With nearly 3 million adults in the U.S. enrolled in fully online degree programs, eLearning researchers are gaining greater access to valuable insights on this growing demographic of students. A recent study from Inside Higher ED has revealed more about who these students are and what they prefer to study. The survey, which profiled 1,500 online students, confirmed that the majority of online learners are women, comprising 70 percent of total enrollments. Most students are in their mid-thirties at the time of enrollment, and nearly 80% of all online learners are employed while completing their studies.
The study brought good news for online business schools, revealing that one-third of all online students are enrolled in a business-related major. Degrees in management/administration, finance and accounting were most popular, with healthcare and social sciences ranking second.
The survey also confirmed the growing demand for professional certificate and licensure programs, with certificate students comprising 19 percent of all online enrollments. Current enrollments aside, nearly a quarter of all survey respondents stated they’d be interested in pursuing a non-degree program in the future. With affordable pricing and a reasonably short student turnover time, these “stackable” credential programs are becoming increasingly more appealing to employers opting to fund employee education. Designed to strengthen a specific competency or business method, these concentrated credentials offer high value without sacrificing work hours for study time.
As online learning companies look to the future, marketing strategists and product developers must adjust to serve the changing needs of this unique demographic of learners. With online students earning an average salary of $65,000 per year, distance learners can be expected to have access to a higher degree of technology, a factor that could potentially facilitate the creation of faster and more efficient digital learning materials. As for the gender gap in online learning, education providers must find a way to bridge this disparity and appeal to a broader population of potential learners.
If the idea of online education frightens you, you're not alone. For many people, the concept of earning a degree, completely online without ever reporting to a classroom, is hard to wrap their mind around. I completely understand which is why I am going to help you overcome any fears of signing up for distance nursing programs with The College Network.
First off, online doesn't mean alone. Our Academic Support department is committed to providing quality customer service, academic planning and support services for TCN customers. Academic Advisors are available to assist you with academic counseling and course analysis along with providing customer follow-up to ensure your satisfaction.
Academic Advisors are available 8:00a.m. to 11:00p.m EST Monday through Thursday and 8:00am to 9:00p.m. EST Fridays. You can reach an advisor by calling 1-800-634-1443, e-mail academics@collegenetwork.com, or you can chat live with someone via our website.
In addition to our Academic Support Department, our Online Resource Center is available to assist you throughout your program. Included in the resource center you will find the following:
Among the items listed above, you will also have access to The Center for Learning Empowerment - a site designed to teach people how to learn, and discussion forums where you can connect with other online learners for support.
So, fear not future online learners! You will have a plethora of support throughout your online degree program. Just remember, we at The College Network care as much about you being successful in your program as you do!
“I wanted to provide a strong foundation to pursue leadership positions,” Tammy Simon said of her decision to enroll in the Regis University Master of Science in Nursing degree program with help from The College Network™.
The flexibility of a self-paced online degree program is what made going back to school possible for Tammy. “I found it practical for me. Working full time and having a family made it difficult to travel. The College Network removed the time and travel barriers,” she explained.
Tammy doesn’t regret her choice to pursue her education through distance learning. “I feel this program is very comprehensive and allows the adult learner to perform at a level where he or she feels comfortable. In addition to easy class access, I didn’t need to wait for the next class. I think this is an excellent program. It is especially great for students living in rural areas with very little advanced degree opportunities within a close driving distance. I highly recommend The College Network,” she said.
The latest group of trainees, our last group to go through our "newbie" training program, hail from all over the United States...literally. This is exciting for us at The College Network because we know that people around the country will be able to learn about online nursing education programs through one of our new Program Advisors. New people in new areas, ready to help health care providers such as RNs and LPNs/LVNs navigate the sometimes confusing arena of distance nursing education options.
The beauty of the online programs that The College Network represents is that folks can access them without having to figure out how to work going to a "brick and mortar school" into an already busy life. The nursing education programs we talk to folks about each day are mostly asynchronous. This allows a flexibility not normally seen in traditional university programs.
But before you can decide if this kind of education is for you, you need the basics of the "whys" and "wherefores". That is what our Program Advisors do each day. They work with individuals looking to better their lives through education and help them make the determination if an online program will fit their life and aptitudes.
