The Redgate Read On Online Learning

A Journey Through Disruptive Technology

Shaun — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:04:53 +0000

The Growing Cultural Divide

Shaun — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:02:44 +0000

I ran across this recent article 2012031 that discusses the growing cultural divide in the United States. What is concerning is the growing “upper lower class.” This class is made up of people with only a high school degree and no additional training. They hold non-skilled jobs and have little hope of upward mobility. This new class will represent a fairly large part of the population in the coming decades.

Let’s be honest – many in this segment don’t have the means or resources to be successful in college. However, to improve their upward mobility, education, at some level, is critical. What interests me is the opportunity to provide engaging curriculum and training that will serve as a springboard for innovation, career enhancement, and personal enrichment.

You Know You Are An Online Learner When …

Shaun — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:35:00 +0000

I hope you get a chuckle out of this:

Do you have the silly traits of many distance learners? You know you’re an online student when…

You use smileys to communicate approval of your peers’ ideas.

Your teacher goes by his AIM screen name.

You believe that your college friends actually look like their avatar.

You wear your pajamas to the midterm.

You buy Visine in bulk from Costco to sooth your eyes after staring at the screen all day.

You have iTunes blaring when watching your professor’s lecture.

Your professor demonstrates her intense passion for a subject by typing IN ALL CAPS.

Your back is hunching from sitting slumped in a chair, not from carrying heavy books.

You’ve forgotten the difference between “surfing” and “researching.”

College social life consists of meeting in a chat room on a Friday night.

You live 500 miles away from your school and your commute to class is three feet from the bed to the computer.

The Power of a Law & Order Degree

Shaun — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:43:58 +0000

The worth of a degree is either its versatility or specificity. Criminal justice degrees combine both aspects. Graduates work in several professions while also specializing to advance further. Criminal justice is simply the study of practices and institutions that governments use to uphold the law, mitigating crime and punishing those who violate those laws. Online universities currently see a boom in enrollments for criminal justice programs, Due to the increased need for law enforcement, policymakers and corrections, online colleges have focused on making criminal justice degrees more accessible and affordable. Students value the convenience and variety of degrees taught online, even finishing programs in a shorter period to get started in a career in criminal justice faster. Those who work in criminal justice fields already take advantage of flexible schedule to advance or switch focuses to a new specialization.

Students in criminal justice programs learn the principles to rehabilitate as well as create policies to prevent criminal activity. For that reason, they are directly involved in the defense and protection of this country’s citizens. Students with a criminal justice degree go on to be state and government workers, though there are a variety of jobs in the private sector. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree online in less time and go on to work in areas that are experiencing a high need. Probation officers, correctional treatment specialists and social workers are expected to experience the most job growth according to U.S. Labor Bureau of Statistics. Each one of these fields is related to criminal justice, offering treatment and help to those who have violated the law.

Students who want to become detectives value that direct involvement in investigation and pursuit, but they can’t learn the principles behind criminal behavior without learning about criminal justice first. For other students, criminal justice programs are the key to getting a job as a detective, crime lab specialist, police officer or lawyer. While these professions require further training, and in some cases a specific degree or certificate, studying online takes years off the process. By earning a four-year degree in two years or less, students can easily transition into a law enforcement position.

In addition, there are a variety of jobs within criminal justice that offer incredible salaries. Probation officers can earn up to $80,000, while the median earnings of a police detective are an estimated $75,000 with the potential to make $114,000 if specialized. Those specializations in criminal justice are key in getting ahead. Certificates offered online can help with those specializations. For example, crime lab investigators can earn certificates in blood work, DNA analysis, and cleanup. By learning the specific procedures and techniques, students are better suited to work in the field.

Online schools offer a variety of degrees to the field, including forensic science and social work. Students benefit from being able to work in any criminal justice field that they find to be interesting. For that reason, and the ease of training, students prefer to work online, training to become leaders in law enforcement and rehabilitation. As the criminal justice system continues to grow and new laws allow for greater deterrents to crime, students learn advanced principles and theories that allow them to prevent abusive investigation and prosecution processes as well as uphold the law.

