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.

Balance, it’s something that we often seek in many aspects of our lives; whether we seek it in family tasks, school work, or our jobs, we often find that we are striving to find some aspect of balance in our lives.  Balancing course registrations can be a difficult task to accomplish; however, I have included a few tips to consider in regards to balancing your course registrations.

[related: Tips for Online Learning Success]

Tip #1: Try not to pair two writing intensive courses together; this will likely cause you to devote more time to school work than other obligations.  Writing intensive courses are courses that have heavier writing than other courses; typically, a writing intensive course is defined as having a research paper and heavy research projects throughout the course in addition to regular course work (reading, discussion forums, replies to peers, etc.).

Tip #2: Unless you are seeking a career as a detective, try not to pair two analytical courses together.  Analytical courses have a focus on the logical and systematic approach to learning; analytical courses often have complex problems/situations that need to be addressed by a student which requires some investigative thinking on the student’s behalf.  

Tip #3: Consider the readings that you will have in the course from the text books and additional readings assigned by the instructor, additionally, you need to also consider the assignments each week that will be assigned including quizzes, research proposals, exams, and discussion board forums. 

I encourage you to try some of these combinations:

• Math and English
• History and Science
• Literature and Math
• Social Science and History

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you to divide your time in your courses each week.  Now that you know which courses to pair together, let’s look at how to break down your schedule when you attend an online university.  Typically, if you’ve ever attended an online university before, you’ve noticed that you have a decent amount of freedom in regards to submitting your assignments.  You mean, you can turn the assignment in on Sunday at 11:54 p.m.?  You sure can; however, you are encouraged to review your assignments on a weekly basis so that you’re not staying up until 11:59 p.m. each Sunday on your third cup of coffee attempting to submit all assignments for your different courses. 

If you have assignments that are due at the same time each week, you could possibly focus your attention on two courses during Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and the other two courses during Tuesdays and Thursdays (for a longer period of time since it’s only two days a week).  This aligns with the traditional college schedule; you can ensure that your work is done on certain nights of the week.  Weekends can be devoted to catching up on assignments or even reading ahead for the next week!  Another alternative would be to set deadlines for yourself.  While your instructor may not provide specific deadlines, setting deadlines for yourself will allow you to see a “due date” despite the fact that there is really no due date. 

All in all, balance is fundamental to doing well in an online environment.  While you may have more freedom in an online course, remember that you need to ensure that your courses are paired well so that you don’t burn out too quickly, and you want to ensure that you have a schedule in place for your assignments so that you can remain organized throughout the semester!  I wish you luck!

By Melanie Dougherty
Academic Success Advisor at American Public University

John Brown and the Raid that Sparked the Civil War

When: Monday, October 31
Time:  1 p.m. ET
Where: Your computer
How (do I attend?): Register today!

Plotted in secret, launched in the dark, John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry ruptured the union between North and South. Yet few Americans know the true story of the militant idealists who invaded Virginia before the Civil War. Now, Midnight Rising paints Brown’s uprising in vivid color, capturing a nation on the brink of explosive conflict.

In this riveting book, Tony Horwitz probes the troubled soul of Brown, the desperate passion of his followers, and the spirit of a sundered nation. The result is both a taut historical drama and a telling portrait of a fiery time that still resonates in our own. Join American Public University’s live webcast as Tony Horwitz, New York Times bestselling author of Confederates in the Attic, presents his view on the daring insurrection that put America on the path to the bloody Civil War.

[Passionate about the Civil War? Learn more about a Graduate Certificate in Civil War Studies]

Accompanying Tony will be Dennis E. Frye, the Chief Historian at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. A writer, lecturer, guide, and preservationist, Dennis is a prominent Civil War historian. Dennis has made numerous appearances on PBS, The History Channel, The Discovery Channel, and A&E as a guest historian, and he helped produce award-winning television features on the Battle of Antietam and abolitionist John Brown.



Here’s a quick history refresher. In 1906, Upton Sinclair wrote, “The Jungle,” which publicized unsanitary food processing conditions in the meatpacking industry leaving countless Americans dismayed and wondering, what’s in the sausage?

The novel sparked the Meat Inspection Act, regulations that paved the way to the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act. Now, we have detailed nutrition labels on all foods. We as consumers get to know the tidbits of every product right down to those long laboratory words like maltodextrin or hydrolyzed corn (and yet strangely we’re still wondering, what is that?).

As prospective college students, shouldn’t we also have the right to know exactly what we’re buying upfront?

Yes!

But before you decide to organize an Occupy Higher Education rally, relax, college food labels are already here, metaphorically speaking.

