Cool news, readers!

American Public University (APU), part of American Public University System, and Northern Virginia Community College today announced a transfer credit agreement. NOVA is Virginia’s largest institution of higher education and one of America’s largest community colleges.

The announcement reflects APU’s continued commitment to provide a ready pathway for community college graduates to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree, according to APUS President and CEO Dr. Wallace E. Boston.

“We’re very pleased to partner with Northern Virginia Community College, which shares our mission to provide access to an affordable, quality, post-secondary education to students,” said Boston. “This agreement will enable NOVA graduates to continue their education online with APU while working in their chosen profession.”

NOVA graduates can apply their eligible associate degree credits in a block format toward junior status at APU for the completion of bachelor’s degrees in subject areas ranging from history, intelligence studies and management to marketing, security management and sports and health sciences, among many others.

You can read about the full agreement here.

The flood victims of Pakistan need help, but what can you do? According to the UN, 20 million people have been affected and 6 million are in urgent need of food aid — more than double the number of people affected by the 2004 tsunami and the Haiti earthquake combined. With some charitable support victims of this terrible natural disaster can begin to rebuild their lives.

American Public University System (APUS) staff are participating in a relief drive for food and supply kits. Join APUS in efforts to support the survivors of this unfortunate disaster in Pakistan.

Help the survivors today:

Imran Kahn Flood Relief

World Vision Online

World Food Program

UNICEF

Many students today are earning their college degrees online. But how do you get to know a professor you may never meet? Can you expect a personal interest in your success when you can’t express your concerns in person? And what about all those questions you want to ask?

“Students often find they actually have more one-on-one communication from their online teacher, compared to a traditional classroom setting,” says American Public University System vice president Phil McNair.

“You aren’t limited to talking with your professor only at class time,” says McNair. “With online learning, you have access to your professor throughout the week — and often on weekends, too.”

At American Public University and American Military University — which are part of APUS — professors are required to check into their classrooms at least every 48 hours. They see student e-mails more frequently — providing for a quick and personal response. This continual feedback is unlike what students in a traditional classroom experience. Online students aren’t limited to “seeing” their professor only during class.

Students too intimidated to ask questions in a traditional classroom can become newly empowered online. And they never have to worry about being “called on” in class when they don’t have a correct answer.

“In face-to-face situations, students may need to be quick on their feet,” says McNair. “They may be afraid to hold up their hand. With online, you can take time to research the right answer, and provide a thoughtful response.

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Thousands of students worldwide are using technologies and tools created or adapted for online college studies. Discussion boards, direct e-mail between students and professor, and web-enabled “student lounges” are important tools in learning online. Other tools include access to deep research through online libraries, and software developed for online learning, or created for just one school.

Today, progressive online schools like American Military University and American Public University — under the umbrella of American Public University System (APUS) — continue seeking new technologies and tools to further enhance student learning.

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