And as of this week, citizens from the islands of Hawaii, the pastoral scenery of Pennsylvania, the urban excitement of Chicago, the windswept coasts of North Carolina and the southern hospitality of north central Texas have someone new in their little corner of the world. Someone who is willing to talk to them about making their lives better through education. How exciting is that?
We are into another Training Week and another group of new trainees for The College Network Program Advisor ranks. This is another great group of people with boundless energy and excitement. They are motivated and drinking up all the information we have to give them. They are learning about online education, in general, and distance nursing programs, in particular, specifically those that The College Network provides information about to its clients.
One of the misnomers we dispel in Training is the fact that online education, when done right, is not "easy" nor is it "fast". Our partner universities don't provide a "Cliff's Notes" version of education. These leading educational institutions provide a comprehensive education in a more flexible environment. They allow people who can't make the dramatic changes that attending a "brick and mortar" school to access education. This may be the only way they might be able to access educational programs for thing like a BSN or MSN. It isn't easy and it isn't fast but it is an opportunity to go to school and earn a college degree.
I am currently reading a fun little book called "Twitterature" by Aciman and Rensin. It is a humorous look at what great literary works might look like as "tweets". For me it is another reminder of how we like our information fast and easy these days. While this is amusing and entertaining, it is not the way great literature is written, and for this I am glad. And, tweets, the abbreviated versions of complex thoughts, are not the way health care providers are educated though The College Network partner programs. They are not a shortened, paler version of education, they are the "real deal".
Since the Affordable Care Act was passed in March of this year there have already been several changes that have taken place. Last week I talked about changes that went into effect on September 23. Here is the list of changes that had already been made since the law was passed.
January 1, 2010: Providing Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credits. Up to 4 million small businesses are eligible for tax credits to help them provide insurance benefits to their workers. The first phase of this provision provides a credit worth up to 35% of the employer’s contribution to the employees’ health insurance. Small non-profit organizations may receive up to a 25% credit.
April 1, 2010: Allowing States to Cover More People on Medicaid. States will be able to receive federal matching funds for covering some additional low-income individuals and families under Medicaid for whom federal funds were not previously available. This will make it easier for states that choose to do so to cover more of their residents.
June, 2010: Relief for Four Million Seniors Who Hit the Medicare Prescription Drug "Donut Hole". An estimated 4 million seniors will reach the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage known as the “donut hole” this year. Each senior will receive a $250 rebate.
Effective Now: Cracking Down on Health Care Fraud. Current efforts to fight fraud have returned more than $2.5 billion to the Medicare Trust Fund in FY 2009 alone. The new law invests new resources and requires new screening procedures for health care providers to boost these efforts and reduce fraud and waste in Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.
June 1, 2010: Expanding Coverage for Early Retirees. Too often, Americans who retire without employer-sponsored insurance and before they are eligible for Medicare see their life savings disappear because of high rates in the individual market. To preserve employer coverage for early retirees until more affordable coverage is available through the new Exchanges by 2014, the new law creates a $5 billion program to provide needed financial help for employment-based plans to continue to provide valuable coverage to people who retire between the ages of 55 and 65, as well as their spouses and dependents. For more information on the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, visit www.ERRP.gov
July 1, 2010: Providing Access to Insurance for Uninsured Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions. A Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will provide new coverage options to individuals who have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition. States have the option of running this new program in their state. If a state chooses not to do so, a plan will be established by the Department of Health and Human Services in that state. This program serves as a bridge to 2014, when all discrimination against pre-existing conditions will be prohibited. Learn more about the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan.
July 1, 2010: Putting Information Online. The law provides for an easy-to-use website where consumers can compare health insurance coverage options and pick the coverage that works for them.
Keep following my blog to make sure you're kept informed of the changes!
Have you been considering going back to school, whether it be for a certificate or a degree? Let The College Network help you meet your goals! The College Network works to offer online degrees from leading universities. Our distance nursing degrees include MS in Nursing Management, LVN to BSN programs, Associate Degree in Nursing online, Online Paramedic to RN program, Bachelor of Nursing programs, RN to MSN Bridge Programs and more. Our certificate programs include: project management and PMP preparation courses, paralegal, lean six sigma green belt, hospitality, human resources and more.