Although some institutions of higher learning like American Public University already lead the way in keeping tuition costs low and transparent, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) wanted to ensure ALL colleges (online or offline) clearly communicate key information so that applicants are choosing the best college for their individual needs.

Here’s how you can “read the label.” Let’s say you’re interested in an advanced degree designed for business professionals. At American Public University’s website, you can click on the degree and visit www.apus.edu/disclosure. You’ll see vital stats like tuition & fees, annual completion rates, and median loan debts in one simple snapshot.

The disclosure statement should always be prominent on every college’s degree program site. And in case you want independent verification, it’s always a good idea to visit the online College Affordability and Transparency Center, where you can compare key stats amongst various public and private colleges alike. You can even generate your own unique report.

With all this valuable information at your fingertips, it’s time to get a little educated before you get an education.

By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff

I listened in on a recent Webinar about online learning. What I found interesting was the shared belief amongst the experts that the line between online and traditional education was blurring. In fact, one expert stated that traditional universities are adopting the online learning model as a way to enhance the educational benefits it provides their students. In a way, online learning is a trendsetter for education in general. This got me thinking about online learning trends I’ve been noticing and why it’s becoming such a popular choice for adults and working professionals.

Try Before You Buy

People who don’t have the time or want to fully commit to a university, at first, are instead taking education for a “test drive.” With online learning, students can enroll for one course at a time—they’re not required to take a full-time block like many traditional colleges require. Students are using this opportunity to test out a class and see if online learning is the right fit. Since top online universities like American Public University are affordable and offer flexible tuition adjustment policies; students don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to take a course to see if online learning meets their needs.

Accelerated Learning

With high unemployment and a sputtering economy, people are looking for ways to gain a competitive edge in the workplace. They’re turning to education to fill development gaps and seeking degrees, which they can complete in months, not semesters. American Public University offers students the flexibility to take courses in 16 or even 8 weeks. This flexibility is perfect for those who don’t have time for a traditional semester.

Social Media

As more people gravitate to online learning, more are also connecting to a network of students and faculty through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and more. This connectivity is creating a stronger sense of community amongst peers who share the same academic interests and career goals.

Unique Learning Needs

I talked recently to Robert Garrison who earned his undergraduate degree from American Public University and also happens to have a physical disability. He said online learning is opening more-and-more doors for students who might have otherwise experienced obstacles in traditional learning environments. Robert mentioned that online learning balances the playing field because the discussion boards allow all students an equal forum for collaboration and asking questions. Oh, and by the way, he’s also going for his master’s.

Partnerships/Alliances

Many corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations are turning to online universities to help them develop their workforce. This in turn can help employers attract and retain top talent. Many organizations used to implement and manage their own learning management systems. Today, there’s a growing trend to instead partner with top online universities so employees can achieve their own professional development goals while adding value to the organization. It’s a win-win for everyone.

By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff

Congratulations, you’ve selected an online university and you’re ready to get a degree. Consider a degree your destination, because you’re about to embark on a fulfilling journey. First, you need to select your specific program—one that won’t get you lost along the way.

Let’s assume you’ve already narrowed your options down to your top three. Perhaps you might be thinking about an MBA program, but you’re undecided whether to focus on marketing, finance or a general concentration. Do yourself a favor and filter out the nice-to-have and focus on your must-have criteria. Now, put your research in motion—go to each program and look for key elements that include the program description, costs, prerequisites and more.

Description

 Universities that are committed to academic quality clearly define their programs. There’s nothing left to chance. More importantly, you should be left with the impression that what you’re reading is an accurate curriculum overview, not a pushy sales pitch.

Objectives

It’s important that you fully understand a program’s objectives and how the curriculum links to student outcomes. For example, if you’re interested in qualifying for teaching licensure, check out Master of Education: Teaching in Elementary Education. You will see the exact qualifications this degree supports. In fact, at American Public University, you will also see a program objectives section for every degree offered.

Details

Credits required—total tuition and fees—should be readily available. This information is comprehensive, so you’ll know what the costs are and the amount of credits needed. Quality universities are transparent. They display the details of all costs and have no hidden fees.

You should also see degree completion rates and the median loan debt for graduates. The completion rate shows you the time period that students generally complete a degree and how many are able successfully go the distance. You’ll also see job descriptions that are most often associated with the degree program. The descriptions are linked to O*NET, a Website sponsored by the U.S. Department and Labor which maps job tasks, skills, trends and other helpful information.

Consider all of these helpful elements to be your signposts. They’ll give you the confidence that you’re heading in the right direction.

