It’s an interesting enough question – don’t you think? I know the kids love having three months off in the summer to vacation and enjoy the beautiful weather (and I don’t think the teachers mind too much, either!), but maybe it’s time for a change.
The actual purpose for “summer vacation” stems back to times when children were needed to help tend the farm and get everything ready for the fall harvest. Back then, they may have preferred to stay in school! It’s funny to me how much has changed over the centuries and yet the school’s calendar year has not budged. There is such an emphasis on education and “competing” with other countries one would think that adjusting the school year would be a simple and relatively easy fix. Perhaps modeling an educational system after those found in other countries would help our country gain a competitive edge.
Beyond high school, we’re seeing more and more of the accelerated programs where there are a couple weeks off between semesters – mostly in online colleges and universities. And we’re starting to see online high schools pop up more and more, giving the student the ability to work at their own personal level and at their own pace.
What are your thoughts? Do you think the traditional September-June school year should be rethought?
For the month of June, we’re challenging our students and graduates to create their best and most inspiring prints for display in the halls of Penn Foster’s headquarters! If you’re interested in submitting your own print, click here for more information.
In additional to the challenge, we’ve released a NEW online form for our graduates to submit their testimonials. It’s not EVEN EASIER to share your personal story with us … we can’t wait to hear from all of our grads!! To view the new online form, click here: Testimonial Form
Younger students tend to be more familiar with the technology used in online instruction, but that doesn't mean they're more successful in virtual courses.
In a recent Inside Higher Ed article (http://www.insidehighered.com/advice/instant_mentor/weir7), online teacher Rob Weir argues that older students make better online learners:
"Younger students love the idea of online courses, but they are often the worst students -- despite their greater facility with technology. Yahoo! runs ads for 'Why online college is rocking,' and that’s part of the problem. Online education is being sold as if it’s for everyone, when those finding real success are those who are self-motivated, highly organized, and in possession of well-developed study habits?...Younger students approach online classes as if they’re just another 'cool' thing to do on the Web. Be prepared to badger them if you want them to get through your course."
Students with experience meeting deadlines are certainly at an advantage. But, I'd argue that most young students are beyond enrolling in a program because they think it's 'cool.'
Do you think age is a determinant in online learning success? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
To view Jamie’s article on About.com – click here (http://distancelearn.about.com/b/2009/05/18/are-older-students-better-at-learning-online.htm)
Graduating from an online university can be surprisingly depressing. You’ve worked hard, done well in your classes, and have truly earned your degree. But, without the traditional cap-throwing, gown-wearing, sappy music-playing graduation ceremony, finishing coursework can sometimes feel anticlimactic. But, don’t let that get you down. Many online graduates find their own way to celebrate. You may want to give one of these unique celebrations a try:
1. Throw your own ceremony or party. If you can’t attend a traditional ceremony, why not throw your own? Choose a theme, send out invitations, and celebrate your accomplishments with your best friends. Be sure to have your diploma on the wall to show interested guests. Then, spend the evening with upbeat music, good food, and interesting conversation.
2. Take a trip. Chances are that you’ve put off some of your vacationing desires in order to finish your educational commitments. But, now that you’re finished with school, take some time to do what you’ve always wanted. Whether it’s a cruise of the world, a vacation to Maui, or a weekend at a local bed and breakfast, you deserve it.
3. Splurge on a career related activity. Did you pass up going to an amazing business conference, becoming a member of an elite art museum, or subscribing to a career journal because you needed the money and time for your schooling? If so, now is your chance to celebrate by ordering tickets, planning your trip, or signing up. Not only will you enjoy it, but it may provide unexpected opportunities to progress in your field of work.
4. Renovate your study. Since you’ve finished with the late nights on the computer and the “Stay Out” signs on the door, why not redecorate the room (or corner) you’ve always used to study. If you have a big space, consider turning it into a parlor for entertaining, a home theater, a game room, or home spa. Or, if you made your homework habitat in a little corner of the house, consider redecorating it with artwork, famous quotes, or posters to inspire you in your career.
5. Give Back. You’ve had amazing opportunities and your new degree promises to bring even more chances for exciting experiences. Now, consider finding a way to give back to your community. Think about volunteering at a local school, dishing out at a soup kitchen, tutoring students at the library, or reading at a neighborhood senior center. Sponsor an orphan in India or become a member of a civil rights group. Whatever you choose, giving back is sure to have real results that bring personal satisfaction.
To view Jamie’s article on About.com – click here (http://distancelearn.about.com/od/usingyourdegree/a/uniquegrads.htm?nl=1)
Unemployment and layoffs are enough to paralyze those with few options available in today’s workforce. However, just as every cloud has a silver lining, many are accepting job-loss as an opportunity to move on to more fulfilling and secure careers.
Aware of the current demand for retraining programs, many colleges are offering programs aimed specifically for those stuck in positions of uncertainty within their current jobs that are looking to settle into a more hopeful career path. At the same time, many of those looking for new careers are able to finally get the training necessary to pursue their dream jobs; courses like graphic design and photography are incredibly popular. Colleges are making these programs even more accessible by adding business and technology-based courses into their listings to help make careers in these fields more attainable. While many of those in the process of changing careers are aware that they may not be able to earn as high of a paycheck, the promise of job-security and opportunity for advancement make the initial pay-cut worth it.
Due to the economic downtown, many schools are offering refresher courses in basic math, reading, and computer skills for those who have been out of school for years. Distance learning programs have also been catering to those looking to choose a new career path which gives many the option to work at their own pace and on their own time without having to worry about the struggles associated with attending classes at a traditional “brick-and-mortar” institution.
Going back to school is easier than ever, so why not take the opportunity to break into a career you’ve always wanted while feeling secure in that career at the same time?
Now, I pose this question to our readers – have you found your silver lining? If you’ve lost your job or have been laid-off … did changing careers/going back to school become higher on your to-do list?