What is Your Learning Style

Metacognition. Just the word sounds complicated and involved. However, metacognition is not all that difficult—in fact, thinking about the way you think is something you probably do without even realizing it. More than likely, you give thought to the way you want to organize your thoughts and approach to a new project at the outset. You already know the best way you think and operate—it just may be buried in your subconscious.

Metacognition is not just important when you start a new project at work, it’s also extremely important when you decide to go back and earn an advanced degree. After you’ve taken the Learning Styles Survey, it’s important to think about the way you think and create a strategy that will enable you to learn and achieve your goals through a customized approach. No two people learn the exact same way, and as such, no two people will have the same cognitive strategy. Your strategy should be specific to you.

According to Snowman and Biehler, cognitive strategy is divided into two segments: learning strategy and learning tactics. The first step in considering cognitive strategy is to determine your learning strategy: what is your general plan to achieve your academic goal? Map out a plan for achieving that goal. Each plan you map out becomes an objective (i.e., “Complete Biology course in 14 weeks”). These objectives will build your learning strategy.

Once you’ve determined your learning strategy, you’ll want to determine learning tactics that will be useful for you next. These tactics are what you will use to accomplish each individual objective that works toward fulfilling your overall learning strategy. There are two types of tactics: memory-directed tactics and comprehension-directed tactics. Memory-directed tactics are the techniques you use to store and retrieve important information as you study. Comprehension-directed tactics are the techniques that help you understand what you are learning (check out a previous post for an example). There are very few people who can use just one tactic or the other—both tactics are often needed to achieve success.

Give thought to what you feel will best help guide you toward success as you build your cognitive strategy. Not sure what strategies and tactics are best for you? Do a little research, beginning in our Center for Learning Empowerment  and work from there!

Starting an online program can be daunting. Where to begin? You may be like me and find little things to “help” you prepare to embark on a major task. I find myself reorganizing my desk, moving pens and pencils and notebooks from one side of the desk to the other—after all, how could I even begin such a major undertaking with my pens on the wrong side of the desk? Then there is always Internet distractors—I’ll just check my email/Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn accounts and then I’ll get started, right?

If you know it’s time to leave the pens where they are and stop procrastinating on Facebook, here are some tips for the best ways to get started in your program with The College Network.

1. Log-in to the Resource Center™ and familiarize yourself with the way it is set up. Check out the Center for Learning Empowerment while you’re there. Be sure to take the Learning Styles Survey and discover the best methods to help you learn.
    
2. Set a schedule with goals. Decide when you’d like to take your first exam and work backward from there, setting small deadlines along the way to make sure you meet your target date. Setting a daily routine that includes even fifteen minutes of study can help you stay connected with what you are learning and ensure you don’t procrastinate.
    
3. Familiarize yourself with the layout of a learning module. Don't worry about studying right off; just click through a lesson to familiarize yourself with the format of the material.
    
4. Check out the printable resources section. You'll find the full text of the modules that you can print and take with you to study when you're away from a computer.
    
5. You might also want to take a peek at the exams and quizzes in the Resource Center that will test your knowledge once you're ready.

That wasn't too hard now was it? And since you're already logged in and more familiar with the material, why not go ahead and get started? Put a stop to procrastination and get started with that first lesson today. There's no time like the present!

Let’s face it—most of us have been out of school quite a long time. The prospect of returning to school can be exciting, and a bit scary. Especially if the last time you were in school you sat behind a desk and are now looking at your computer, wondering how it’s all going to work.  Well, don’t worry.  We’re here to help calm your nerves, help you get started and keep you motivated as you work through your online degree program.

Once you enroll in your degree program with help from The College Network—what's next? The steps below outline what you will experience and hopefully take some of the anxiety out of what you might be feeling.  Use this as your guide and you'll be well on your way to earning your degree.

Log in to Resource Center—This is your learning portal.  You will go to the online Resource Center to find your course materials, discussion boards where you can post questions to other students, the resource library and to online chat which you can use to converse with our academic support team when you have a question.

Find out your learning style—As adults, we learn differently than we did when we were younger. It's important to know if you are an auditory learner, a tactile learner or a visual learner. Our learning style survey will help you identify your unique learning style so you can study more effectively. 

Complete your Academic Guidance Call—Our customer support team will contact you to review your learning style so you understand more completely how to be successful in your studies.  You will also work with them to develop a study plan for your program and review all aspects of the resource center.  If you have any questions about working through your degree program, they will be able to guide you. 

