily campus based. It really shouldn’t make a difference but it did help put my mind at ease since Ashford University was a real, tangible place on a map and not just a banner on a website.

8.) I understood the gravity of my decision but decided that overanalyzing the situation would only halt my progress.

9.) I convinced myself that although failure was a possibility, for me it wouldn’t be from lack of effort.

History has taught me that almost all great achievements have come with at least some measure of apprehension. Good luck.

Any online programs offer a BS in Mechanical or Industriel Engineering?

gadude — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:12:48 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I am searching throughout the internet for couple weeks now, but have not been very successful yet to say the least. I am looking for an online program to obtain a BS in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering. I took like around 30 hours on a state community college in GA. I have lots of engineering experience, but would still like to earn a degree. I have moved to Germany to work in one of our plants, and most likely will stay here for two or three more years. Are there any good online programs which work for me being oversees? Is life experience really an option? How long would it take to obtain an AS/BS if I work really hard?

I would really appreciate if you guys can help me out a bit!

Thanks!!!