iStudySmart.com Blog

Online Learning Reaches Beyond the Traditional Classroom

 How often do you use the internet? Think of the different ways you log into the fast-paced, virtual realm. Whether you're checking your email, reading up on the latest news story, or comparing the benefits of an iPhone to a Blackberry, the internet offers a vast amount of information at your fingertips.

One of the internet's most intriguing characteristics is its global convenience. No matter where you are or what time zone you're in, the internet allows access to its information network at anytime. This is especially appealing to the online student who seeks to receive education outside the traditional classroom setting.

Online education removes the geographic limitations and boundaries of brick-and-mortar buildings and allows students from all over the world to learn. Those in the military, for example, are able to earn a degree while serving their country.

Military.com talks about the benefits of online education, mentioning "thousands of duty standing, single parents, and even deployed members earn their college degrees each year using online education."

The e-learning world allows students the opportunity to access academic support from all experience levels and geographic locations. Through message boards, discussion forums, and online chats, e-learners are exposed to diverse perspectives from both faculty members and their fellow students across the world.

Online education provides the opportunity to connect with others globally with convenience and ease. If you're considering e-learning, don't think you will "lose" anything from stepping away from the traditional classroom. Think of what you'll gain and how online education can best benefit you.

Source: Military.com, The Online Option.

(http://www.military.com/education/content/finding-a-school/the-online-option.html)

The Future of Education

What will education look like in the future? It's interesting to think about the evolution of education. How far it has come, the doors it can open. Think about it: anyone can get an education if they put forth the effort. The improvements to education have changed us, and changed the world in which we live. In the year 2010 we are utilizing the web in education more than ever before. What will education look like in 20 years, 30? It's hard to imagine.
I found this great video at futurelab.org. Here's what they said about the video: "This video looks at ideas drawn in the main research commissioned under the Beyond Current Horizons program, which considers the future of education in the light of social and technological change over the next two decades. The video aims to inspire education leaders to think differently about the future of education and to consider the challenges and possibilities for 21st century schools."

 

Education is, and will always be, the key to our future.

 

 

 

Distance Learning is Greener

There are many things about distance learning to love: sitting on your couch instead of in a class (PJs need I say more?); saving money on the gas that you didn't have to use; and being able to take the courses at your own pace. Let me add another thing to the list that you might have missed. Did you know that distance learning is greener? That's right; I said distance learning is greener.

Distance learning is mostly digital, while traditional schools still use paper heavily. You need maps of campus; schedules; syllabi; tests; essays; as well as other paper assignments. In the United States we use about 90 million short tons of paper per year. I wonder how many trees that is. According to the kansasgreenteams.org, it takes 17 trees to produce one ton of paper. The communication occurs in a digital environment with distance learning, from the study guides to the online courses, many times you don't have to print anything, it's all digital. Imagine all the paper being saved!

Think about this for a minute: you don't have to commute to school, which means no car exhaust. Cars produce CO2, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere each time you turn the key. Cars in the US account for half of the world's total CO2 emissions.

Full-time students have to drive to and from school almost every day, increasing the problem at a startling rate. Some students might take the bus or car-pool, but exhaust is still emitted. When classes can be taken at home, you don't have to drive anywhere which means no emissions at all. That's a rate of emission that you can't beat.

No college campus also means that energy is saved. There are no long hallways to keep lit up, no cafeterias, no huge parking lots that need lighting, and no giant buildings needing climate control. Yes, you will still use energy for your computer and your home, but just think of all that energy that isn't being used up by large facilities.

Who knew distance learning could be so earth friendly, not to mention cost effective? Getting an education from afar is as good as... well, green.

Earning College Credit without Going to the Classroom

 By: Sue Perkins

In 2007 alone, DSST/DANTES and ECE administered over 124,000 exams worth college credit in the U.S. Add that to CLEP, and you will see that about ¼ million students earn credit-by-exam each year. That means that over 1 million semester hours of college credit are earned by examination at over 3,800 colleges and universities around the country annually.