Set a goal for taking your first exam— Having a specific date in mind will help to keep you on track and be motivated to succeed. With self paced education, it's easy to put other things ahead of studying. We want to make sure that you stay focused on your goal of earning your degree. After you pass your first exam, schedule the rest of your exams so that you have a calendar to work from. 

 Set a weekly study schedule—With our busy lives and work schedules, it can be hard to find the time to study. If you approach your study time like you would a part-time job with a set schedule, you will be able to commit to this time and make weekly progress toward your goal.

Create your support network--Use the Resource Center to find others in your area that are working through their program.  Or ask around at work to see if any of your colleagues are also pursuing their degree. It's also a good idea to include your family and friends in your pursuit of a degree so they will support your goal.  They can be your biggest motivators! 

So are you ready to get back to school?   We offer the support you need to get started and the motivation to keep you going.  Call us today at 800-395-1014 to learn more about our degree programs and our support team. 

 

Where is education headed in the next five years? From Education News, "A new report from the State Education Technology Directors Association is calling on schools to make plans to transition from traditional textbooks to digital texts in the next five years." It's hard to imagine, especially for those of us who grew up and were educated in an age when textbooks were a staple of classroom education, but the textbook is being phased out of the classroom. With the advent of the nook and the endless tablets being released by technology companies, publishers and consumers are finding it cheaper, and more convenient and efficient to bypass the bookstore altogther by downloading everything onto one device.

But what about those of us who prefer the textbook? The College Network doesn't believe in limiting learners to only one medium of learning, which is why you can access your learning material in many different ways: you can have the modules sent to you, you can access them in the online Resource Center, and you can access the printable resources in the online enviroment, viewing them in a file that you can print for your own personal use. Don't limit yourself to one style or format; earn an advanced degree with The College Network, at your own pace and in the medium that suits your style of learning.

I read an interesting blog on encouraging online learners to take responsibility for their own learning. It raises the question that with all the information and resources available to someone, what is the responsibility of the learner?  

This is your degree and ultimately, it's up to you to make sure that you do the work necessary to be successful.  Here are some ideas on how you can be.  

The following are behaviors that will help an online learner be successful in their program:

• Time management
• Know your learning style
• Organization skills
• Set measurable goals
• The drive to learn
• Motivation to succeed

Think about how you can manage your time better and study more effectively.  Challenge yourself to keep your motivation strong and be organized.  

Chances are if you're an adult learner pursuing your bachelor of science in nursing degree or other professional degree, you may also be working full-time and taking care of your family.  It's difficult to juggle school, work and family.  That is why you need to concentrate on measurable goals--commit to studying for one hour each day or take an exam every three months.  You can always schedule your exam and use that as a goal to work towards.  

You can be successful.  But you have to take responsibility for earning your degree.  The College Network can supply the resources you need to make it happen, but we can't supply the motivation and drive to achieve your goal of a degree.  Call us today at 800-634-1443 if you need to review your study plan or would like to schedule your next exam.  

Often many new and existing customers have questions regarding The College Network, their program, their purchase, and Academic Support. Below are some general Frequently Asked Questions about The College Network to better address any inquiries.

Q: Is The College Network a school?

A: No. The College Network is an educational services company which produces study materials designed to assist customers with preparing for challenge exams to earn college credit to apply towards a degree granting institution designated through The College Network or through a local program of their choosing. The College Network does not award degrees.

You can find a listing of all of our available programs online at www.collegenetwork.com.

Q: How long do I have to complete my degree program?

A:  The College Network does not limit or place deadlines on when customers can utilize their purchased Comprehensive Learning Modules. We understand that life happens. If it takes several years to complete your desired program, we are here to help! 

We recommend contacting the Customer Support Department (1-800-634-1443) if you have been away for awhile to assist with restarting your program.

Q: Can I apply the credit earned via challenge exam to a local college?

A: Yes. You can apply credits earned through challenge exams if the local college accepts challenge exam credit. You would want to contact the local institution for more details.

Q: How many times can I complete an exam?

A: Each testing body has its own requirements for the maximum amount of exam attempts it will allow a student to complete per subject. Also, each testing body has its own requirements for a minimum amount of time that must pass between exams. For further clarification, please review your Academic Guidance Planner or call Customer Support.

Q: How do I schedule an exam?

