Students Selecting Online Classes For A Promising Future!

Observing the surging popularity of online education among the new age learners, a number of universities are coming forward to add an online module to their usual curriculum. With a record of enrolling hundreds of students every year, online classes are striving hard to cater to the learners all over the world. Moreover, countries from developing regions are also showing their eagerness to join the revolution of e-learning to remove the educational issues from their societies with the help of technological advancement.

Learning online is a special and rational way of obtaining knowledge. The three prime reasons for it being preferred over traditional education system are:

No further hassles - Online classes allow people to enhance knowledge who are unable to attend universities because of either residing miles away from a reputed institution or have a too busy schedule to attend classes. Online classes commonly allow their students to take classes at their convenience. People with professional commitments or familial obligations fail to pursue an academic career through regular classes. But today you may attend classes on weekends, during evenings and even at late night hours. An internet connection is now at your disposal to let you enjoy learning when you feel like.  

No added costs- Monetary predicament has always been there as one of most serious issues that kept a large section away from pursuing further education. Learning via internet subtracts commuting costs, boarding charges, food spending and many additional expenses, that are unavoidable in regular courses. Apart from that, distance learning’s mission to reach out more to educate compels constant innovation. Their effort to enlighten more people results in more affordable courses for the learners from different class.

Career enhancer- Learners from different classes, sectors and countries are taking up online courses to boost their professional career as it hardly requires any compromise with job or family. Although varied courses are being offered and chosen, demand for professional and employer-based courses has elevated to a great extent. 

Demand for trained workers is on the rise and obtaining certified knowledge without career break has never been so easy; now everybody wants an impressive credential to achieve a better position in the company through a degree online. This is why a lot of students are opting for MBA courses online. Now you can hone up your managements and administrative skills through world-class institutions and that too without any career break. 

Especially since UK considered one of the most reputed places to obtain an international qualification, Online MBA courses in UK are getting response from billions of students across the world as it is giving them an opportunity to achieve a dream career and enhancing the leadership skills. Now anyone hoping to achieve a UK qualification from an online international business school can do so in an affordable way. Moreover, these online courses in business studies are giving huge confidence to the experienced workers who are deciding to start up something of their own after pursuing those degrees.

So, is it the end of campus learning?

Although the reasons are good enough to turn you away from regular learning courses, it would be really unintelligent to think that campus learning will cease. Audio-visual lessons are great tools for effective education but it cannot replace campus learning system. The importance of live or face-to-face instruction will always be there. Computers cannot replace tutors; experts think it’s funny to think that way. A section feels it would be much rational if it is considered as a supplementary system rather than treating it as an alternative medium. They think blended learning is the future and the option combining the best features of online and offline classes will be admired by the most in future.

Well, if face-to-face instruction will exist or students will be more attracted toward the blended learning remains a question; but growing popularity of online education is the present. And whether or not it will be able to remove the traditional learning form is not important now. It is getting more students eager to complete their courses and its winning strategies are gaining remarkable response is the fact. So, if traditional education system don’t mould themselves according to the situation and emerge as a more adaptable system, chances are there that the dearth in popularity will grow severe and online may appear as the principal system of acquiring knowledge very soon.          

How Aware are you Internationally on Emerging Markets?

"A collaboration between academics and regional specialists will better prepare students" was the observation of Mike Bastin while writing “Emerging markets necessitate a rethink of business education”. Indeed, his focus is a worthy one that business success depends a lot on the understanding for emerging market. But, business schools in the west are paying not such attention on the growing market in China and elsewhere in Asia. Maybe culturally different and unknown business environments have not yet attracted western business school academics to make research upon, but global business environment does not allow one to be limited within a geographical boundary .

New Approach on Business Analysis is Necessary

The news of western corporations struggling to make growths in emerging market clearly shows that business students should always take new approach. The methods of market research as taught at top business schools around the world continue to stress much upon their usual ways of case study. There are lectures and models, presented, explained and applied to demonstrate business theories. Then there are seminars where theories are challenged to arrive in to a long case study. It is although profitable for business and management education, yet superficial.  It is superficial, because this sort of programme lacks the participation of local business expert of any area.

On the other hand, Chinese department of business studies is still not very active to include business developments outside their national territory in their curriculums. As, they are new, they lack depth of understanding of business theories cultivated by the top European and US universities.  A venture in this territorial sphere, therefore, requires a fusion of business theory specialists and area experts to understand the expert views on the pros and cons of any business project there, and theoretical conclusion thereon.