This is the season for going back to school. You see witness to that with bus stops full of children and university parking lots filled with cars. Going to school is a part of the ritual, after you made sure that you had the right notebooks, right pencils and if you were lucky, the right clothes.
At The College Network, we are in the business of educating people about education. We are not a school (nor do we play one on TV). We are an educational service company and our website says it best, "Since 1992 The College Network and its partner universities have provided accessible educational programs for individuals seeking degrees or professional certificates, entirely through distance learning."
One of the things we educate our program advisors about, and they educate our customers about, is the flexibility of online education. Going to school, in the world of online education, is as easy as accessing the Internet. There are no parking problems or new shoes needed. As a matter of fact, "no shoes, no shirt, no service" does not even apply here!
For many of our new advisors, this is such a freeing concept! To know that they going to be able to let their clients know about the flexibility of on-line education is awe inspiring to some. They know they are helping folks go back to school who might not have been able to go any other way.
So, the next time you see a sign with a dress code suggestion, remember in online education, this concept is obsolete.
A big concern for adults looking into self-paced education and training is the lack of support. But, there's no need to worry when you choose distance learning through The College Network.
Every customer of The College Network receives personal academic support throughout our portion of the program. The College Network support is only a phone call, email, or even an online chat away whenever you need help in your studies.
The process starts with our "learning style survey" where you will find out more about your own, personal learning style. The College Network reviews your answers and an Academic Advisor will work with you to create a study plan and develop goals in your program.
As a customer, you will also have access to study tips, motivation techniques, testing information, customer success stories, and more on our customer support web site.
Just because you choose an online or distance learning program doesn't mean you have to be alone. Contact The College Network online for more information.
Online or distance learning is steadily gaining popularity among students, especially those over the age of 24. Online education gives these people the flexibility to continue working, or take care of their families while going back to school.
Adults are a huge part of the number of potential candidates for higher learning, and pursuing an online education makes it easier than ever for those adults to earn their degree. The great thing about an online education is that it doesn't limit adults to specific geographic locations or work schedules like traditional schools. Worrying about getting to class on time or not missing any important lectures are issues that distance learners no longer have to lose sleep over. Setting their own schedule and completing assignments at their own pace are just a few of the desirable traits of online learning that are causing adults to point and click their way to a degree.
Reach across demographics Distance education can reach a wide range of students who cannot attend a school that offers the education they want and deserve. Students can sit down at any computer, anywhere in the world, and earn the degree of their choice. Traditional schooling is limited in that aspect, especially in terms of adult learners. Families, full-time jobs, and jam packed schedules often lead to very little free time for adults to go back to school, especially if they must conform to traditional school schedules. With online classes, adults can make their own schedule. Online learning is the ultimate solution to providing education to all types of students.
New market opportunities Because online education is ideal for students outside the traditional demographic, schools are now gaining a whole new group of prospects. The research is clear; online learning is growing steadily, and has been for years. There is a new kind of learner out there, and schools are jumping on the opportunity to appeal to them. By providing online classes and degrees as well as the traditional kind, schools can now boast a well-rounded and complete educational experience. Marketing toward adult and distance learners means looking outside the usual aspects of schooling that attract traditional students. Campus activities and spacious dormitories will not be ideal for adults looking to further their education. Schools can look to flexible class times, advanced technology, and offering a variety of courses as a way to attract this demographic.
New technology and environments Technology today is all about making things faster and easier to use. Schools should strive to keep up with all the changing trends, and distance learning may just be the way to do that. Educational institutions may participate in distance education as a way to adapt to the constant changes in technology being used in education. Being able to offer alternative ways to give information besides face to face can be beneficial to schools looking to stay up to date with technology. Adult learners are not just looking for a way to fit education in their busy schedule, but a way to easily fit their education in. Busy adults are not going to want to deal with programs and online environments that frustrate them. Online education can offer many advantages to schools in terms of technology, especially if their website and troubleshooting staff are easily accessible. A recent study done by Educause Quarterly surveying instructors and administrators in post secondary institutions showed that 27 percent of respondents predicted that use of course management systems (CMSs) would increase drastically in the next five years. Those surveyed also said that other online tools such as video streaming, online testing and exam tools, and learning object libraries would find significantly greater use on campus during this time.