A: The scheduling process differs depending on the intended exam and whether or not the exam fees were included in your purchase. Please reference your Academic Guidance Planner for instructions or contact the Customer Support department for assistance.

Q: Who can assist me with my program?

A:  Customer Support! While The College Network promotes independent learning programs, customers are not alone with their studies! The Customer Support department has over 30 Academic Advisors available to assist with any questions pertaining to your program, your studies, scheduling an exam, motivation, or anything else you may need. All Academic Advisors hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a variety of specialties and have completed general education coursework similar to the content in our Comprehensive Learning Modules.

Q: What can Customer Support help me with?

A: A whole lot! The Customer Support department can answer questions pertaining to how to enroll with your degree granting institution, determining your learning style to help prepare you for your studies, provide Technical Support assistance for our online Resource Center, assist with scheduling exams, create a personalized study plan, answer content related questions, and provide overall support and motivation.

Q: What are the hours of the Customer Support department?

A: Academic Advisors are available seven days a week. The hours are Monday-Fridays 8:00am-11:00pm (EST) in addition to Saturdays and Sundays 9:00am-8:00pm (EST).

Q: How can I reach an Academic Advisor?

A: Academic Advisors can be reached via phone at 1-800-634-1443, email at academics@collegenetwork.com, and fax at 877-725-7811. We also have an online Live Web Chat feature through our online Resource Center which is available Monday-Friday 8:00am-6:00pm EST.

Q: Who do I contact about my monthly loan installment payment?

A:  Our Financial Services department can assist with any questions pertaining to your monthly payments, loan balance, term, or lender. They can be reached at 877-728-9410 on the following days and times:

Monday-Thursdays 9:00am-10:00pm (EST)

Fridays 9:00am-9:00pm (EST)

First three Saturdays of the month 10:00am-2:00pm (EST)

There may be many more questions that you have regarding The College Network, our Online Degree Programs, and your studies. Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Support at 1-800-634-1443 for assistance! 

Last month, ABC premiered ‘NY Med,’ an eight-part documentary series that explores the daily action on the ER floor at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. The series, directed by producer Terence Wrong, followed nurses and doctors over the course of 16 months, capturing their most touching and most tragic interactions with patients. The series has brought nursing to the forefront of the national television spotlight, and the nurses on the show couldn’t be happier. 

"The show could be one of the greatest public health campaigns, or it could be a great campaign for how rewarding and amazing a career as a professional nurse is," said the series’ Katie Duke, RN, BSN, CEN, CCRN in an interview with Nurse.com.  "It can touch so many people on different levels."

In Wrong’s typical style, the footage is raw and graphic, revealing everything from tumor removals to a “wide awake” neurosurgery. But the producer does his part to balance the series’ most dramatic moments with a good helping of lighthearted patient interaction. At times, the show is hard to stomach, but it’s that roughness that serves as just recognition for the men and women of the emergency room.

The show has received rave reviews from major media outlets (like this one from the LA Times), and many healthcare professionals have expressed their appreciation for the show's accurate depiction of the hospital workday. Nurses on the show hope that the series will do its part to make people appreciate the unique challenges of their work and inspire others to take interest in the nursing profession. You can watch several full episodes of the series here. 

Congratulations! By signing with The College Network for one of our online degree programs you have taken an important step in bettering yourself and your future. You’ve made the decision to work at your own pace, study on your own time, and control the way you learn best. But with any new endeavor we begin, there is fleeting thought of uncertainty or confusion, especially with “So how do I begin?” Allow me to assist!

Below is a general guide on how to begin your program so that you are on the path to success!

1. Read your Academic Guidance Planner (AGP): The Academic Guidance Planner contains useful information regarding your program, scheduling exams, enrollment information into your degree program, and other vital information. There is also a Learning Style Survey that you can complete to understand how you learn best! I like to refer to it as your silent best friend. You can locate the AGP on the Resource Center under Printable Resources.

2. Make sure you complete your Welcome/Guidance Call: When you sign with The College Network, you are provided a Guidance Call appointment which allows you the opportunity to speak with an Academic Advisor about your learning goals, available resources, and also complete a tour of our Online Resource Center. Even if you began your program months/years ago, please feel free to contact us to complete your Guidance Call!

3. Set a schedule: While all of the degree programs through The College Network are self-paced, it is still important to know what your availability will be like to study your Comprehensive Learning Modules so you have a plan of action.