 Chinese Business Studies Take a New Measure

A good step towards this sort of collaborative analysis has been taken between china studies and business school cognoscenti to exclusively focus on emerging markets.  There they will emphasise more on local area surveys on market prospects based on how local resources can help develop new market possibilities. 

Business theories pose some shortcomings if they do not include local specialities of any place. Market nowadays has become so diverse that a limited theoretical knowledge over it is not going to help one apply them successfully if not judiciously implemented.  So, today’s business probabilities should have to be cultured and cultivated on their emerging market prospects, for which local expert views from every new market are necessary to plan a concrete strategy on global market.

Source: on.ft.com/185zfvx

In most cases, business schools remain restricted to some noteworthy areas for their market studies. But new strategic measures are felt utterly important, for which a worldwide community-based business analysis appears as the only effective way to properly understand the spirit of new markets sprung from every other corner of the world. Online business schools are more advantageous in this respect. 

Online business programmes like online diploma in business, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees let students always keep in touch with updated ongoing information in markets all over the world. With globally extended online business programmes one gets the constant view of emerging business ideas budding up in every distant corner of the world. So, an online business student can act as a global player in business, instead of being bound to any particular geographical boundaries. 

Good News for Distance Learners - A-levels & GCSEs are now Entering Online

What can be more exciting that grabbing the opportunity to sit for A-level and GCSE exams online that hadn’t been done before? Recent reports said that these major exams would be taken online in the coming decade. However, this has given rise to heavy arguments among administrators of the current academia.

Reports by The Independent

Independent Association of Prep Schools’ chief executive David Hancock supported the fact that online models have high chances to replace the UK education system that has full of flaws at present. Since this change can bring a massive impact, concerns have already been raised. It was just the previous week when the The Independent reported that questions must be thrown in regard to the changes so that it becomes easier to understand the realistic scenario of the students’ knowledge and understanding.

Whatever is the impact of this debate, plenty of educational programmes and systems will keep migrating online. The exponential growth of the e-learning market has stood as a clear witness here. Surveys made by the Ambient Insight Research said that the international market showed £20.5 billion for e-learning in 2010 that is highly predicted to exceed £31 billion by 2015.

A-levels and GCSEs must evolve

It’s an unquestionable fact that technology has played a key role in helping students grab more options to complete their education successfully. This is probably one of the biggest reasons why A-levels and GCSEs must undergo a thorough evolution to remain dominant among career professionals.

As per The Innovative University report published in 2011, fears could embrace educators in losing competitors if they are not able to adopt modernised teaching technologies. In fact, online education in the United Kingdom is gradually seizing the place that has been dominated by traditional learning for generations. Today, the UK distance learning programmes are receiving global attention and it seems that the enrolment rate of international students is also on the rise.

So, how beneficial can be online learning?

Well, plenty of factors are responsible behind the worldwide emergence of online education. Here are the most important ones:

Online learning is cost-effective than classroom education

• As per reports, 25 to 60% less time is required for e-learning to deliver equal amount of information in comparison to what is invested in classrooms.
• Secondly, the percentage of carbon dioxide emission gets reduced by 85% per student enrolled in an online course.
• Besides, distance learners are freed from the compulsion of travelling long distances and thereafter attending full-time classes.
• Opting for an Online School programme can help the student fulfil its educational aspirations irrespective of their financial status. This is because many well accredited and recognised online schools provide affordable degrees and diplomas with flexibility in payment. The learners are not under the compulsion of paying a big chunk of their earnings at one go. Some also offer pay per module option where the learners can undertake and pay for individual module at a time.

Learning online involves absolute flexibility

• Flexibility is the biggest strength for online learners based on which they easily complete their higher studies and gather a considerable work experience at the same time.
• Even if one misses one’s classes, he/she can access pre-recorded videos provided by the online learning institution.

Use of updated technologies

A big reason why obtaining education in brick and mortar classrooms seems quite monotonous is lack of new learning tools and strategies. Instead, online education helps students to:

• Gain access to quality study materials along with CDs and DVDs
• Socially network with instructors and classmates
• Communicate through interactive forums or face-to-face study groups

Connecting in-person

• Distance learners are given the advantage to attend live lectures online
• Participate in study groups
• Ask questions at live webinars
• Participate in online discussions initiated by academic scholars
• So, you can measure the impact of distance learning in today’s world and know as how effective it is to pursue education online under a UK university. Well, if you keep listing the benefits of being a distance learner, classroom learning would gradually seem to be an inappropriate option for you.

Sources:

huff.to/19T1WgL

bit.ly/1achdJW

Is Studying Online a Wise Solution to Cut Down Costs of College Education?