What is credit by exam? There are three major testing options in the U.S.-DSST/DANTES, CLEP (College Level Examination Program), and Excelsior College Exams (ECE). Credit-by-exam is about 50-80% less than the regular cost of college tuition. You learn everything you need to pass the exam at home on-line or through a workbook and then go out to a local test site once to have an examination administered to you. It is like taking the final exam in a course without having ever taken the college course.

So how do you pass the final examination if you never went to the classroom? iStudySmart.com (ISS) has guaranteed study materials. You enjoy the benefit of learning everything that would be taught in the college course, but you learn in your own home at your own pace.

iStudySmart.com has assignments, sample exams, and a PaceYourself calendar to help you with the course. You simply purchase an ISS course,choose on-line courses a compact disk or workbook and then buy an accompanying textbook (just like a traditional college course), learn the material, and go to your local test site to have the examination administered.

How many colleges accept credit-by-exam? There are over 3,800 colleges that accept from 15 to 60 credits by examination. Some fully accredited, distance learning colleges even let you earn your entire associate or bachelor's degree by examination.

Since 1986, ISS has been helping students earn credit-by-exam. Many home school students test out of freshmen level courses and enter college as sophomores.

iStudySmart.com is the only company that is endorsed or recognized by not just one, but two of the three major testing companies-DSST/DANTES and ECE.

You can be one of the ¼ million students in the U.S. who earn college credit by proficiency exam each year. Log onto www.iStudySmart.com or call 1-800-737-2222 for more information about how to prepare for these exams.

Texas Municipal Police Association

Check out this months TMPA (Texas Municipal Police Association) newsletter.  iStudySmart.com was featured for awarding two scholarships.  Click Here to read the whole story and find out who our lucky scholarship winners were!

Check it out!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS From iStudySmart.com^TM
iStudySmart.com^TM would like to present you with a CHRISTMAS Gift.
Choose between two coupons:

H49H8GT which gives you $40.00 off a course or the SmartSolution.

HPSWTAP which gives you $100.00 off a SmartClub subscription.
These coupons are good through January 1, 2010.

NEW: iStudySmart.com^TM On-Line Bookstore

The iStudySmart.com^TM Online Bookstore-Specialty Books offers new, used and e-books* and provides you with a book "Buy Back" option even if you did not purchase your books from Specialty Books. Experience the easy, efficient, and economical way to buy your textbooks from iStudySmart.com^TM. After you purchase your courses click on the link for the iStudySmart.com^TM On-Line Bookstore-Specialty Books. *Used and E-books are not always available. Click here to go to Specialty Books.

 

FOR A LIMITED TIME: The SmartSolution

iStudySmart.com^TM understands that money is tight and decisions to continue your education are being challenged. Don't put your education on hold! For a limited time iStudySmart.com^TM is offering The SmartSolution^TM. Designed as a monthly subscription purchasing option, The SmartSolution^TM allows you to get immediate access to one course at a time for the low monthly fee of $89.95. As you complete each course iStudySmart.com^TM will provide access to your next on line course. This innovative payment option lets you get started now, at a fraction of the initial expense! If economic troubles arise, you can discontinue your payments and obligation to iStudySmart.com^TM. There is no long term commitment. The cost of textbooks is not included in this price.

iStudySmart.com^TM Quarterly Scholarship

iStudySmart will be awarding a scholarship each quarter! For more information send an email to scholarships@istudysmart.com! Where you can request the scholarship application. Deadline for the 4th quarter scholarship is December 15, 2009 Applications will be reviewed and the winner announced in the January 2010 newsletter.

 

Giving Distance Education Learning the Third Degree

By John F. Ebersole, President of Excelsior College

1. Is the offering institution regionally accredited?
Unlike other parts of the world, regional accreditation is the highest form of institutional accreditation in the U.S. It provides a type of quality assurance necessary for most tuition assistance programs, the transferability of credits earned, and the ultimate recognition of any degree awarded. Go to www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accreditation_pg7.html for information regarding accreditation.

2. What is the success rate for students who enter the program?
Do students who enroll finish? High drop out rates often indicate a poorly designed, or delivery, program.

3. Will the offering institution allow you to sample a course before making a financial commitment?
While a growing number of students around the world are pursuing entire degree programs online, the experience is not for everyone. See if it is right for you before making a final decision.

4. What support services exist to help ensure your success? Can you register and order books online? Access tutors or advisors?
The uniform accreditation standards for distance educational programs, as adopted by the six regional U.S. accrediting bodies, require that those student services typically found on a campus also be available online. This includes library access, financial aid counseling, registration services, etc.

5. Can you truly study "anytime" and "anyplace" to complete the program being considered?
Most distance programs allow for asynchronous study (student and faculty interact through online posting at different times) but some may require all students in a course to be online at the same time. Some institutions also require that some time be spent on campus. Such expectations should be understood up front.

6. Will the institution that you are considering provide you with contact information of graduates?
While a positive testimonial is not a guarantee, even a short conversation may provide valuable insight into the quality of the program.

7. What about the faculty?
While a concern for faculty mix is not unique to online learning, it can help in your evaluation of "fit." Adult students typically report that they are most satisfied with programs, regardless of discipline, which feature a blend of academics, who can provide a theoretical foundation, and practitioners, who can speak to their application.

8. What financial aid options are available?
Reputable distance education providers typically offer a variety of financial aid programs, as well as qualifying for employer-provided tuition assistance. If your program does not qualify for Title IV Financial Aid Programs, find out why.

9. How long has the institution been offering education at a distance?
While historic performance is not a guarantee of future quality or success, it is a factor to be considered.

10. What is the reputation of the offering institution? Is the college/university widely known?
Unfortunately, there are many bogus "institutions," which advertise online and in print, with names that are similar to those of legitimate colleges and universities. Such operations are not accredited, though they may claim otherwise. Do your homework.

Used by permission from the author

 

 

 

 

Earn College Credit for What You Know

Education Writer and Counselor: Thomas Nixon
About.com's Continuing Education Page  

While many students have heard of GRE exams, CLEP exams and the rest, the best choice may not be quite as recognizable. The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, or DSSTs, were originally designed as a way for members of the military to earn college credit for either information they already possessed or information which they could learn through self-study. At present, there are close to forty examinations available with more in the works.

DANTES stands for Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support.

Why use the DSST exams when there are others available? For starters, the exam cost is only $60 each. (* Fees are subject to change.) Yes, that is $60 to earn three units. The tests are free to members of the military. Also, these exams are accepted at over 3,800 colleges and universities around the world and are recognized as worthy of credit by the American Council on Education.

Widespread recognition at a very reasonable cost is a difficult combination to beat.

Tests are in the general areas of mathematics, social science, business, physical science, applied technology, and humanities. Test titles range from 'Ethics in America' to 'Principles of Physical Science' to 'Organizational Behavior,' and many, many more. There are enough tests in enough different areas to earn a large portion of a college degree in this manner, provided you have or can get the knowledge necessary to pass the test.

Each test has a fact sheet that is downloadable from the website. The fact sheet includes information on the areas covered on that test, plus sample questions to give you some idea what to study. Should you need to study, the fact sheet also includes a list of recommended books.

If you're not ready to pass an exam and think that you need extra help, the Chauncey Group, creators of the exam, has partnered with iStudySmart.com to provide study courses, both online and by correspondence. Even with the $149 (or somewhat more) for the courses, that is still a reasonable amount for three units. iStudySmart.com offers courses for over twenty of the tests.

If you're not sure if you are ready to pass the exam, you can take practice tests. GetCollegeCredit.com is the civilian DSST website. On that site, you can take nineteen practice tests. Clearly, all practice tests are not available for all subject areas, but this can be a useful tool for those areas where one is provided. While passing the practice test in no way guarantees passing the real test, it is a good indicator.

If you hope to be successful with DSSTs or other credit-by-examination options, you may wish to follow this plan:

1. Check out the fact sheet for that test. Does it seem like this is something where you have previous knowledge? If it is, go to the next step. If it is not, you would be wise to study prior to taking the practice tests.
2. Test your knowledge. Use one of the practice tests at GetCollegeCredit.com or from one of the test preparation books available.
3. If you don't nail the test, consider either purchasing a textbook for the topic or using a test preparation company such as iStudySmart.com.
4. After sufficient studying, take a practice test again.
5. If you do well on the practice test, it's time for the real thing!