4. Gather your materials: While you will study your Comprehensive Learning modules online on the Resource Center, many learners choose to print materials or take notes. Gathering any necessary tools like highlighters, pens, notebooks, or note cards ahead of time will ensure that you won’t lose precious study moments!

5. Log in to the Online Resource Center: All of your materials as well as additional study resources will be able to you online. All customers receive a log in user name and password shortly after signing with The College Network. Take the time to look through all the information online and gain familiarity with the site. As always, you can contact Customer Support for Assistance.

6. Begin reading: As a new customer you would have been provided access to your first module immediately. Begin with chapter one and take notes of important information and important vocabulary terms. After each chapter you will have access to end of chapter study questions and chapter quizzes to assess your learning before moving forward.

And remember, The Customer Support department cares about your success. We’re only a phone call (1-800-634-1443), email (academics@collegenetwork.com), or online chat away for assistance. 

It's been a hard road, but you are finally ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam.  It's your last step before earning your RN license.  Does the exam strike fear in your heart?  Make your palms get sweaty?  It doesn't have to.  The College Network offers support that will help you be as prepared as possible for the exam.  

The RX for NCLEX Success Preparation Package will  provide you with everything you need to pass the exam.  This is the only preparation tool that has been developed with the National League for Nursing

There is an online Question Review Bank that features over 4,200 exam-style practice questions that will give you a better understanding into what types of questions will be on the exam.  You can personalize  your sessions using the exam simulation mode, study mode and custom-setting mode.  

You will also receive access to other online resources which include an exam preparation handbook that will guide you step-by-step through the process.  If you purchase the RX for NCLEX success review package and need to take the NCLEX-RN more than once, we will provide with free access for an additional 60 days.

So, let us help you calm your exam fears by making sure you're as prepared as possible  Call us at 800-496-9452 to learn more.  

Henry Ford was famous for stating about color variety in the cars he was manufacturing, "You can have any color as long as it's black." That was turn of the century 1900, but now in 2012 it's a different story. If you've ever bought a new car, you look for one with the features you want and need. If the dealer doesn't have the car you're looking for, they'll usually tell you they can get whatever car with whatever features you want or you can choose to go to another dealer. What's even better now is that you can search for the exact make and model you want and submit an offer all from the convenience of home. 

How would it sound today if someone told you that you could have your education any way you wanted it as long as you went to class, followed the syllabus, and did it according to the teacher's schedule? It would be completely ridiculous in this day and age to think that there is only one way to earn a higher degree. The good news is that The College Network agrees with you and is interested in providing an education that comes in more than one color.

If you're looking for a higher degree provided by experts that understand different types of learning styles, visit TCN's web site to learn more.

What if you could travel in time? According to Einstein and his special theory of relativity, it's impossible to travel backwards through time - a conundrum for alternative history lovers but a relief for historians. So if we oblige Einstein and stick to future time travel, would you want to see your future? Everything that you had spent the years working for, the events that shaped your existence, where you lived, your career, etc. are all visible to you. 

Now this is a theoretical situation, but if you could base your future on where you are right now, at this very moment - take a minute and think about yourself 10 years from now based on your current situation. Is it a satisfying thought? If no, why? Something about your current situation is not meeting your existing needs and that, in turn, creates an unsatisfying dream of the future. 

The great thing about hypothesizing is that there is no right or wrong, so you can take a situation and figure out how/if it would work differently. So let's assume that you're unsatisfied with your level of education, i.e., 10 years from now you want to be more educated and have an advanced degree on your resume. If you work and have many obligations, like most people do, it may seem inconvenient and improbable to achieve such a goal, but it doesn't have to be. 

With The College Network's online Resource Center and newly developed Lesson Plans, earning an advanced degree has never been more affordable or convenient. TCN recognizes the different types of learning styles and will speak with any one interested in pursuing higher education. "All choices take you somewhere; bold choices take you where you're supposed to be." Make the bold decision for your future and visit our web site to learn more.