Distance Education Statistics As stated previously, studies done on distance learning are showcasing the growth of online education. These statistics are collected from the study Staying the Course: Online Education in the United States, conducted in 2008 and supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This study was based on responses from more than 2,500 colleges and universities.
Over 3.9 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2007 term; a 12 percent increase over the number reported the previous year.
The 12.9 percent growth rate for online enrollments far exceeds the 1.2 percent growth of the overall higher education student population.
Over twenty percent of all U.S. higher education students were taking at least one online course in the fall of 2007.
Since 1992 The College Network and its partner universities have provided accessible educational programs for individuals seeking degrees or professional certificates through self-paced education and training.
Programs are available from leading universities for associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s degrees and professional certificates. Areas of study include a variety of disciplines such as healthcare, nursing, business, criminal justice, fire science, human resources, project management, marketing, lean six sigma, legal studies and more.
Studying for exams and reading through the material can seem like an overwhelming task. And it can be a little frustrating when you find yourself stuck. We here at The College Network believe you can overcome the obstacles that get in your way, so we want to share these study tips to help you do just that.
“Don’t try to boil the ocean”
Trying to memorize all the reading material at once won’t do you any good. It will be too much information for you to remember come test day. By trying to cram all the text into your head at once, you are actually taking steps backwards in preparing for the test. Instead, tackle the material a little bit at a time. Work on chunks of the reading each day, making sure you get all the main points before moving onto the next part of the reading. The College Network's self-paced Comprehensive Learning Modules™ allow you to work your way through the material as quickly or as slowly as you like!
Find a style that works for you.
Just like everyone’s interests and personalities are different, so are their study habits. The trick is to find a style that fits your lifestyle and allows you to have success with your education. Do you do better studying throughout the day in little bursts? Or do you seem to remember the information better when you study at one certain time in the day, like after work? Can you listen to music or do you need complete silence? Is it better for you to read everything online, or do you prefer to print out your materials? All of these questions can help you put together a study system that benefits you the most. One person’s “study trick” may not work for another. So, find a way that feels comfortable for you, and stay faithful to it.
Limit distractions.
Most adult learners have jam packed schedules, so it’s understandable that you might be tempted to study and do something else at the same time. Multi-tasking is important, but when it comes to your studies, it is more important that you retain the information. It is ok to have music playing or perhaps the TV on low in the background, but getting rid of distractions while you read or do assignments will help you get out of your study time. Keep work matters separate. Arrange for someone to keep an eye on the kids for a little while. Find a place that is quiet and free of distractions. The more focused you are on your schoolwork, the more prepared you’ll feel come exam time.
Find a way to relate to the material.
You can do all the reading and memorizing in the world, but if you don’t find a way to remember all the information, it won’t do you any good. It is important that you find a way to relate to the material so you won’t have trouble remembering and applying it later. As you read through the main points of the chapters, find a way to link the ideas to something you can understand. Maybe writing out the definitions or creating mnemonic devices are methods that work best for you. If you have to memorize a list or a step by step process, make it into a story or a song, so you can easily have it in the back of your mind when you sit down to take the test.
Remember, every little bit counts.
Adult learners don’t have tons of time on their hands, but don’t let that discourage you from studying. Even if you have ten minutes to spare, that is enough to review some chapter material or catch up on some reading. Find time at lunch, on the bus, or waiting in line at the store to go over information. Even five minutes here and there will help in the long run. Just because you don’t have huge chunks of time to devote to studying, doesn’t mean that you should skip studying all together. Every little moment of learning counts in the long run!
Don’t get discouraged.
You didn’t get the exam score you wanted. You are still struggling with a piece of the lesson. You can’t find time to memorize definitions. It can be frustrating. But all of those roadblocks are not good enough reasons to give up. A lot of life changes are successful merely because the people making those changes believe they can do it. Don’t get down if you hit a snag. Just look past it to the end of that road…your degree! The more you believe in yourself, the faster you’ll get right back into your study schedule to do better next time! And remember, the Academic Support Team is there to help when you need them.
Find a buddy and keep each other motivated.
