Archive for July, 2008

How Hard Is it To Get an Online Foreign Language Degree?

Reader’s Question:

I want to learn a foreign language but will online learning make me fluent and cover the complexity of the language?

Diane

Bloomington, MN

I don’t like the idea of learning a language only from an online lesson or a single book. I think if you want to cover up the entire complexity of the language, then you need to do so from several and through various methods. This will also add up some diversity to your language learning process and take the boredom and frustration away.

Aside from free language lessons online, you can try playing educational games. These games are always fun, despite your age. Another way to improve vocabulary and memorize words is through the use of flashcards. Translated texts can also prove to be very useful, because you can see how grammar rules differ from your native language to the ones you’re learning at the moment. If possible, try visiting the country where the language you’re trying to learn is the native language. Even a week stay there will do wonders to your foreign language skills.

Most importantly, try to keep practicing if you want to be able to use it in the future. Or else, it will simply fade away.

Overcoming Stress Caused by Online College Degree Programs?

Reader’s Question:

I am a single parent and I took online degree to finish my Bachelor’s degree. I still have time to look after my son but I get so frazzled with the work load. How can I overcome the stress?

Carol

Burnsville, MN

Your stress is caused by a variety of factors, including the often heavier-than-normal workload, as many online courses are compressed to enable a faster completion time.

One way to minimize stress is to make sure that your computer is in good working order. A lot online students have experienced a computer breakdown or malfunction the day of a final exam, or when a project is due. Installing anti-virus software like Norton to weed out viruses that may disrupt the speed of your computer is important. You should also upgrade your memory if your computer is older than three years.

Along with your computer, your own physical conditional is of course very important. Unhealthy eating habits and lack of sleep can also cause your system to break down when it is put under stress.

Remember, as a distant learner, the purpose is to have fun and enjoy your learning experience and complete coursework at your own pace. So always make sure you have adequate breaks in between your study sessions to talk on the phone, mingle with your family, grab a snack, or even read something humorous and unrelated to your course.

Free College Classes or Taking an Online Degree Program?

Reader’s Question:

Hi, I have studied liberal arts at a university here in Camden, New Jersey but I stopped two years ago and started working. I never got to choose a major and I would like to do it online. Can you give me some advice?  I was really hoping to find free college classes, but I guess I am just dreaming :)

Lidia

Camden, NJ

You’re in luck, Lidia, because liberal arts based programs are the most popular. It’s one of the online degree programs which offers students the chance to take several subjects per semester in a wide variety of course work.

The question is have you decided on what program is right for you? If you haven’t, there are a lot of websites and review resources that can give you information on which program will suit your needs. If you have a definite interest when it comes to programs for online degree, there should be a school out there for you.

Another thing you should take into consideration in choosing an online degree is financial aid. A lot people are unaware that last year, a landmark federal law was passed allowing online universities to grant financial aid to students who don’t have a physical campus present. What makes this law significant is that you should now have your choice of school, with a financial aid package that is as competitive as a physical university.

Then, once you have found the online degree program that you’d like to pursue, it’s time to apply, and start with enrollment. This means that you will have to fill out some sort of application, and probably have transcripts forwarded to the required location. You MIGHT be able to get your employer to pay for your college classes, so in a sense you are not really dreaming. My employer paid half of my college class tuition. :)

Where Can I Find Information On Accounting Degrees Online?

Reader’s Question:

I would like to know if there is such thing as online accounting degree? I am planning to pursue one. Would you know if this is a good career choice? I would like to know what kind of employers would hire me if I have an accounting degree.

Francis

Tampa, FL

Hello there, Francis.

People who have accounting degree will have very diverse industries to choose from as most companies and businesses would need an accountant to make sure finances run smoothly.

Yes, you may be able to get accounting degree online if you just spend ample research time. This way, you will be able to exhaust all the necessary information about the existing schools that offer accounting degree online and get to compare their fees and programs.

Holders of accounting degree will be able to enjoy employment opportunities in appraisal and brokerage firms, accounting firms, non government organizations, not-for-profit organizations, retail stores, banks, and almost all business establishments.

You can earn your accounting degree online from accredited universities which offer associate, bachelor, and master degrees as well as accounting certificates for entry level accounting program. In the long run, you can also consider taking a Certified Public Accountants (CPA) course which will lead you to enjoy a very in-demand career path in the future. You can also earn degrees in finance, financial planning, or financial management online.

You may start shopping online for accredited universities. Most schools now expand their curriculum to include budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting, and limited legal services.