I was (and proudly still am) a huge nerd growing up. I loved to read anything I could get my hands on that was remotely fascinating. During my sophomore year of high school, I became obsessed with education and learning as I set my sights on teaching. I stumbled upon Howard Gardner’s book, Multiple Intelligences and became enthralled with his theories. I always knew that I was intelligent in some areas more than others (Do not ever ask me for math help, your third grader could help you more than me!) and I liked how Gardner explained and recognized this theory.  Below is a synopsis of his theories and applicable study tips to help you with your program from The College Network:

Word Smart (Linguistic intelligence) – Word smart people are good with words, letters, and phrases. They enjoy activities such as reading, playing scrabble or other word games, and having discussions. If you’re word smart, these study strategies can help:

• make flashcards
• take extensive notes
• keep a journal of what you learn

Number Smart (logical-mathematical intelligence) - Number smart people are good with numbers, equations, and logic. They enjoy coming up with solutions to logical problems and figuring things out. If you’re number smart, give these strategies a try:

• make your notes into numeric charts and graphs
• use the Roman numeral style of outlining
• put information you receive into categories and classifications that you create

Picture Smart (spatial intelligence) – Picture smart people are good with art and design. They enjoy being creative, watching movies, and visiting art museums. Picture smart people can benefit from these study tips:

• sketch pictures that go along with your notes or in the margins of your textbooks
• draw a picture on a flashcard for each concept or vocabulary word you study
• use charts and graphic organizers to keep track of what you learn

Body Smart (Kinesthetic intelligence) – Body smart people work well with their hands. They enjoy physical activity such as exercise, sports, and outdoor work. These study strategies can help body smart people be successful:

• act out or imagine the concepts you need to remember
• look for real-life examples that demonstrate what you’re learning about
• search for manipulatives, such as computer programs, that can help you master material

Music Smart (Musical intelligence) – Music smart people are good with rhythms and beats. They enjoy listening to music, attending concerts, and creating songs. If you’re music smart, these activities can help you study:

• create a song or rhyme that will help you remember a concept
• listen to classical music while you study
• remember vocabulary words by linking them to similar-sounding words in your mind

People Smart (Interpersonal intelligence) – Those who are people smart are good with relating to people. They enjoy going to parties, visiting with friends, and sharing what they learn. People smart students should give these strategies a try:

• discuss what you learn with a friend or family member
• have someone quiz you before an exam
• create or join a study group

Self Smart (Intrapersonal intelligence) – Self smart people are comfortable with themselves. They enjoy being alone to think and reflect. If you’re self smart, try these tips:

• keep a personal journal about what you’re learning
• find a place to study where you won’t be interrupted
• keep yourself involved in assignments by individualizing each project

Have you ever had an inkling or thought that you SHOULD do something?

In the words of Jiminy Cricket, a famous Walt Disney character, "Always let your conscience be your guide".

If you are considering going back to school for advanced nursing education, it might be time to listen to yourself. Earning a degree will not be easy, but it may be necessary to achieve your career goals. The College Network has made its mission to help working nurses through self-paced education and training. 

Research The College Network and hear what customers are saying about their experience at: www.youtube.com/thecollegenetwork. 

If you are already a customer completing a top online nursing program with help from The College Network, we're here for you. Our dedicated Academic Support team can help you develop a study plan based on your unique learning style, and our online Resource Center is packed with valuable tools that can make independent study fun and effective too. We know you can do this, and we'll support you throughout your TCN experience. 

You have to do what is right for you. Stop putting off the opportunity to earn your degree. You control your future when it comes to gaining advanced education that will provide endless opportunities and potential pay raises. Make the commitment to listen to your conscience and continue taking the necessary steps toward your goals. 

It's not every day when you can relate one of your favorite childhood (who am I kidding - current) games to furthering your education, but today I'd like to use the series of Mario Kart games to show you that completing your education is as easy as navigating a track named Rainbow Road.

At The College Network, our goal is to allow customers to complete distance nursing programs within the confines of their own goals and abilities. This is very much like choosing your own character/driver in the Mario Kart games.  Some characters like Mario and Luigi are well rounded - they have good speed, good acceleration, and good steering. Customers with these attributes can study in many different ways and at a steady pace to complete their program of choice with our Comprehensive Learning Modules.  Others are like Donkey Kong or Bowser, where they may start slow, but have a great high-end top speed.  Some customers are like this as well, where they have trouble starting, but once they do, they are able to knock their courses out very quickly.  Another way to study would be to do things in quick short bursts - much like the high acceleration of Princess Peach or Yoshi.  And some folks really like to control their own destiny, and keep things very orderly, consistent, and take the most efficient way around the track to finish their program or race, much like Toad or Koopa Troopa.  

