General Knowledge – These apps teach and tell about the world around us. You can learn different things at your own pace and bolster your online learning experience.
• Google Earth – For online graduates in social sciences with a particular interest in geography, Google Earth offers a wealth of information. You get an understanding of terrain, roads, and borders; you can view political maps; find out about particular businesses in a region; and do much more. It is an invaluable tool that can be of great help when working on educational projects.

• iPresident – Students of history, civics, and political science can gain a lot from this application. Find out information on subjects such as a president’s political affiliation, his time in office, important dates in his life and career, educational qualification, even his salary.
• ScienceFacts – This one is for the benefit of all, but particularly medical students, nurses, physics, biology, and chemistry graduates. As the name suggests this application is a mine of information on all things science-related. Lots of helpful stuff and juicy tidbits to complement what you learn online.

Literature – If you’re a student of literature or studying arts online, there are some very good iPhone apps out there which serve as excellent references for you. If you have these apps on your iPhone, you can study and learn on the move and cut down on your visits to the local library or online reference sources.
• Aristotle’s Complete Works – An awesome application that carries all the works of Aristotle that have survived for thousands of years. Read Aristotle to understand how Western thought evolved. What we read about and learn today in subjects as diverse as science and literature springs from the thoughts of great Greek thinkers and Aristotle was right up there with the best of them.
• VocabDaily –A great tool that lets you expand your vocabulary. Learn new words; look up the meaning of arcane, archaic, prolix words to improve your epistolary skills. You can even save words conveniently. Not only this, you can also listen to the pronunciations and definitions.
• BookShelf – If you’re fond of reading and don’t wish to carry books and notes with you then this application is just the right one for your needs. Read on the go. Turn your iPhone into an e-book reader. There are tens of thousands of articlesin the public domain that you can download and read to enhance your online learning experience.

Communication – Enhance your productivity by making use of these communication tools. Reach out to your online professors and peers for doubt resolution and information. Stay in tune with what’s happening on your online campus. Save time.
• Facebook – This is almost the de jure networking site where people congregate to share their thoughts and opinions, friends can get in touch, and so can teacher and student. Chat with people and look up status updates for important information.
• Campfire – This app takes mobile communication to a new level and offers a complete user experience. It has enough use for online learners to merit a mention here. You can chat, share images, and also share and view documents using this application. You can store the transcripts of the chats and engage in group discussions.
• Skype http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-mobile/download/iphone-for-skype/ – Skype for iPhone lets you do a lot. You can chat, talk, and do video chats, group chats, and more using this application. And it works out very cheap. Reach out free of cost to anyone anywhere in the world. The Skype application for iPhone is a true accompaniment to the ideal of online studies; both are without boundaries.

Organization – The key to the success of all self-regulated endeavors is to stay organized. And studying at your own pace requires a good deal of organization. You need to have a routine to accommodate everything in your daily routine and then take some time out for your online education. Here are a few iPhone apps that will help you stay organized.
• Remember the Milk – This one is a popular task -reminding application. You can receive reminders via email and a host of IM tools. You can locate tasks to regions in the real world and organize task lists. Exchange lists of chores to be done with friends.
• FireTask – For smooth task management, use this intuitive to use application. Track tasks and break them down to smaller tasks, group them, delegate them, prioritize them, and do a lot more. Balance your study and work life with this neat application.
• Date Wheel – A nice application that tells you at a glance the amount of time remaining between assignments, use it a s a countdown calculator for any purpose. Useful for project planning and time management.

How you choose which online nursing program to enroll in is up to you. You can choose based on reputation (these 10 programs are a very good place to start), degrees offered, course fees, scheduling flexibility (though you’ll find that most, if not all, are especially flexible even for students with full time jobs), or a combination of all of these reasons.

No matter which online nursing program you choose to enter, you’re likely to find that taking new classes to increase your knowledge and skills will become benefits on both a professional and a personal level.