Who likes facing issues that relate to increasing college costs? Affording college education today has no doubt become a daunting task and the same has been felt by a good number of US colleges and universities. They have clearly revealed their financial inability to educate their students. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the most popular technology-intensive research university reported that they spend three times more to educate undergraduates that actually stands equivalent to that spent in taking tuition.

Is MOOC the ultimate solution to rising college costs?

For educating innovators in science and engineering and thereafter pushing the research frontier, an institution requires making lump sum investments. Students must be provided expensive instruments and exclusive facilities, and to meet all these demands, it’s pretty obvious for a university to become financially stable. In this respect, what people have started wondering is whether a Massive Open Online Course can be the ultimate solution.

Undoubtedly, MOOCs have gained supreme significance at almost every nook and corner of the world in the past few years. Today, thousands of students can access these courses right from their native lands and that too within their means. However, academic administrators still keep raising questions whether these courses would really be able to help career aspirants achieve their respective goals at a comparatively low cost. Can MOOCs act as the best substitute for a university education?

MOOCs are a possibility

MOOCs might indeed create a possibility. However, what should be done first is to know how to make use of digital tools that can make higher education better and more effective. Imagine what would happen after 10 to 12 years from now if instructors start applying digital learning tools in their respective classrooms and train their students accordingly. The classrooms in the year 2025 then will receive education that will score high in all aspects, whether it’s related to accessibility, effectiveness or budget.

The MIT success story

It was the year 2002 when MIT initiated OpenCourseWare with the intention to post all their course materials online for free. The result was brilliant. About 150 million learners from far and wide enrolled in this course. Today, career aspirants from almost every state in America as well as from other corners of the world are taking MIT classes online.

In regard to the education costs, the ones who also fall prey to financial challenges are the business management course pursuers. Some are either led to quit jobs to enrol in a pricey course while some relocate abroad to get admitted in reputed business schools. Well, digital learning once again can play a key role here in bringing tremendous opportunities to:

• Help students obtain similar learning experiences like those obtained in brick and mortar business schools
• Make use of new learning tools and smarter business approaches
• Access interactive modules that involve rich communication between students and instructors

source: ti.me/1b8yuVR

Online business schools are doing wonders

Interestingly, students are now taking pleasure in studying from business schools under UK universities online. In fact, these institutions are scoring high in not only making students study flexibly but ensuring that they acquire quality learning experiences within an affordable budget. An online business school gives the undergraduates and postgraduates the opportunity to pay per module and save a considerable amount of money which they would have otherwise invested in a full-time business management course. They can pay their fees for the next module as and when they complete each module. This concept is quite helpful for those unable to pay the whole fees at one go.

Other than students, working professionals wanting to further their qualifications in the field of business find this to be a very apt solution. Their busy schedule does not permit them to undertake further study through full time mode. By undertaking their course through an online business school they are able to adjust their work and study quite easily.

So, you can see how digital or online learning can act as a great saviour in helping your develop your career prospects within your means. In fact, what can be a better option than choosing to study in an accredited online learning institution that gives you the flexibility to pay for only those modules and assessments which you require? Don’t you consider it a smarter option than attending classes for hours in a brick and mortar institution and paying a huge course fee? Think about it before you take a leap!!

Innovative Learning Tools giving education a new perspective

Why education every time has to come in terms with books, chalks and blackboards? Why educators cannot imagine teaching their students without taking help of brick and mortar classrooms? Why it is necessary to pay lump sums for enrolling in a professional course? Answers to these questions have been clearly given by the growing trend in technology. Let’s find out how!!

Reports and responses brought in by technology in the world of education have been so convincing over the past years that a lot of schools, colleges and universities have now taken firm resolutions to replace tradition with technology.

According to a recent survey, it was found:

• At least 1 out of 5 undergraduates enrol in at least one distance learning course.
• A lot of high, middle and even elementary school teachers have started using distance learning apps in classrooms
• Modern educators are now planning to use new tools and software applications that can help online learners pursue their respective courses with more convenience and effectiveness

Now, here are 6 educational tools and platforms that not only help distance learners study enthusiastically but also make educators realise the worth and pleasure of teaching. Have a look:

Blackboard – 

No, it’s not the one which you typically find in brick and mortar classrooms. Rather, it’s an amazing platform for education that however operates almost like the traditional one. This modernised tool brings diverse ways for both students and teachers so that they can collaborate with one another with ease. What’s best about Blackboard is that it acts as a one-stop solution for administrators instead of piecing together different tools for communication.

FaceTime -

This is indeed a happening tool for both teachers and students who can now build connections through not only voice but also by using videos. So, the necessity of attending classes and sitting face to face with instructors will certainly not be essential for the new age learners.