Any way you look at it, all of the previous methods can work.  You just have to choose the right path for yourself and know your strengths and weaknesses.  At The College Network, we offer our Academic Guidance Planner and Academic Support Team to help you set goals, find out what learning style is best for you, and give you study tips on how best to be an independent learner.  Basically, we fit your Mario Kart driving style to your perfect Kart and character that drives it!

In my next post, I'll look at how the The College Network helps you navigate your program by using all the extras and resources that come with this type of program.  Watch out for that banana peel!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Did you know that as an adult learner, the way you learn is completely different from how it was when you were younger?  If you are like me, you never thought about it before--but it makes sense. When you are in grade school, you are led by the adults around you, will most likely accept information without questioning it and are more subject-oriented.

Dr. Malcolm Knowles developed the concept of andragogy to describe adult learning styles specific to adults.  Adults are more results oriented, self-directed and usually prefer to try out new information before accepting it. They also seek out education that relates or applies specifically to their needs--that is timely and appropriate for their current lives.

At The College Network, we help adult learners find what educational needs they have and help them reach their goals by earning an online degree from leading universities. But, you as the adult learner have to take ownership of your program and know that it is going to be your responsibility to move through your program.  Self-paced and self-directed means that we can be here when you need motivation, need help with a module or have a question about your degree; but you have to be the one that is studying. 

And we also know that as an adult learner, you most likely have a job where you work 35 or more hours a week and a family. We understand that it is going to be a big commitment to earn your degree.  But, you can do it. We have the tools that you need to be successful, including a learning styles assessment that will further help you know the best way for you to understand material as you study.

So, become an adult learner!  Call us at 800-39-LEARN. 

 

Even if you aren't a basketball fan, you probably still hear about March Madness. I am a fan of college basketball and always root for my alma mater--Indiana University. 

It seems that everyone is focused on the tournament.  I saw a news feature on ESPN where the president was filling out his bracket.  And, the whole office is talking about the games last night and how they impacted their bracket. It makes it a bit difficult to focus.

When I have difficulty focusing, there are two methods that I use that are successful for me. One, is that I get up and take a short break.  I may walk to the kitchen to get some water or stretch my legs and then when I sit back down, I am ready to get back to work.  The other is that I put on my iPod with my music on low. It helps to drown out the noise around me so I can focus on what I need to get done.

A lot of you pursuing online degrees are studying whenever and wherever you can find time. I know it can be hard to drown out what is going on around you and focus on your College Network courses.  You have to find the method that works best for you.  Once you know your learning style, you can use those tips to further help you focus when you sit down to study.

Self paced education is a great way to earn your degree. But, you have to be able to focus when you need to and not let outside elements distract you from what needs to be done.  Don't let March Madness or anything else take you away from your time to study.  And, if you need help ask for it. Give us a call at The College Network (800) 39-LEARN and we can help you with a study plan, ideas to focus or help you stay motivated.

 

 

If someone asked you if you knew how to study, what would your answer be?

For me it would depend on when that question was asked. Prior to college, I would have responded yes. It wasn't until I entered college that I realized I never learned how to study. For some reason, I was able to coast through my secondary education without having to truly study. I enjoyed writing papers, and participating in debates, but few classes really required “study time.”

Like any college freshman, I struggled initially with my studies. I figured that college would be a mere more aggressive high school experience, and I would fly through it as long as I showed for class and did what was expected. I was completely wrong. Trying to balance an 18-hour course load with multiple literature courses, plus a science, math, and philosophy course proved too much and I fell quickly behind. I was failing my science and math courses almost immediately because I couldn’t retain the information properly. It was then that I realized that I didn’t know how to study effectively and many students do not know how to effectively study. I was a good student in the transition scope that I had excellent attendance and test scores, but I really wasn’t absorbing or retaining the information. Luckily I had a great roommate who was able to teach me some great strategies and help me organize my information so that I could overcome my studying obstacles.

I was reminded of this scenario while speaking with a current Associate in Nursing customer who is also realizing that what had worked previously in high school, LPN school, and other college courses, wasn’t working for her now. I had to ensure her that she can be successful, but she has to be flexible and open to new learning experiences. After discussing her schedule and her learning style, we worked out a game plan that will not only incorporate study strategies she was used to doing, but new strategies that should help her overcome her current obstacle with memorization.