Top 10 Online Nursing Programs:
Distance learning in the form of online nursing programs has made adult education exceptionally more accessible. Whether you’re coming straight from high school, an associates degree, or hospital experience and want to move up the ladder, or if you’re getting a nursing degree online so you can switch fields—either way, the following accredited schools provide strong programs with good reputations. They’re a good place to start in researching the program that’s right for you.
1. Kaplan University School Of Nursing Online
2. Vanderbilt University
3. University of Phoenix
4. Loyola University Nursing Department Online
5. National American University Online
6. Saint Xavier University Online
7. Chamberlain College of Nursing Online
8. Capella University Online
9. Keiser University eCampus
10. University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Different Types Of Online Nursing Programs:
One of the other great advantages to the many online nursing program options available is not just the number of schools you have access to, but the variety of degrees as well. If you want to get a nursing degree online, you’ll have several degrees to choose from. Which you pursue will depend on what you are eligible for based on previous education and experience, what you want your degree to accomplish, and how much time and tuition you are able to devote to this degree.

The follow is a list of the three most common nursing degrees online, as well as brief explanations of each, that are available from most of the top accredited programs that offer a nursing degree online:
• BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A 4-year program that prepares students to sit for RN (registered nurse) exams and provides extensive training in nursing research, information, science, and other additional areas.
• MSN: Master of Science in Nursing. It provides preparation for more advanced careers within the nursing field, such as Nurse anesthetists, Nurse practitioners, and other specialists beyond the field of standard Registered Nurses.
• RN-to-BSN: A way for registered nurses who hold an associates degree to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing without having to take all 4 years of school (since the Associates is a good start).

No matter which online nursing program interests you, you’ll find that there are many choices of schools and degrees to pick from.

Who Benefits From Pursuing Online Business Degrees?

One particular advantage of online business degrees is that they are flexible. Many of the top online business schools are built specifically for distance learning. Business courses can be scheduled around your existing work schedule, allowing you to continue to make a living at your current employment while bettering yourself for future jobs.

If you’re out of work or looking to switch jobs, attaining or pursuing a distance learning business degree can make you more marketable for potential new employers. They will value the skills you are acquiring and will also see that you are taking a pro-active approach you your professional skills by enrolling in these courses in the first place.

You can also enroll in a full time program to get your business degree online. This will take you from point A to point B in a much more efficient timeframe, so your credentials and employability improve as soon as possible. Another added advantage of business degrees that are taken online is that you avoid all the hassle of commuting (which takes up valuable time and money). Online courses are flexible by letting you work on assignments and attend lectures from home. This makes them incredibly convenient for taking classes in business at the undergraduate level.

Choosing The Right Program: Where To Start

Knowing that you want to earn a business degree online is the first step of the process, but with so many colleges and universities offering online business degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels, it can be difficult to know where to start. The following list of schools contains the top ten programs for online business degrees in 2010:
1. Kaplan University
2. Northcentral University
3. Strayer University
4. Marylhurst University
5. Ashford University Online
6. Boston University Online
7. Saint Josephs University Online
8. DeVry University
9. New England College of Business and Finance
10. Rasmussen College Online

All of the schools listed here offer accredited undergraduate business degrees for online students. Some of these schools specialize in online courses, so their whole educational framework is centered around distance learning, business courses included. Others are on the list because they are schools that specialize in business and have reached out to online learners across the country.
Both of these specialties (online learning and business degrees) come together to provide adult students with some of the best opportunities for professional development that have been available for years. Earning a business degree online is something that previous generations didn’t have the option to pursue, and it is an opportunity that can truly make the difference in students’ personal and professional lives.

There are lots of great online schools and educational facilities since the explosion of doing things via the internet. No matter what you want to study; check out these top ten ranked online schools in America!

1. Devry University – Initially started in 1931 in Chicago; DeVry University has enjoyed an impressive long history as a proficient teaching institution. As if that isn’t enough, DeVry also boasts an unparalleled 90% job placement success rate.

2. University of Phoenix Online – University of Phoenix seriously isn’t any old-school correspondence school as it’s certainly grown into a totally modern online institution. Together with an extensive e-book library, a loyalty to implementing environmental sustainability procedures and boasts a strong presence on lots of social networks as well. Undoubtedly this online school is aware of what 21st-century scholars require and it totally delivers!

3. Walden University – Business Magazine: Fast Company handed out a glowing A grade to Walden University when it reviewed five online colleges; which evidently was the exact same school previously deemed by U.S. News and World Report as a “respected virtual institution.” This online school offers affordable classes as well as a multimedia approach regards teaching. Regardless there’s one thing for sure; Walden University has made a positive impression as an online college nominee.