Speed Wins For Online Learning Initiatives

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:42:33 +0000

Recently, I met with officials from a university who had requested to talk with me regarding my experience in online education. The institution they represented was a fairly well respected state school that was located near two large metropolitan areas. It had also been dabbling in online programs for a number of years, first offering them within their community to adult learners and then expanding them regionally. Total enrollment numbers for their online programs were not significant.

What I found interesting about the conversation was that the three individuals I met with had been conducting “research” and visiting other schools for six years. That’s right — six years! What I tried to convey to them was that, in the ever expanding and evolving world of post-secondary online education, SPEED WINS.

Now I am not proposing that those of us in this space approach online learning, online initiatives, academic rigor and protocol, and online operations carelessly and recklessly. What I have found, however; is that there is a tendency to move too slowly and cautiously without respect to the dynamics of online learning. Some of this is caused by academic traditions while some can be attributed to a lack of understanding and respect for online learning as a whole.

Have you run up against this type of attitude? I bet you have. I see it almost every day.

So, within an academic institution, how does one promote the idea that in online learning “speed wins?” It’s not easy.

1. Your executive leadership needs to be engaged in the online initiatives of the school. This is especially true for the “brick and click” institutions. (If this is not the case, and you are a champion for online learning, you might as well find another place to showcase your talents.)

2. A brick and click institution needs to establish an academic hierarchy that is dedicated to online learning.

3. Researching and evaluating successful online programs and modeling their best practices are generally very helpful. Also, if you are serious about your online programs, no matter how large or small they are, call upon the “experts” in the industry to consult with you. It will definitely be worth the investment.

4. Focus on innovation and output.

A New Year’s Resolution

Shaun — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:15:13 +0000

Many of us will be traveling by car over the Christmas holiday to visit with family and friends. I see a direct analogy between the trips that many of us will take and an someone’s goal or new year’s resolution to go back to school, finish that degree, or learn that new skill.

No doubt that making the sacrifice to return to school, and possibly doing it online, is a significant goal. A goal like this needs to be broken down into multiple steps. It’s like the “road trip” over the holidays to visit family and friends. We just can’t just jump over cities and states. I have to pass to travel on highways and roads that traverse various towns, cities, and states.

Remember — it’s easy to say you are going back to school, it’s difficult to stick to it. Here are a few tips on how to “stick” to your resolution about going back to school :

1. Start with the basics — Why don’t you begin with something that is attainable like filling out an application or two, getting your previous transcripts evaluated, or filling out financial aid paperwork?

2. Give yourself a reward — Set specific milestones and, if you hit them, plan to give yourself some type of reward.

3. Let others know — Accountability is key!

4. Don’t give up — Set a plan and even if you stumble along the way don’t ever give up.

5. Enjoy the journey — What you are embarking on will make you better. Along the way, don’t forget to smile, have some fun, and enjoy what you are learning

Seventy Million Americans Feel Held Back By Their Past.

Shaun — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:01:53 +0000

I recently read a Barna Research Report that really resonated with me. It indicated, overall, 70 million Americans (31% of adults) feel “held back or defined by something in their past. This perception was most commonly expressed by younger adults, blacks, divorced adults, unmarried individuals, and those who have some college experience but never completed their degree. Those with a practicing faith were among the least likely to feel defined or held back by their past. Lower-income households were more likely than average (38%) to feel defined by their past, though 25% of higher-income households were also likely to share this perception.

Although not easy, each of us must deal with our past by proactively focusing on what has true meaning for us. If we are not fully engaged in finding what is meaningful, then we are destined to listen to the “noise” of our past.

Education For Free

Shaun — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:26:43 +0000

What would this world be like if everyone who wanted it had access to relevant education for free? In recent weeks, I have been looking closely at organizations like the Khan Academy and Alison.com that are doing just that. They are on a mission to change to education world as we know it.

With the great advances in technology, especially online, making educational content accessible, learnable, and scalable is no longer a wish. One of the last great barriers is financial.

Can you imagine what would happen to this country if if accredited and legitimate free education were available? Talk about a revolution in learning!