By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff

With all of the course options available in post-secondary education nowadays, choosing a specific course can feel like a lesson in opportunity cost. It’s like when I go to my favorite restaurant with an extensive menu—all the choices! I end up being one of those guys. I change my order if someone else orders the same dish. Why? Because, like most people, I enjoy a diverse selection and I never want to narrow my choices. That’s assuming others are willing to share.

Recently, I was researching master degree programs online. The selection of courses is astounding. It reads like a big menu and for a second, it felt both empowering and slightly overwhelming. What to choose? I kept my options open, but as I delved into each course, I found that the courses I was more interested in had nothing to do with my career path. In short, I was daydreaming. I got lost in a world of possibilities of what was new to me and I had little interest in courses that seemed similar to what I do already. It reminded me of an old Seinfeld episode where Jerry was dating a masseuse. His friends raved about her, but every time he asked for a massage, she refused. Last thing she wanted to do after working all day was to do more of the same.

So, I decided I would assess my career experience and prior learning, then choose courses that filled-in any skills gaps. Rather than do more of the same, I would choose a portfolio of courses that would challenge me in areas that were not my strongest. This way, my courses would challenge me while also being a natural progression for both my career needs and my personal interests.

I also remembered that some of my favorite undergraduate courses were prerequisites, not courses I would have necessarily chosen based on their descriptions. When you’re deciding on courses, take a holistic approach. Look at your own experience, prior education and future career goals together. Then fill in the gaps. The great aspect about online education is that if you don’t like the direction your degree is taking you, you can always talk to an advisor and reevaluate. In the end, it’s all about priority one—you the student. And isn’t that the point with online education, that you can have your cake and eat it too?

By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff

If you’re looking for some guidance on your next steps for school, tweet us, or ask your question in our forums.

Being part of American Public University we do have access to a bevvy of great academic, and admissions advisors. Or if you’re looking for some quick tips from the student advising group from APU check out our section “Ask an Advisor.”

[Interested in learning more about the online format at American Public University? Email our admissions group at info@apus.edu for more information.]

Our blog is also full of tools and links useful for researching for class once you’ve made the decision to return to school.

Science fiction often becomes reality. It’s only a matter of time. So, imagine if there was an educational method in which you could plug a super computer into your brain and download any course you ever wanted. Voila, instant knowledge! Yes, that’s a premise in the blockbuster film franchise, The Matrix. But, it begs the question, if this type of education did exist, where would its roots begin? Certainly, the genesis could be traced to advanced computing technology and asynchronous learning. Okay, that’s a stretch, but while we’re dreaming about future learning concepts, luckily we can plug into online education available today.

Get Started
First, know the basics of online learning and determine if they fit your style. Asynchronous learning is education centered on the student’s schedule and learning needs. It stresses flexibility and peer-to-peer and instructor interaction entirely online. Internet, discussion boards, social media, Webinars, chats, blogs, and other networking systems are all valuable learning tools. This type of learning model does require students to have some knowledge of computing and Internet technology. However, students have the freedom to take classes anytime, anywhere.  

 Look before Jumping

There are many options when choosing an online university, but remember, this is your education, so look for high-quality and affordable options. A good way to determine quality is by looking at student or alumni testimonials. Accreditation is also an important indicator, so be sure to learn what accreditation means.

Compare Costs

Many universities tout affordable tuition, but also look for universities that are transparent (meaning no hidden fees) and that provide an undergraduate book grant for degree-seeking undergrads. This helps students save money by not having to purchase books or materials. Also, check out the school’s credit transfer policy. For an example, visit the American Public University System Transfer Credit Evaluation Center (TCE). The more credits transferred in means less overall cost in order to complete a degree.

Talk to the Experts

Okay, so you’re ready to learn more. Go to the university’s homepage. Often you can access prospective-student resources like a virtual tour, online chat, admissions contact information, Federal Student Aid, FAQs, and much more.

Complete the Process

When you’re comfortable and ready to move forward, you can complete your application, take a tour, begin your transfer credit evaluation, register, and start your classes. Click here to check out the helpful Undergraduate Admissions Checklist.  

One of the best advantages of online learning is flexibility. No longer are students tied to traditional semester schedules. They can enroll monthly and complete classes in as little as 8 weeks. It may not be an instant download that Sci-Fi movies are made of, but at least quality online education is a step in the right direction. Besides, Neo didn’t have to do a research paper to complete his first course—Jujitsu.
By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff

Online learning is worlds away from the more traditional brick-and-mortar type of education.  Part of being a successful online student is being open minded to (and embracing) the balance of work/school/life/family/etc.  It may take a little bit to master, but this balance is a very important part of the learning process.