This week we celebrate distance education. Whether you’re new to online learning, or are considering it’s possibilities this is a great time to get educated on the “innards” of distance learning.

From November 7 to November 11 there will be webinars, free to attend, for those interested in the components of online education. These events will be hosted by the United States Distance Learning Association.

So to celebrate online learning this week try attending a webinar provided by the USDLA, or attend an open house at an online school. Most schools will have an event calendar you can check out for any upcoming information sessions on classes and the overall environment.

Remember the old adage; if you cheat in school, you ultimately cheat yourself? So, what exactly is cheating? Generally speaking, it’s when someone plagiarizes material, fabricates false data or citations, lies to an instructor to gain an academic advantage, or simply copies someone’s answers on a test. Call it academic dishonesty. Because the Internet is a vast and powerful tool (coupled with the ease-of-use a computer provides in accessing and copying material), the question of academic integrity in online education has attracted attention from time to time.

For example, check out pro tennis player, Serena William’s cheeky postgame interview at the 2011 US Open (starting at the 37 second mark). She jokes that she hopes her sister, Venus would take her online classes for her because, “she’s really smart.” It’s funny. And yes, there sometimes persists the misnomer that academic dishonesty occurs more frequently with online learning than in traditional classrooms. However, the reality is that when cheating occurs, it’s at all levels of education, in the classroom and online. Here’s an interesting Academic Cheating Fact Sheet  provided by the Ad Council.

Look, it’s simple. Online education does provide convenience at a distance, but you’ll find that there are more people who are self-disciplined and truly dedicated to lifelong learning than not. The advantages of online learning, particularly at American Public University, is that students are taught by scholar-practitioners, many who are distinguished leaders working in their fields. The curriculum they teach is assessed constantly and updated based on guidance from industry advisory councils. We’re talking about successful leaders who are at the top of their game. The knowledge and experience online academic programs impart is meant to help students develop important, lifelong skills that could impact their professional abilities. So, why would anyone want to cut corners and pass up these great educational opportunities?

In this day and age when online education is closely tied to professional development and designed to prepare graduates for real-world implementation, that old adage may be even truer. Besides, not all of us have smarter big sisters.

By J. Thompson
Online Learning Tips Staff

Wednesday is the sigh of relief for most people in the workforce. Once the day is over you’re about in the clear for the weekend where you can rest and forget about your responsibilities from that week. This may be true for some, but for most, especially online learners, it’s unrealistic. Most students need to have assignments submitted by Sunday, others have to have classwork posted by Wednesday.

Regardless of the day, there is no slowing down once you hit the hump of the week. The best way to avoid the sluggish pull of a lazy weekend is to tackle your assignments early so you can go out and play. Just like back in grade school, no TV or playing until your homework is done. The same should hold true now, even though you have may have a demanding job and a family at home. Wednesday shouldn’t be the day of the week where you slow down, instead use it to speed up and get your work in early.

-Online Learning Tips Staff

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