4. Westwood College Online – Initially based in Denver; Westwood College began online delivery in 2002 and has certainly made significant impact due to its unique delivery of online college experience. It places value on realistic classroom atmosphere, utilizes both audio/video technology which captures a real lecture feel and students use hard-copy books allowing the opportunity to also study without computers. Westwood understands that education doesn’t stop after receiving a diploma as an Alumni Retaining program is also offered to stay ahead in their particular field at no extra charge. Sure Westwood may be new; but they are certainly here to stay!

5. Capella University – Certainly Capella isn’t all that new, as it boats some15 years in service.
This online school has risen to become a truly prestigious institution focusing on graduate degrees as well as offering plenty of degree programs to suit all levels.

6. Colorado Technical University Online – Colorado Technical Uni caters specifically to students within state lines; but delivers to students from throughout the world via its online facility. Offering various online learning options including show-ups for live-classes or online chat with professors and/or classmates or watching pre-recorded lectures. You can earn a helpful degree as well as academic certificates which enhance resumes along with significant new skills which add up to a fabulous online learning environment.

7. AIU Online -AIU is a truly global online institution with campuses from London to Los Angeles and of course the online facility means reaching even farther! Their aim is to develop a geographically diverse student population; providing them with superior education in a wide variety of subjects which will advance their careers. With a bustling virtual-reality campus including interactive labs, excellent career services center and an ever-increasing global community of international students; check AUI Online out!

8. Argosy University Online -Argosy University is definitely one of the hottest online schools focusing on business, health care and education. This particular school has an exceptional relationship with U.S. military branches and its veterans. It can offer loan repayment programs, tutorial aid and tuition increments where necessary.

9. Kaplan University - Kaplan University has now made its mark online and is certainly a serious contender in online education. There are active peer forums, excellent professor/student communication systems, internet-based field trips and interactive tutorials. It’s certainly comforting to know that securing great academic accomplishments doesn’t stop once you’ve graduated from high school. Take a look at what Kaplan offers!

10. Baker College Online – At number 10 Baker College Online, based in Michigan and is a no-frills sort of college that believes education shouldn’t cost a fortune! They offer a heap of career-based graduate & undergraduate programs within the science and business fields. You can even try before you buy with Baker’s “right-to-try” procedure. Nobody is basically turned away as this online school will give you a fair go!

That’s the top ten, but there are plenty more great online schools just below the rank.

1. University of Florida: The University of Florida online degree program is one of the most sought after of all. Programs offered include two bachelor’s degrees, over 40 master’s degrees, and dozens of graduate and undergraduate certification programs.
2. Florida State University: After the University of Florida online degree program, Florida State University is second in popularity. FSU also offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, graduate certificates, and part-time online Florida degrees for working adults. They also offer full access to library materials, just like on-campus students would have.
3. University of West Florida: Named one of the “Best Online Graduate Schools” by GetEducated.com in 2009, UWF offers more than 400 online courses to support 26 online degrees and certificates. To increase student opportunities for online degree programs, Florida students and out-of-state students pay nearly the same rate for online courses.
4. Florida Tech University Online: Florida Tech considers their Florida online degree programs as a whole separate branch of their university, offering over 30 graduate and undergraduate degrees for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. They also offer live chat with advisors to help make the process easy.




5. University of Central Florida: With 12 undergraduate and 12 graduate degrees (plus 12 graduate certificates), UCF’s offerings are fewer than some other Florida online degree programs. But the programs are diverse and affordable, and students get more personal support than with some other online degrees.
6. Saint Leo University: As a primarily-online university in Florida (near Tampa, specifically), Saint Leo is unique. Regionally accredited, based in the liberal arts, and rooted in Benedictine tradition, Saint Leo specializes in supporting online undergraduate, graduate, and active military students in several dozen available online degree programs.
7. University of South Florida: With a well established Florida online degree program, the University of South Florida supports one of the largest student bodies of all online degree programs in Florida. Some of their degrees and certifications are fully online, while others are partially online, and they specialize in helping first-time online students, as well as adult students, adjust to the coursework.
8. Rasmussen College: Rasmussen is unique in offering bachelor’s and also associates degrees online in Florida. Their courses focus on five areas of study: health degrees, criminal justice degrees, business degrees, IT and design degrees, and education degrees. In addition to the Florida online college courses, Rasmussen provides 24-hour support and free virtual tutoring.
9. Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic has several different physical branches across the state, and now offers its most popular Florida degree programs online through the Instructional Resources (formerly Distance Learning) program. Online offerings include some full degrees (both bachelor’s and master’s), some certificates, and some courses in support of on-campus degrees.
10. Webster University: Based in Orlando, Webster University provides its Florida online degree programs to students all over the world. Two undergraduate certificates are available (in web design), but Webster’s programs focus on online graduate degrees in Florida, and online: specific programs are in the areas of business and technology, education, communications, and arts and sciences.

