If you’re currently enrolled in school right now, do your employers know about it? Usually this is something to share with your boss, or even brag about. Not only are you making yourself more marketable, but you could become more of an asset to your company.

[Get started on your education adventure with an online degree.]

Say you’re working towards a degree in your current job field, this can increase your industry knowledge and give you an edge with peers. On your lunch breaks feel free to share what you’re learning with co-workers, or even in small staff meetings. Be proud of the fact that you’re taking classes in order to better yourself.

[related: 5 Types of Emails Students Shouldn't Delete]

We write a lot on here about using Social Media (along with other online tools etc.) to help with your learning.  But what about getting to that point? What if you’re not in school yet? Have no idea what to study? Or where? Or how?

Credit: http://www.mrelevance.com/

99.9% of us would go straight to Google and start Googling up a storm… “online school,” “going to college,” “online classes,” “online degrees.” The list goes on and on and on.

BUT… have you considered moving your search over to Social Media?

I was perusing the web the other day and I stumbled upon this.  The Student Advisor Blog published a post about finding the right school by way of Social Media. GENIUS! This brings a whole new spin to my column… and what a great concept to consider!

While it’s great and uber-helpful to be able to talk to admissions representatives, financial aid people, and other staff at the university(ies) you’re considering, it’s likely that talking to students and alumni of that university will give you a better, more comprehensive feel for the school, its programs, students, faculty, and more.

It’s so important to do your homework when making this kind of investment. Your education really isn’t something to be taken lightly; so take time in your decision and follow these few steps to really get a good idea of what you’re in for:

1. Search for the school(s) you’re considering on Facebook – “Like” their pages and talk to their students and alumni, you’ll get super valuable insight this way
2. Search the internet for review sites (much like onlinedegreereviews.org and geteducated.com) – read up on everything you can, see what people think of programs, specific courses, faculty, financial aid, transfer credit and other processes
3. Don’t turn a cold shoulder to Google… use it! – this is still a great way to get more information; just be aware of spammy sites and the like

What other ways did you do your homework when picking a school?

Have you thought about going to college? Are you unsure if it’s the best choice or the right time for you? Do you have questions about admissions, student culture, or technology requirements? When someone decides to jump into higher learning, it can be an eye-opening and sometimes overwhelming experience. It’s okay. Take a deep breath and relax—you’re about to embark on a rewarding journey. This is not a choice that should be made quickly. It requires a little research, self-assessment, and firm goal setting. Here are a few reasons people choose to enroll:

• Achieve qualifications that employers require for specific jobs.
• Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and respect that comes with having an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree.
• Increase your potential to earn more on the job.
• Join a community of people just like you, who appreciate lifelong learning.
• Satisfy your thirst for knowledge about a particular study or about many disciplines.

Just remember, people of all ages and walks of life choose to bolster their careers, enhance their earning potential, and achieve their educational goals by getting an advanced degree.

[Considering online learning? Read, "Online University—Is if Right for Me?"]  

By Online Learning Tips Staff

How to Improve Health Care by Empowering Nurses
Thursday, January 13, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET
 

On October 5th, 2010, the Institute of Medicine, in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, published a landmark report, The Future of Nursing: Advancing Health, Leading Change. This 600+ page report, the result of two years of research and work, has already generated a great deal of discussion and controversy in the nursing and medical professions.

Join Elaine Keavney (American Public University) and Luda Lobodzinskiy (MultiCare Health System) for an in-depth analysis of this report, its recommendations, and its repercussions for both nursing education and clinical practice. Some of the recommendations for discussion include:

• Removing scope-of-practice barriers
• Implementing nurse residency programs
• Increasing the proportion of nurses with B.S.N. degree to 80% by 2020
• Expanding opportunities for nurses to lead and diffuse collaborative improvement efforts
• Preparing and enabling nurses to lead change to advance health

Join APU and industry experts as they discuss the various avenues for encouraging growth and education in the field of nursing.

- By Online Learning Tips Staff