The Three Most Common Mistakes of the Online Student

Shaun — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:30:50 +0000

I have been in the distance and online education for twenty-five years – as a student, faculty member, and administrator. I have seen over the years, first-hand, numerous advances in technology, curriculum design, and student services. Many of these advances enhance student engagement, productivity, and success.
However, the more things change on one end, the more some things stay the same on the other. And, this is true with the online learner’s approach to online learning as a whole. Although there are all these additional resources and technologies, I have found that there is a thread of “common mistakes” that a percentage of online learners make on a consistent basis. Here are some of the most common mistakes that I have seen:

1. Not developing proper study routines for online coursework as if one was sitting in the classroom — online students must maintain disciplined schedules. Most online programs offer compressed terms of between 5 – 8 weeks so it is critical to set aside the necessary time to successfully complete the coursework and enjoy a positive learning experience.

2. Not communicating — online students must communicate with their instructors and fellow students. One of the advantages of online learning is the use of discussion boards, group activities and projects, and email correspondence. Online students should take full advantage of every possible interaction point.

3. Not having a goal in mind — one of the great interruptions to online learning that I see every day in the online classroom is life itself. Most online students are busy adults, working a full-time job, and raising a family. And you know what, there are times when life gets in the way — family sickness, added work responsibilities, and the infamous “computer problems.” That is why one of the common mistakes online students make is that they don’t see the big picture, the ultimate prize to their toil and hard work

Interested In Being A Life Coach?

Shaun — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:27:13 +0000

There’s a reason that the life coach is one of the country’s fastest-growing professions: it requires less formal education than most “helping professions,” yet is comparable—or better—paying. Forbes recently reported that 10% to 20% of all professional life coaches are now earning $100,000 or more annually. On average, fulltime life coaches earn approximately $85K per year, with part-time coaches earning $25K.

One particularly booming subgroup is Christian life coaching. That’s because many people who don’t need therapy or counseling are seeking the warm, guiding care of a Christian life coach to help them reach their life goals. It’s no surprise, then, that people are turning to this rewarding, life-affirming profession at a quickening pace.

The noted Licensed Professional Counselor Dwight Bain agrees: “Life coaching is the next big trend and will take your career to a new level of success by equipping you to make a positive difference in the lives of your clients.” Bain knows what he’s talking about. His clients include Disney, Toyota, AT&T, and the US Army—and he’s been featured in Investor’s Business Daily, the New York Times, FoxBusiness.com and MSNBC.com.

Today, one school is offering Christian-based certificate and diploma programs in life coaching. Light University Online has introduced several online Professional Life Coach certificate and diploma programs that allow people to learn empowering strategies that enable them to make powerful, lasting differences in the lives of their clients. Additionally, students achieve greater fulfillment—they reap more satisfaction because they are at the vanguard of emerging coaching trends taught by Christian coaching’s thought-leaders.

According to Bain there are several trends that ensure the demand for life coaches will continue to rise. For one, there is a demographic shift driving the rise of women and minorities—particularly Hispanics—in the US workplace; in government, education, churches, media, and major corporations. Also, the recent economic recession, corporate scandals, mortgage crisis, and banking meltdown have forged a new population of Americans who are eager to embrace positive change, and others who are just plain angry. Furthermore, our overreliance on technology is creating people who are lonelier, and disconnected. All of these groups represent millions of potential clients for today’s Christian life coach.

Since 1999, Light University has been a leading Christian institution for those passionate about biblical counseling, life coaching, and the helping professions. Light University Online is dedicated to providing academically-sound, clinically-strong, and decidedly Christian resources to empower people-helpers like you in their professional, ministerial, or caregiver roles.

In short, Light’s programs in life coaching equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to help those who are serious about transforming their life. Credentialing is also available through the Board of Christian Life Coaches (BCLC) for those who qualify. With the growing demand for life coaches—and the looming trends that are only going to increase this need—the time has never been better to look into a life coach education.

So if you’d like to take the next step in your professional career—and jump into the growing Christian life coach field—visit LightUOnline.com today to learn about our exciting Christian coaching program.