These are the top ten schools offering online bachelor’s, online certificates, and online master’s degrees in Florida. There are surely others, but starting with these ensures that you don’t miss schools recognized as the best of the best for Florida online degree programs.

]]> http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/choosing-a-college/florida-online-degree-programs-top-10-schools/feed 0 http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/choosing-a-college/diploma-mills-how-to-spot-them-and-stay-away-from-them http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/choosing-a-college/diploma-mills-how-to-spot-them-and-stay-away-from-them#comments Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:58:22 +0000 KeyDegree Admin http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/?p=422 Education has moved on to new frontiers and with recent advancements in technology it is easy to get access to most academic institutions. But the huge strides in educational developments come with some drawbacks too. Some “institutions” give the false impression that getting a degree or diploma is easy and quick. If you fall for these so called institutions you are certain to damage your professional career. These institutions go by the name of “diploma mills” or “degree mills” and this article is about how to spot them and stay away from their lure.

About Diploma Mills

Diploma mill is the name given to institutions which offer diplomas without the supervision of a state body or professional agency. These diplomas are fraudulent and of no value at all due to their lack of proper standards. They often pose as legitimate universities or colleges, awarding degrees without actually evaluating the work of the students. They give false certificates, transcripts and references to students who “buy” their degrees.

A diploma mill sells degrees ranging from bachelor degrees to post graduate ones and usually the customers of these mills are either individuals who are ignorant of these diploma mills or those who are aware of their fraudulence but want to get the certificates anyway to foster their higher education the fast way.




How to Spot Them

Here are some tips to help you to identify these fraudulent institutions:

- Any institution or college that offers degrees in return for money without any academic work requirement or experience definitely rates high in the diploma mills meter.

- A college or university that promises a postgraduate degree in return for money and a mere couple pages of thesis or a few pages of questions and answers also reeks of fraudulence.

- An institution that offers diploma, degree or certification that claims to be accredited but is actually not accredited to a legitimate state agency like the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

- Institutions which do not require the usual attendance, exams, or thesis papers that is mandatory for getting a degree.

- Colleges or universities that promise instant degrees that can be acquired just by ordering them online or by replying to advertisements on newspapers or magazines.

- Institutions that offer no selectivity in admission procedures and does not ask for any previous academic details.

- Colleges that offer degrees without any interaction whatsoever with the faculty or professors.

How to Steer Clear Of Them

It is unfortunate that the state is unable to curb these mushrooming diploma mills. States like Louisiana, California, Utah and even Hawaii do not have any binding rules against these fake institutions. The diploma mills prosper in these states under the veil of sophisticated institutions. They operate in different political jurisdictions by offering degrees to other countries or states only. It is quite difficult to prove these institutions as fraudulent.

Before choosing any institution make sure that the institution you are looking for is well accredited and is connected to a reputed university. Make sure it has legitimate degrees, qualified faculty and courses to offer. You can also check online for the published guides, correspondence and distance learning courses.

]]> http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/choosing-a-college/diploma-mills-how-to-spot-them-and-stay-away-from-them/feed 0 http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/online-education/best-online-universities-for-military-veterans http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/online-education/best-online-universities-for-military-veterans#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:45:13 +0000 KeyDegree Admin http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/?p=420 There are numerous online universities and colleges that offer several military-friendly programs. However, to be regarded as one of the best online universities for military veterans a university or college should confirm to a number of factors. Veterans should check whether the online university supports the CLEP policy that provides partial credits on the basis of particular undergraduate examinations and credits on the basis of a student’s experience in the military. They should also check on the accreditation and if they accept financial support and tuition costs.

Several studies have proven that military-friendly online colleges help veterans in making a smooth change from their military life to a civilian life. Attending one of the best online universities for military veterans will not only help to boost their educational stock but will also help to build their confidence and prepare them for jobs in their particular field of interest. Most military-friendly online universities offer programs in a wide range of subjects which makes it easier for veterans to choose an area of study based on their interests.