Think of your study buddy like a gym buddy. If one of you starts to lose steam or feels unmotivated, the other one can be there to pick them right back up. It also helps to have someone to go over the material with, as well as someone to test each other on the subject. The discussion boards are the perfect opportunity for you to meet other adult learners and even give and receive advice from each other. Having someone who is going through the same experience you are is a huge advantage. Not only do you have someone to talk to if you get frustrated, but having someone else reading the same information can give you a fresh perspective on the ideas presented. Also, finding a buddy who might be interested in the program could EARN you money! Click HERE for more information.
Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Earning your degree does not have to be a solo effort. The College Network has a team of advisors and specialists who are standing by to help in case you get stuck during your studies. (Live Chat, Email, Phone). We are accessible in more ways than one so you never have to feel alone during your educational journey.
Make yourself a study area.
The area where you study should be a comfortable, but quiet place. It can be your bedroom, a corner tucked away from the rest of the library, or even a favorite coffee place. Make sure there is plenty of light in your study area. Your area should be a place you look forward to going, and not a place you dread. If you make a comfortable and productive environment for yourself to study, you’ll find you’ll be able to get more work done.
The most important thing about keeping up with your studies is to remember to relax and believe in yourself! Have confidence in your abilities and the rest will fall into place.
Many Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) enjoy working in the fulfilling field of nursing yet find their career options limited due to their lack of higher education. These LPNs discover that attaining an Associate's Degree in Nursing in order to become a Registered Nurse (RN) opens up many doors to career advancement and greater earning potential.
Unfortunately, many LPNs are unable to further their education due to lack of time or lack of proximity to a college. But now, an Associate's Degree in Nursing is more accessible than ever. In fact, this degree is now offered online via distance learning through programs such as The College Network. This online degree program offers many advantages, including the ability of the nursing student to continue working while taking classes. It also provides a convenient option for students who do not live near a college or university.
The College Network offers a self-paced approach to learning. They provide Comprehensive Learning Modules that cover broad topics such as "Essentials of Nursing Care: Health Safety" and "Health Differences Across the Lifespan." Customers study these modules and complete college equivalency exams to earn credits.
The nursing student will enroll in Excelsior College and take the CPNE. After passing all required courses and clinicals, the nursing student will receive an Associate Degree in Nursing from Excelsior College. The final step to earning an RN license is taking and passing your state boards.
Career options and job security sky rocket. Registered Nurses are in high demand, and the degree holder will likely be able to choose from many appealing positions. Also significant, these nurses enjoy substantial salary gains, with RN salaries often increasing over those of LPNs by as much as $15,000.
So, nurses who are seeking to enjoy the benefits of greater job security and increased salary should check out flexible, affordable online nursing programs.
Distance education has been around for a long time but up until the late 1990’s there wasn’t enough technology or national awareness to support the industry that would soon become a worldwide phenomena known as online education.
Online education has become increasingly popular as more institutions and academic leaders from some of the best college programs around the world recognized the benefits and convenience it brought to a larger student population. For the past several years, online enrollments have been growing significantly faster than overall education and In fact, the number of online students more than doubled between 2002 and 2006!
In a study conducted by The Sloan Consortium they stated that nearly 3.5 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall semester of 2006, which was nearly a 10% increase from the prior year. They also showed that the 9.7% growth rate for online education far exceeded the growth rate in overall higher education of 1.5%.
Online education has not only modernized the way people learn but it has also made education accessible to a much larger segment of our population, i.e. the adult learner. Companies like The College Network, an e-learning & education provider focuses on the adult learner by offering a variety of professional certificate programs as well as online degrees from leading universities. The demand for education has never been higher especially for people who are looking to advance in their career, change careers, and/or enhance their overall employment opportunities in an effort to minimize their risk of being unemployed in economic downturns like the one we are coming out of now.
The College Network partners with leading universities to help adults advance their education through distance learning and online environments. Click Here for more information.
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We are into another Training Week and another group of new trainees for 
This is the season for going back to school. You see witness to that with bus stops full of children and university parking lots filled with cars. Going to school is a part of the ritual, after you made sure that you had the right notebooks, right pencils and if you were lucky, the right clothes. 
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