It’s not true that professors like loading you up with busy work such as reading. They’re actually assigning you pages they find necessary to the subject they’re teaching. Perhaps you recently had to scour 70 pages to be caught up by the next discussion post, it’s likely that you hate your book right now, and the act of reading.

Don’t let the endless supply of pages and new information overwhelm you into a frustrated stupor, instead try these tips to avoid a reading rut:

• Read out loud: You can whisper to yourself if you’re in public. Hearing the text may help it click better, and it keeps different parts of your brain engaged during the process.
• Stop and reflect: If you’re at a point in the chapter that’s a bit more complex, then stop and sketch out what you’re reading. Drawing a scenario will help you to remember it better as well.
• Cut up the reading into smaller sections: Let’s say you have 6 chapters to read, chop it up by chapter, or by subject matter. That way you can prioritize the content.
• Discuss the material: You can do this with a family member, friend, or co-worker. Even though they may not know what you’re talking about up front, it will give you a chance to explain what you’re learning, in turn creating more interest to finish what you’ve started reading.
• Make it an event: If you are able to meet up with classmates, set up a virtual or live event to meet in real time and “read” together. You can read the same material and make notes, or read separate chapters and get together in the middle.

With online education reading is an essential part of the process. If reading was fun before you started school, then it should continue to be fun. Try these tips, or add a few of your own. Don’t let reading for class get tedious, develop an engaging system so you don’t slack off on your reading assignments for class.

By: J. Mason

If you’re currently enrolled in school right now, do your employers know about it? Usually this is something to share with your boss, or even brag about. Not only are you making yourself more marketable, but you could become more of an asset to your company.

[Get started on your education adventure with an online degree.]

Say you’re working towards a degree in your current job field, this can increase your industry knowledge and give you an edge with peers. On your lunch breaks feel free to share what you’re learning with co-workers, or even in small staff meetings. Be proud of the fact that you’re taking classes in order to better yourself.

[related: 5 Types of Emails Students Shouldn't Delete]

Friday, December 9, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET

Upon its founding, North Korea had a remarkably robust economy and one of the most powerful militaries in the region. Today, the country lies in ruins and its deified leader, Kim Jong-il, is dying. Poised to take his place is his youngest son, Kim Jong-Un. At 27 Jong-Un will take the reins of a devastated nation that is experiencing a famine, suffering from a widespread decline in population, and an economy that leaves much to be desired.

[Learn more about degrees in Intelligence Studies.]

In this webcast, In Homeland Security’s Chief Correspondent William Tucker will discuss North Korea’s political, military and intelligence dynamics along with the upcoming leadership transition in 2012. William will also touch on U.S. policy towards the country and the region as a whole.

William Tucker serves as a Counterintelligence Officer for a major government contractor. His additional duties include advising on counterterrorism issues and providing situation updates for those traveling abroad.

Register and reserve your spot today!

Online learning revolutionized the way in which education can reach people. It opens doors for underserved populations and creates opportunities for hardworking and brilliant people who previously could not fit a quality higher education into their busy lives. It prepares us to meet the demands of a knowledge-based economy and connects leading researchers, scholars, and visionaries with industries and future practitioners.

So, what other amazing things can online education accomplish? Maybe you know the answer.

If you have the next big idea in education, you might earn $25,000, and the help you need to put your idea in motion. Check out this recently announced competition and call for submissions:

American Public University System and University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education Announce $25,000 Prize for Innovation in Online Education

Share your idea. Change the world.

Charles Town, WV and Philadelphia, PA, Nov. X, 2011 — American Public University System (APUS) and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (PennGSE) proudly announce the 2012 American Public University System Prize for Innovation in Online Education. The newly-established APUS prize, which awards $25,000 to the individual or group business plan that best enhances distance learning in higher education, is part of the third annual 2012 Milken-PennGSE Education Business Plan Competition. 

The intent of the prize, sponsored by APUS and the Networking Education Entrepreneurs for Social Transformation (NEST), is to create new thought and structure within institutions and to support the growing demand for eLearning in higher education. All prospective entrants are encouraged to submit their concepts for consideration online at http://www.nestcentral.org/. Submissions, due by the close of business on December 12, 2011, will undergo a rigorous assessment and selection process culminating with the live competition and announcement of the winning business plans in Philadelphia on June 19, 2012.

 “Our collective goal is to catalyze innovations in learning propelled by educational entrepreneurs,” said PennGSE Vice Dean Doug Lynch. “We hope, if you have an idea to change the world, that you will enter the competition.”

“APUS and PennGSE share a keen commitment to academic quality and to advancing learning outcomes,” said APUS President & CEO Wallace E. Boston. “We’re proud to collaborate with them on this important initiative to help accomplish those dual goals.” Dr. Boston, a 2010 graduate of PennGSE, served as a judge for the 2011 competition.

About the Milken-PennGSE Education Business Plan Competition

Launched in 2010 as a partnership between PennGSE and the Milken Family Foundation, the competition will award more than $110,000 in total funding in 2012, through the following five prizes:  

• The Milken Family Foundation First Prize ($25,000) and Second Prize ($15,000).


• The American Public University System Prize for Innovation in Online Education ($25,000).


• The Startl Prize for Open Educational Resources ($25,000).


• The Educational Services of America Prize for Innovation in the fields of Special Education and At-Risk Students ($20,000).

About Contest Rules and Timeline

Entrants are required to submit an executive summary of their business plan online by the close of business on December 12, 2011. The summary can address a wide range of educational issues and submissions are welcome from both for-profit and nonprofit institutions. Applicants should submit content that first defines a problem and the opportunity it presents; the idea or solution; and how the idea or solution will be implemented.

Entrants can be individuals or groups and all submissions are automatically considered for the Milken Family Foundation First and Second Prizes. Contestants may also select to apply for the American Public University System Prize for Innovation in Online Learning, the Startl Prize for Open Educational Resources, or the Educational Services of America Prize for Innovation in the fields of Special Education and At-Risk Students. Each prize is awarded based on a unique area of focus in education. The competition process spans the following stages: 

• Executive summaries are due by December 12, 2011.


• Semi-finalists are announced by February 3, 2012.


• Full business plans are due by March 16, 2012.


• Finalists are announced by May 4, 2012.


• The live competition takes place in Philadelphia on June 19, 2012.

For official details about eligibility, application guidelines, and more, go to http://www.nestcentral.org/.

By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff