About iStudySmart.com

• Nurses Wanted!

  June 01, 2010

  Job postings are popping up around the nation because the aging population requires more care and existing nurses are retiring. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the healthcare career field to be within the top ten fastest growing jobs from now to 2018. The Bureau also reports that on average, nursing degree holders make between $51,640 to $76,570 annually with great benefits, job security and advancement opportunities.

  Now is the time to begin your nursing education and working toward fulfilling your career goals. With advancements in education, you can work toward your nursing degree in the comfort of your own home! Distance learning nursing degree programs are an alternative to traditional college programs and provide several benefits to nursing students …

  • Convenience -- Work at your own pace and study when it’s convenient for you.
  • Save On Money -- Distance learning programs don’t require you to drive to campus, which helps you save on gas costs.
  • Flexible Schedules -- Because you don’t need to commit to being in class at a set day and time each week, you’re able to balance your family, work and social commitments with your studies
  • Earn Your Degree Sooner -- Distance learning nursing degree programs typically move faster than traditional college programs.  While traditional classes are usually 16 weeks long, with distance learning you can study as quickly as you want.

  iStudySmart.com can help nursing students test out of general education and nursing subjects and complete college credit. For more information, visit http://www.istudysmart.com/fpage.asp?fpid=51 or call 800-737-2222.

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  Lauren Fuino

  Nursing

  nursing nursing degree distance education nurse jobs distance learning iStudySmart.com

• Online Learning Reaches Beyond the Traditional Classroom

  February 26, 2010

  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)

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  Lauren Fuino

  Adult Learners

  success distance education learning on-line courses courses on-line education distance learning

• Distance Learning is Greener

  January 28, 2010

  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.

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  Lauren Fuino

  green distance learning

• Giving Distance Education Learning the Third Degree

  November 13, 2009

  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

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  Lauren Fuino

  learning education distance learning