Canvas – 

It’s an open source solution that can initiate online collaboration. In fact, Canvas has been designed in such a manner that one can easily operate it without facing any single complication. It is best known to integrate tools which people are already aware of. Accessing YouTube or Google Docs for instance will leave you delighted with Canvas.

Google Plus Hangouts –

If you are looking for amazing online video chat solutions, Google Plus Hangouts is your answer. Students, teachers and even third party experts will be able to initiate video conferencing in groups. In fact, it can be used for live broadcasts in packed auditoriums.

Schoology –

Being an amazing tool for distance learning, Schoology emphasises on the monitoring of students. So, you can say that it has been ideally designed for educators who can analyse and educate kids in a more efficient manner.

Adobe Connect – 

What more you can expect from this software application that lets companies organise meetings online? Educators here can provide real-time quizzes, tweak presentations, breakout sessions and facilitate interactions. Employees who are having plans to study online will also benefit from such a happening software application.

So, you see that it’s not at all necessary to walk into classrooms and thereafter attend classes for long hours, especially after the initiation of such outstanding learning tools and applications. In fact, the majority of these tools and programmes are available online and you can even download them for free. In other words, you are saving time and money which you would have otherwise wasted at the bookstores, isn’t it? Think about it!!

Education & Innovation go Hand in Hand – Some Tips for Students & Professionals

Don’t you think that the term ‘learning’ shouldn’t be solely applicable for students? Don’t you think that this term should also be taken into consideration for working professionals? New age educators, students and even researchers are aware of the fact that technology is moving with such a rapid pace that education one day will take all its roots out of the four walls of brick and mortar classrooms and would end up only in mobiles, tablets and kindles.

Well, it’s also true that keeping pace with each and every technological innovation is not possible in today’s world. With time, new mobile apps, social networking sites and educational tools are being created with the intention to assure more convenience and letting people fulfil academic as well as professional goals.

Hone your own skill by utilising the right app

Time of course is an essential factor that deprives an individual from knowing all the functions of each and every new app. So, what can be done is that one can at least hone one’s skills and knowledge on the area of expertise and utilise all those resources he/she possesses. Here is a short instance:

Suppose, if you are looking for a new job in the field of digital media space, possessing extensive knowledge and skills in numerous social networks and analytics programmes will usually be your job requirements. Now if you do not possess these necessary knowledge and skills, getting such jobs will of course seem impossible. In other words, you must update yourself by collecting or installing such apps that can respond well to your academic needs and wants.

Access educational resources to learn extensively & effectively

People who desire working in creative fields often access such educational resources through which they engage themselves in a wide range of activities. In fact, there are people who take keen interest in building mobile apps, deciphering analytics reports, coding websites, creating 3D graphics with Photoshop etc. from free educational resources available online. So, the question is, “why waste time and money by quitting work and joining full-time schools unnecessarily, and why not opt for online learning?”

Are you a student? 3 tips for you:

·        Be wise and patient – Don’t run around here and there asking people what should be done. First, figure out what you want to learn and accordingly collect the resources online so that you can get a fair idea on the topic you want to explore for career development.

·        Explore apps – New educational tools are being created every now and then and this is making new age learners curious as how to make use of these tools to build a bright and prosperous career. So, try to find out what new learning tools can help you study efficiently. In fact, keep an eye on Google News regularly which will keep you updated.

·        Build your presence online – This is a good way to proceed and prosper. Believe it or not, the majority of schools do not take pains to give you extra knowledge apart from what your course curriculum gives you. So, create your own profile in social networking sites and let others know about your interests. It really works wonders.

Are you a working professional? 3 tips for you:

·        Continue learning – No matter how long you work, never stop learning. On doing so, you can gain more knowledge which in turn might help you boost your career prospects. In fact, the more knowledge you gain, the more confident you become.

·        Study online – Time in today’s world is a huge factor that creates obstructions from letting individuals study while working. So, the best and convenient way is to study online. Today, a lot of online learning institutions have been set up offering a wide range of courses for working professionals. So, if you are working and have plans for higher studies, taking up an online course will be a great option.

·        Manage time – Time management is no doubt a big issue today for working professionals as well as students. However, this is no less a skill mastering which will help you balance your professional and personal life with ease and perfection.

So, whether you are student or a working professional, keeping these suggestions in mind would always be helpful. Even if you are having your own business and you still feel the necessity of earning a degree from a recognised business school, enrol in an online business school that can assist you in earning a quick business degree so that you gain necessary knowledge and skills to enhance your business standards.