Here is a list of some of the best online universities for military veterans:

American Military University – Founded by a former military officer, AMU caters to the needs of military veterans. Their degree programs are designed such that veterans can complete them at their own pace. They offer affordable tuition rates that also concur with several veterans benefit programs.




Norwich University – It is one of the first online colleges for military veterans that focused in helping the veterans to make a smooth transition to civilian life through education. They offer various online degree programs for veterans in business, engineering, nursing, military history, justice, diplomacy and much more. At Norwich the experience of military veterans is highly recognized and used effectively to enhance any given program.

AIU Online – At AIU Online veterans can pursue degree programs of their choice at regular or an accelerated pace depending on their needs. Some of the degree programs offered in AIU Online include business administration, visual communication and information technology. Payments from several veteran education assistance programs are also accepted at AIU Online.

Saint Leo University – Saint Leo University has been ranked as one of the Top Military Friendly Schools of 2010 by GI Jobs Magazine. They offer quality educational programs and recognize the experience of military veterans. In addition to online programs they also offer campus education and participate in the post 9/11 GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program.

Liberty University – Liberty is one of the best military-friendly online universities and they offer several benefits to veterans and other military students who want to achieve their professional and academic goals. Some of the benefits for online military students include tuition assistance, Heroes Fund Scholarship, military tuition discount and more.

Colorado Tech Online – The Department of Military Education of Colorado Tech Online offers quality online degree programs for veterans who are looking to advance their career opportunities as civilians. They offer flexible program schedules and help veterans to make a smooth transition to their academic environment.

The above are some of the best online universities for military veterans and with a little effort and research you will be able to find one that is perfect for your needs.

]]> http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/online-education/best-online-universities-for-military-veterans/feed 0 http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/education-benefits/top-8-green-careers http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/education-benefits/top-8-green-careers#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:10:32 +0000 KeyDegree Admin http://www.keydegree.com/weblog/?p=415 Today, the greatest concern is the threat to our environment. Massive investments have been made to produce clean and renewable energy in an effort towards environment sustainability. These investments guarantee to keep “green-collar” jobs like farmer, forester and various green-tech entrepreneurs in business for at least a decade or two.

With the current trend of everything around us from laundry detergent to automobiles “going green”, may be its time that we “go green” with our careers too.
Here is a list of top 8 green careers that might be of interest to you:

Farmer
There are only 2 million farmers in America and since sustainable agriculture is possible only with local small-scale organic methods and not with non-renewable fuel based machinery and fertilizers, the demand for farmers is huge and growing. Many reputable colleges and universities offer degree programs in sustainable agriculture to pursue many promising green jobs in agriculture.




Energy Efficiency Builder
With the growing concerns of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, there is a great demand to convert existing buildings and build new buildings to be energy efficient. To make this possible, not only highly skilled architects and engineers but a huge workforce of retrofitters is also required to convert energy guzzling buildings into energy efficient ones.

Urban Planner
Urban as well as regional planning is probably the most needed skill in America’s quest to lower its carbon footprint. Career opportunities in this sector have been projected to increase by about 15% in the next six years. Courses for urban studies and planning are offered in several top rated universities.

Environmental Engineer
This is one of the top green jobs with rising opportunities for obvious reasons. The fundamental object of this job is to prevent our planet from deteriorating any further. The scope of this job is wide ranging and includes limiting the effects of soil erosion, acid rain, greenhouse gases, car emissions, ozone depletion and global warming. It is estimated that environmental engineering careers will rise by 25% in the next 7 years.

Conservation Biologist
A promising green career that is not just limited to lab coats and test tubes. With the responsibility of preserving the integrity of our ecosystems, conservation biologists can look forward to growing opportunities in research, teaching, field work and several government and non-profit organizations.

Sustainability Systems Developer
For the green economy to prosper, specialized system developers and engineers are a must to design, build and maintain the stochastic framework to support the renewable energy resources like smart energy grids and wind farms. Software developers skilled in web 2.0 applications and open source have ever increasing opportunities to make their careers “green”.

Wind Turbine Fabricator
Manufacturers of wind turbine are in great demand as wind is the fastest growing source of renewable energy. This green job has promising and growing opportunities that you might want to look into.

Solar Power Installer
This is a fast growing career that is suited for those looking to start fresh and for those with construction background looking to make a transition to green careers. You don’t have to worry about opportunities as this career is in great demand wherever the sun shines.

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