It used to be when we had a question, we would consult a book or a knowledgeable friend. That was before search engines and the internet. Now, if we’re looking to find out when the Magna Carta was signed, or the structure of an atom we consult with Google, Yahoo, or your favorite research database. Well, the good news is the internet isn’t making us dumber, it’s actually making us more intelligent!

According to a study by UCLA neuroscientist Gary Small being a web surfer “may actually engage a greater extent of neural circuitry.” This study is in comparison to a more traditional learning approach on paper. Online learners use virtual libraries, which are becoming more popular with brick and mortar schools, and various web platforms like podcasts and webcasts for their lectures and lessons. What’s interesting is a younger age group, early 20s to early 30s use keywords to search, and the older age groups will tend to scroll through search results instead of filtering the content for best results.

[5 Questions to Ask If You're Ready to Go Virtual]

You’re training your brain to rely on technology for an answer, but it’s your professor who keeps the classes challenging. To find an original response your best bet is to do your research in the academic libraries. The online format is more convenient in terms of accessibility, you can get to class even if you’re out of town, but you’re also your biggest motivator to get your assignments in on time.

For more on why your brain loves learning online, checkout this great post from TNW Insider.  

By: J. Mason

As a follow up to my recent article on the rumors that Apple was making a “big” education-related announcement in NYC on 1/19/12 (today), here’s some more information from the Washington Post on what they announced. In summary:

1. YES, Apply WILL revolutionize the textbook industry
2. There’s a new app that enables just about anyone to create a digital, interactive textbook
3. There’s another new app as part of iTunesU that will enable just about anyone to create an online course via an app

These are important milestones in the democratization of the textbook industry that will pave the way for independent publishers and amateurs to create some really compelling and specialized texts, and have a channel to distribute them that is similar to an ebook and app.

To support this new initiative, some major textbook publishers have already started making content available as an example, with many more texts planned – especially high volume texts that are used by millions of K-12 students around the country.

These textbooks aren’t just static texts. Rather, they include several interactive features including the ability to take notes, quizzes, make flash cards, and so much more. These textbooks leverage the uniqueness of apps and the digital space.

The courses are another great democratization of content delivery. You can package lectures, videos, books, and many other assets, including quizzes and syllabi into a course to be downloaded from iTunesU. Any time there are updates, you can push those just like in a regular app.

All-in-all, this is a wild new frontier for the education space that is surely going to present some challenges (quality) and some opportunities (new materials at a lower cost).

I can’t wait to try out some of these new courses and textbooks for myself!

Just like anything that means a lot to you, the pursuit of education can lead to a lot of heated (and dare I even say “emotional?”) situations. Whether you’re upset about a grade, a system time-out, funding, timing, deadlines… the sky is the limit.

Today’s tip is all about keeping a level head. When any of the above (or any other things) get you down, keep your cool and try to address the problem at its root. Come up with a list of points so you don’t forget anything and contact the person who you think can best help you address the issues you’re bringing to the table.  Realize that the person on the other end of the phone line (or other side of the desk) is there to help, so have a calm conversation; don’t let your frustration get the best of you!

You’ll find that if you approach situations like these with a level head, you’re more likely to get more out of them.  Go ahead, try it!

You can’t prepare for something when you don’t know what it is. If you have never experienced an online school before, now is your chance to become familiar with the online learning environment.

This is not your typical college fair. It is a real-time meet and greet with real students, staff, faculty and alumni from American Public University System, which includes American Military University and American Public University.

Who: American Public University System
What: Virtual College Fair
Where: Online
When: January 19, 2012
Time: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
How to register: Visit College Week Live for more details on attending.

What can you expect from this event?

• Live video and chat sessions with academics reps
• How to choose an academic program
• Overview of the admissions process
• Federal student aid information
• Military TA/Veteran Benefits
• Tuition Schedule
• A live step by step of the entire FAFSA process
• Special ask the faculty live session
• Exploring the classroom and e-campus
• Live presentation of student life in the online classroom
• Chat with Student Affairs, Career Services, and more University social groups

Reserve your spot today by registering for American Public University’s live virtual college fair.

Having ready access to the internet means you have a wide assortment of resources at your fingertips. If you have a smartphone or tablet then you’re probably always connected in some capacity. Where do you go when you’re not attending classes? An easy answer might be news sites, Facebook, shopping, or your favorite DIY blog.

What if I said you could access a bevy of super informative webcasts without paying anything, and they would take up as much time as a short lunch break? That’s exactly what we have as a resource, an�archive of webcasts from American Public University (APU) subject matter experts.

Here are some topics you can use for your programs:

• Revealing North Korea – our newest webcast recording; great for intelligence students
• Nurses for Change – ideal for students in Nursing programs
• A Nuclear Middle East – great for homeland security students
• Predators and the Constitution – a great topic for legal studies and criminal justice students
• Inside the Terrorist Mind – a great study for counter terrorism majors

Check out the APU webcast archive with over 30 topics for students to choose from.

With the recent passing of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, news reports have been swirling about the stability of the country. We caught up with Chief Correspondent for InHomelandSecurity.com, William Tucker, for his take on the death and the effect it is having. Four questions addressed in this podcast were:

1. How unstable is North Korea at this time following the death of Kim Jong-Il?
2. What can we expect with Kim Jong-Un as the successor?
3. How will the U.S. and North Korea interact now with a new ruler?
4. How significant is the death of Kim-Jong-Il?

Get the answers to these questions and more in the podcast, “The Death of Kim Jong-Il.”

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

For the adult online learner getting educated in the virtual space allows a more convenient and flexible schedule. It’s a choice that’s made based on one’s geographic location, as well as personal and professional obligations. So what would you think if high school students were required to take an online course?

The state of Idaho is attempting an aggressive approach to technology in the classroom by making this a requirement for students. They feel like students need to possess the technological skills necessary to be a successful online student. Here’s the full story on the requirement to get online to graduate. Do you think this should be required? Do you think it’s setting a good example to have blended learning? Share your thoughts with us below.

Sophia and Katherine of the TLC show D.C. Cupcakes

I’m a reality TV junkie. This is not something I’m proud to admit, but it’s true. I get sucked into the surreal “reality” in the shows. It’s hard to peel your eyes away when all you can think of is that you’re happy you don’t know someone like that. The more career related shows are great to watch as well, but I don’t use them as inspiration with my career…until today’s post of course.

USA Today College says it best in their article, “Don’t pick your major based TV shows.” They talk about shows that highlight the fashion industry, law field, and criminal justice sector. While some storylines in these shows serve to be inspiring, they should not be your baseline for entering these fields.

[Learn more about online degrees in your field of study.] 

If you’re already taken by the field of public safety, and you watch a series based on solving crimes, then that’s not so bad. But if you watch a cooking show and you couldn’t make spaghetti to save your life, then maybe it’s time to change your ideals. Education is a big commitment, both mentally and financially. Talk with someone like an admissions counselor on your career aspirations and how they relate to your education. Once enrolled your student advisor can help keep you on the right track.

[related: How to Choose a Major]

These career oriented reality shows are fun to watch, but can be deceiving for what the job might actually entail. The only time you see someone really working, without these “quick fire challenge” is on shows like Undercover Boss where you get to see what the less glamorous jobs are doing day-to-day.

Make sure your learning is engaging, and challenging. Watch your reality shows for fun, and inspiration in a creative aspect; not in an educational capacity.

By: J. Mason