ONLINE LEARNING TAKING OVER UK

Education has undergone the changes of time. With each decade passing by, education experiences a new change. Besides, the arrival of the new media or the internet has helped revolutionise education massively. The fact that the arrival of any new media marks a revolutionising effect on education just like the internet has helped give birth to online education is now accepted globally. Even the teaching methods have changed as compared to the preaching concepts adopted during the time of legends like Aristotle and Socrates.

Online learning in the UK

In this age of technology students are becoming more used to participating in 1-2-1 tutorials, attending webinars, personal dashboards, webcasts and much more. The change has apparently taken over the globe and people seem quite happy to accept the revolutionized approach to study. In UK the new academic discipline has been in existence since quite some time. However this current educational approach has been started to boost interest amongst most UK citizens since the year 2011.

In recent years, the UK Government has formed its Online Learning Task Force which recommends a massive £100 million investment in online learning with an aim to accomplish the following:

•  Helping the nation create its own brand
•  Developing stronger and improved resources for online education
•  Becoming the leader in the distance learning sphere

(Source: monitor.icef.com/2012/06/8-countries-leading-the-way-in-online-education/)

The funding proposal has come as a response after UK’s academic system demanded an increase in the costs of education. Surprisingly the hike has only drifted students from seeking higher education. These days the government is working out on newer academic trends that will cost much low yet be effective in imparting knowledge. Seeking a UK university qualification has become much of an ordeal for students. It has now become a widespread fact that the increase fees have led to dissatisfaction among students. As per reports that were published after a study was conducted in the year 2006, 29% pupils believed that their courses did not offer them the desired value.

A surging number of distance learning courses

With the popularity of distance learning reaching the pinnacle, universities are finding this new approach a growth area. In recent times, Higher Education Academy has shown the results of 8 flexible pathfinder projects financed by the Higher Education Funding Council of England whereby it was revealed that employers preferred distance education as a route to deliver career-oriented study.

It has been found that distance learning courses have been designed to attract  working professionals looking forward to developing skills that will help them play authoritative roles in different areas such as business, law, banking, finance and even nursing.

Today, major universities in UK like Oxford, Cambridge and more are offering a host of online courses which are designed by combining innovative teaching and learning techniques entailing interaction between tutors and students. On enrolling into highly rewarding courses students can not only achieve skills and a highly endorsable degree, they can also experience the convenience of learning from anywhere, at any point of time and of course at their own will. 

Business Jobs to Undergo Massive Growth in the next 8 Years

Who doesn’t aim to go for business management courses in today’s world? Certainly, degrees earned from reputed business schools bring you opportunities to establish prospective careers. To become eligible for holding managerial positions, MBA degrees play key roles. But the question is,

“Are online business degrees today considered precious enough to bring real value for money? Do employers and working professionals recognise the worth of a business degree earned online?”

Well, the right answers to these questions can be presumably obtained from the following facts and figures estimated by researchers:

The Sloan Consortium survey reports

As per the Sloan Consortium research group, it has been found:

Ø Online degree courses are offered full-time by around 49% of the public institutions

Ø Full-time online degree courses are offered by around 34% of the academic institutions

Ø Blended as well as online courses are offered by around 37% of the private institutions and 80% of the public institutions

Ø More than 40% of the for-profit institutions are expecting to increase their courses online

Ø About 75% of the academic experts teaching in public colleges and universities consider online learning equivalent to learning face-to-face.

Business jobs to undergo a steady growth by 2020

The majority of students after completing graduation or before taking up a business management course online tend to remain dilemmatic and hence wonder whether they are taking sensible decisions. Moreover, one of the biggest reasons behind their dilemmas is their hesitation in regard to whether employers would recognise the value of their business degrees earned online.

Well, reports say that the future of online business degrees is quite bright and strong for all those who are willing to take up business management jobs in the long-run.

Here are some key findings in regard to the future of business jobs that will be applicable for online business degree holders:

·        By the year 2020, jobs related to business will experience a growth of at least 10%

·        Demand for business analysts in finance will remain high among employers in world class business houses.

·        There will be around 9,900 jobs especially for those who will earn business degrees online

·        Growth in business jobs will be over average which will be at least 23% by the year 2020

·        The enhanced growth rate in business jobs will stand equivalent to an additional 54,000 jobs, especially for people with online business degrees in finance

So, you can see that in the next 8 years, the scenario of business jobs will surely undergo a sea change. Therefore, heading to enrol in business management courses online will surely be a great decision for career development. Whether you are working or not, you can always consider an accredited business school to enrol in a business management programme.

Remember, you will not only achieve recognition from your future employers worldwide, you can even save a lot of time and money by studying a business management course online. Good luck!!