It's important that you don't rush the process. If you pass a practice test, but did not do particularly well, you are well-advised to learn more before taking the test. However, one advantage with the DSST is that the cost is so low relative to other tests that a failure on a single test does not cost you hundreds of dollars.

* DSST fees changed to $80 as of December, 2008.

Secrets for Success in Distance Education

Your goal of getting your college degree through distance education might seem at times like you bit off more than you can chew. A college degree IS a big goal. We want to show you how your biggest goal can become your biggest achievement. Here are a few of our Goal Setting secrets for success in distance education.

1.  Break Down Your Long-Term Goal into short-term goals that are specific, measurable, challenging, attainable and targeted with deadlines. The following outline is an example of a good short-term goal:

•  Pass General Psychology Exam
•  Order module
•  Determine study times and remain consistent
•  Register for exam
•  Take exam

2. Lay The Price of Commitment... A goal without commitment is merely a dream. A real goal is precious because it is your innermost expectation, desire, or hope. Therefore, it will require planning, sacrifice, hard work, and willingness to fail. A goal challenges you to stretch your boundaries farther than you believe possible. This is where the stumbling blocks to your success come in. You may doubt your decision and possibly your ability. You may say, "I don't have the time." "My child is sick." "I'm having financial difficulties." "I'm having to work more." "This external degree is just not for me."

Don't let these road blocks/excuses prevent you from reaching your goal! People who are unwilling to pay the price now miss the satisfaction and reward later. You have already decided that obtaining your college degree is worth it. Now, just remain focused and devoted and you'll achieve it.

3.  Don't Fight With Failure - Learn From It! If you have failed to reach a goal, learn to find the lessons it has for you. Possible lessons are:

•  You need to try harder next time.
•  Your technique, skills, and knowledge need to improve.
•  Your short-term goal was unrealistic.

* Get Your Not-So-Secret Rewards! By setting goals you will be able to...

• Achieve more
• Improve performance
• Increase your motivation to achieve
• Increase your pride and satisfaction in your achievements
• Improve your self-confidence
• Practice eliminating attitudes that hold you back and cause unhappiness

4.  Research has shown that people who effectively use goal-setting...

• Suffer less from stress and anxiety
• Concentrate better
• Show more self-confidence
• Perform better
• Are happier and more satisfied

 

 

iStudySmart.com meets Excelsior College’s "Best Practices"

iStudySmart.com announces that they have qualified as the first company to meet Excelsior College's "Best Practices for Test Preparation Providers".

"For over 20 years, we have worked diligently to develop quality study materials and the highest degree of integrity possible for adult learners. Our customer service is top of the industry. I am pleased that the effort has allowed us to be the first company to meet this standard so far," says David Wright, President of iStudySmart.com.

Excelsior College is a pioneer in distance learning and in the development of non-traditional options for working adults pursuing degrees. Begun in 1971, Excelsior's philosophy has been that adults gain college-level knowledge in many ways. Work, hobbies, or other experiences outside the classroom contribute a potential student's body of knowledge. This philosophy led to the development of accredited degree programs that allow working adults to get credit for what they have learned and also provides a means for students to gain additional knowledge needed in the pursuit of a degree.

Excelsior offers online classes, but they also allow students to self-study and pass Excelsior College examinations to earn credit. In addition, Excelsior awards credit for specific professional certifications. By offering multiple options for earning credit, working adults have greater flexibility and can earn a degree without having to attend a traditional class. Although this meets the needs for many types of students, nurses have especially benefited from an online option for pursuing ADN or BSN degrees.

Numerous publishing companies have study materials that map to Excelsior College exams, particularly as associated with the nursing degrees. As in any industry, not all products offer the same value nor are all companies equally concerned with the needs of the students. Recognizing that some students would choose to obtain materials from outside vendors, Excelsior developed guidelines to aid students making that choice. The "Best Practices for Test Preparation Providers" is that guideline.

iStudySmart.com is honored to become the first company recognized for meeting these standards.