Learning is an independent process in itself regardless of the path one takes to achieving a certification or degree. Each of us is responsible for our own learning. However, one of the great aspects of starting a program with The College Network is our Academic Support team. We’ve all complete a college program and know how hard it can be to overcome obstacles. Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to who’s been there to point you in the right direction. 

Many of you have heard of the Ironman competition.  It consists of a 3 part test of endurance, competition, and will power.  The 3 legs of the Ironman competition, consisting of a swim, bike ride, and marathon made me think of how the LPN/Paramedic to BS in Nursing through The College Network and Indiana State University is its own test of endurance and will power.

Below is a recap of how the Online LPN to BS in Nursing works, and its Ironman equivalent.

Phase I – The College Network (Ironman Equivalent = 2.4 Mile Swim)

•  Study The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules and complete end-of-course equivalency exams to earn credit for your prerequisite and nursing courses (link to program brochure)
•  Experience learning entirely online in our Online Resource Center (link to the ORC demo) which is designed to uniquely compliment various learning styles
• Work at your own pace  (If you can commit to studying an average of one hour per day, you can expect to test out of a course once every 3-6 weeks)
•  Succeed with The College Network. We guarantee you will pass each exam and offer academic support via phone, email, and online chat 5 days a week
•  Take your exams online from the comfort of your home.

Phase II – Complete 4 Customized Study Modules (Ironman Equivalent = 112 Mile Bike Ride)

• Apply and enroll into Indiana State University
• Study the 4 College Network Customized Study Modules (CSMs) to test out of those 4 courses
• Take and pass your 4 CSM Exams Online Directly Through Indiana State

Phase III – Indiana State University and Clinicals (Ironman Equivalent = 26.2 Mile Run (aka a marathon)

• Apply to the Indiana State Nursing School
• Complete 12 remaining nursing courses through Indiana State online
• All remaining courses are online, asynchronous, and based on 16 week semesters with summers off
• Complete your clinical hours with a preceptor at a local facility
• Graduate with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana State University
  • Average completion time for your BSN degree is 3-5 years (Phases I and II are self-paced, whereas Phase III is not)
• Prepare for your state RN boards with The College Network “Rx for NCLEX Success” (link to more info) developed in partnership with the National League for Nursing
• Become an RN and earn up to $20,000 more annually!

So what are you waiting for?  Would you rather compete in the Ironman competition, or get going on your online nursing degree?  Either way, let me know, and I'll be happy to help you get started (at least on the nursing program)!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

What is your idea of support?  There are times in our lives when we need more and times when we are called upon to give more.  Support means something different to everyone.  At The College Network there are many support options available to you.

"Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled time!"  And so takes off the true life turned Disney movie favorite Jamaican Bobsled Team.  This inspiring story has stuck with me since I saw the movie Cool Runnings many years ago in the movie theater, and all those times I've watched it since.  This story parallels your journey and my journey in the continuing education process with The College Network - and here's how:  Follow your dreams and goals, work hard, and always be yourself.

Follow your dreams.  Sounds very simple, but people, myself included, let things deter them from accomplishing things they want and need to do.  The Jamaican Bobsled team had a goal of making it to the Winter Olympic Games.  What is your goal?  Are you looking for a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt?  An Associates Degree in Nursing Online?  To be an RN?  Whatever your goal may be, The College Network can help you accomplish that through education with online and asynchronous certificate and degree programs.

Work hard.  Following your dreams and goals is the first step to enhancing your life and career.  But to accomplish that/those goals you must work hard to achieve them.  Our programs, such as the Certificate of Project Management from Boston University Corporate Education Center or LPN to RN online programs, are not for people who aren't committed or are willing to work hard.  The rewards are astronomical, but you have to put in the work to achieve them.

Be yourself.  The thing that really resonates with me from Cool Runnings is how much better the guys do once they incorporate their own style into their craft.  The quote at the beginning really shows that in order to be successful in anything, always cater to your strengths.  If you work best by locking yourself in a room to study, do that.  If you can study while watching TV, do that.  If your style is to hang upside from a tree in the park, by all means do that.  It's no secret that people learn in different ways, and with our academic support department with our degree programs and your live instructors with the certificate programs, everyone can learn on their own time and in their own style.  I think this is the most beneficial and unique thing about The College Network, and being yourself, working hard and following your dreams can lead to great results.

If you have any questions about any of our programs at The College Network, please contact me at 317-569-4734 or kburton@collegenetwork.com.