Experts can debate whether the economy is getting better or worse. While they’re talking, you can be doing — preparing yourself to earn a good position in any economy. One of the best ways to do that? Earn your college degree. How to make it work financially and fit it into your busy schedule? Choose online learning.

Here are 10 good reasons (there are lots more) why earning your degree online is the best decision now.

  1.   Online universities offer you many choices.

Many online universities offer a full complement of degrees, everything from business administration to emergency and disaster management to space studies. American Public University, for instance, offers more than 100 online degrees and certificates, taught by professors who are experienced in their fields.

  2.   The online format makes it easy to go to school while staying employed.

Choose an online format that is “asynchronous.” This means you study when and where you want, doing your studies around your job and other responsibilities. No more worries that you’ll miss class if you need to travel for work.

  3.   A degree translates into job choices.

Higher education helps you develop critical thinking skills – the skills for real-world decision-making. This means you can translate the knowledge gained in a single degree program into a variety of career fields.

For instance, a degree in information technology could help earn work as a web developer, programmer analyst, database designer, project manager and more. In other words, you’re more employable in a time when good jobs may be scarce.

  4.   A degree translates into more money.

Recent figures from the Census Bureau show the median annual salary for a high school graduate is about $31,000. Those with some college experience earn only slightly more, about $33,000. Those who finished their bachelor’s degree jumped to about $57,000. Those with a master’s degree earned significantly more, about $70,000.

  5.   A degree offers more options for advancement if you want to stay put.

Earning your degree can offer you new options for advancement in your current job. In fact, you can begin showing off your new skills right away.

  6.   A good education is always a good idea.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says this regarding degrees and employment:

“Business cycles run their course and the economy goes from expansion to recession — but regardless of whether the economy is booming or contracting, an inverse relationship exists between education and unemployment: more education is associated with less unemployment.”

  7.   Online learning reduces stress, saves money.

You choose when and where to study. No wasted time and money from commuting. And tuition may be more affordable, depending on the school – and without certain fees some traditional universities charge.

  8.   Online degrees from accredited universities are respected.

Over three-quarters of academic leaders at public institutions report that online is as good as or better than face-to-face instruction, according to the 2010 Sloan Survey of Online Learning.

  9.   Your competition is studying online.

More and more students are choosing online learning. The Sloan survey shows a 21 percent growth rate for online enrollments compared with 2 percent growth in the overall higher education student population.

  10.   The economy will always have its ups and downs. Your degree is here to stay.

Your education is an investment in yourself. The economy will change — and so may your career goals. However, the knowledge gained from an online degree is a lifelong benefit.

[Related Posts: Insight Into the Life of an Online Student]

- By Online Learning Tips Staff

Adult learners face this mathematical challenge: There are 168 hours in a week. Between 40 to 50 of those are usually spent working. Another 45 to 50 are for sleeping. Now, figure in eating, commuting, family time and more. You don’t need a calculator to see that adult learners have many time demands. However, millions are pursuing degrees online right now – and you can, too.

Here are 10 time-management tips to help you succeed as an online learner.

1. Find a calendar system that works.
   Some prefer mobile devices. Others use built-in computer software and even the old standbys, paper calendars. The method is less important than the style that works for you. Choose a calendar or project management system that is reliable and easy to update. Then, populate it with every detail and deadline you need to keep yourself on track, including course deadlines, family and social obligations and more.
2. Keep your class syllabus close.
   Online learning requires self-discipline – and a good road map. The class syllabus is the road map that typically lists all the course readings, assignments and deadlines. Students refer to it throughout the course to make sure they are heading the right direction. 
3. Create your perfect study space.
   Your computer, room lighting, broadband connection, even your chair — all are key to an environment for studying and learning. There’s no need to spend a bundle at an office supply store. Just pay attention to what interrupts your focus. Then, change or eliminate it.
4. Leverage university resources.
   Online universities have many experts for students. APU, for example, offers research librarians, tutoring services and even support re: navigating the online classroom portal. A quick call or e-mail may save you time and frustration.
5. Eliminate social distractions.
   We are bombarded today with rings, beeps and pop-ups. Consider turning off your phone and logging off of social networks during study time. Even that brief look at a friend’s text message or status update interrupts your thought processes (suggest linking this to the top 10 ways to avoid interruptions article) and slows you down. 
6. Try some tricks.
   It takes some effort to keep the commitment and focus up, especially after a long day at work. A few tricks can provide a boost. For example, set a timer for 30 minutes or an hour – and don’t stop reading until it goes off. Post a dream job offer in your study space to help you remember your goal. Have energy-boosting snacks nearby, such as nuts, crunchy veggies or a healthy smoothie. Give yourself 10 minutes of a favorite activity to give your brain a rest.
7. Take a break from multi-tasking.
   One APU professor’s secret to a long career of accomplishments: He doesn’t multi-task. He has distractions like the rest of us. He has just learned how to stop, attend to another task, and then pick up where he left off. See if that technique works for you.
8. Reward yourself.
   Just the fact that you are taking courses is a tremendous accomplishment. Reward yourself along the way. Celebrate a well-written paper with a special dinner. Take the scenic route home to refresh yourself. Have coffee with a friend. Go to a movie.
9. Turn to classmates for support.
   If you’re stuck on an assignment or facing writer’s block on that research paper, turn to a fellow classmate. Her insight may help spur you on – and help you avoid wasted time.
10. Recognize when it’s not working. 
    Despite your best efforts, every night won’t be record-setting in terms of pages read, or words written. Sometimes the best choice is to stop – for an hour or for the night. Remember, earning a degree is a journey toward your goals and self-discovery. Enjoy it.

By Online Learning Tips Staff