MOOCs: Are These Free Online Courses Worth It?

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In the past few years MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses) have become one of the most popular trends in education and corporate training. Numerous students from across the globe are now pursuing MOOCs offered by various colleges and universities. For the uninitiated, MOOCs free online courses which can be pursued by large number of learners. Most of these courses are free and are offered by reputed universities and institutions worldwide.

There is no doubt that these educational courses have acted as a boon for learners who are interested to gain knowledge in a particular topic. But you need to be cautious about some challenges that you will encounter while studying a massive online open course. Here we will dissect some of the highs and lows of pursuing MOOCs. Read on....

Benefits That Can Change Your Life  

Wide Range Of World-Class Courses

You can find an array of high quality education courses via MOOCs that are offered by recognized and reputed colleges, universities and institutions. You can choose to learn about different topics like yoga, neuroscience, entrepreneurship, computer coding or anything you are interested in. With MOOCs there are no limitations.

Free Of Charge

Most of the courses offered through MOOCs are entirely free as the key objective of these courses is to make education available and accessible widely. Considering the rising cost of college education and corporate training, MOOCs are certainly an advantage for individuals as well as businesses.

Flexibility

MOOCs are designed to be highly flexible. If you wish to attend college or corporate training, it is imperative that you take time off from your current employment. But with these online courses, you can study at any time you want and fit your studies around your daily routine. As you can access the course material on the internet, you can study as per your convenience and stay committed to your day job.

No Specific Requirements

You do not need to possess any specific qualifications to pursue a Massive Online Open Course. As these courses do not have a limit on the volume of applicants, the process is not selective. You can get started easily just by providing some general details.

And Here Comes The Challenges

Lack Of Accreditation

One of the biggest drawbacks of MOOCs is that most of the courses are not accredited. As a result, these are usually not considered valuable by employers. Although adding an online course qualification on your resume will not damage your reputation, but it will not have the same effect on your employers as an accredited qualifications.

Not At Par With Traditional Courses

Generally the online courses are simplified versions of college programs and often are not at par with traditional courses. As MOOCs aim to make learning more accessible by reaching a wide group of students, these tend to be very basic.

Student Retention Issues

Another major downside of MOOCs that has gained considerable attention is substantial inclination to abandon the course. The flexibility of MOOCs, which can be a great advantage for many, offers learners the freedom to such degrees that their professional and personal commitments take more priority than studies.

Lack Of Teacher Interaction

As thousands of learners enrol for MOOCs, it becomes impractical for the educators to track progress of every student and offer them the support they would require. Although MOOCs offer online forums for student support, but the queries and posts on these forums are usually answered by fellow learners. Moreover grading is also done either by peers or automatically.

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What Should You Do?

Now the question that comes to mind is “Are MOOCs useful for your career”? Well, the answer depends on what you expect to gain from these courses. If you wish to enrich your knowledge and understanding by pursuing an affordable and accessible course that offers quality education, then MOOCs are for you.

However, if you are looking for a substitute for college education, then you might need to think again. These courses can certainly be helpful for your career development, provided you invest adequate time and effort and steer your own progress.

What do you think about MOOCs? Who do you think a MOOC can help your career goals? Let us know your opinions and thoughts by commenting below. We would love to hear from you.

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Social Media – A New Era Evolves In Education

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The new generation of students has grown up knowing that they need to pack their tabs in their bags and keep the pen drive in their pocket. They can tell time and can be reminded about their next class when their teacher sends a notification on their smart watches.

Experiments in laboratories have become interesting and fun exercises for both teachers and students since they get to make observations from very close quarters with the help of Google glasses. Explanations are so much easier to follow on smart boards.

Social Media Barges In...And Transforms Learning

Just a few years ago, people were introduced to the world of social media for fun and entertainment. People used these tools to share pictures and stories about private moments that were shared with friends and loved ones. But gradually they have been molded to give a new shape- that of a medium of instruction in schools, colleges and universities. Some social media tools have become very popular very recently.

Social Media Tools Favored by the World

• Some of the great social tools that are used in schools are Edmodo, in which the teachers and students in class can connect online.

• Grockit is the tool that helps students find study-buddies and they learn in groups. Skype can help students and teachers interact with each other from anywhere in the world.

• Quora is favored by teachers since they can find topics for class discussions and debates. This is available worldwide.

• The tool named ePals can assist students who are learning new languages and about countries and cultures that are different from theirs.

• Google Earth is popular for students who are learning about geography.

• Very recently, blogging has become popular among students and teachers. According to Dan Roddy, an eLearning Designer from UK, blogging is the best way to consolidate personal learning. Many authors can connect and learn about the latest information on a very informal platform.

• Kora Stoll, a fifth grade teacher in Miami Florida favors Podcasting since students can hear, edit and publish mp3s in an innovative manner.

• Jeroen Bottema, the teacher trainer for the School of Education Amsterdam pointed out how Twitter proved to be an important and useful tool when there was a need to have conferences and while having discussions.

The Extent to Which Social Media is Being Used by Students and Teachers

Social Media is also used by teachers and students at the level of higher education. Social media is personally used by 70.3% of the faculty. 55 % use it professionally outside the classroom and 41% use it inside the class. This no longer remains restricted to high school alone. It has been widely accepted by colleges and universities as well.

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Social Media & Digital Education–The Juxtaposition

Since 2000, when Friendster and MySpace were introduced as the quintessential domains for youngsters, social media has gone mainstream. The vast range of social media tools such as blogging, Tweeting, and Google+ hangouts also allow online students to both create and curate content, to collaborate with other students & teachers, and to build their own learning networks as well.

• Group works and assignments are the genres of Online education where Wikis and other collaborative document tools can be used.

• Personal and class blogs are reckoned to be important to submit writing assignments and reflections.

• Online students can make their presentations using Youtube, podcasting, or mind-mapping software and post these presentations online for others to evaluate.

The Academic Revolution

With the advent of social media, it has become a tool that is used by teachers in colleges and universities and the respective students for open discussion, explanation and the medium of expression both verbally and in a written form. Students feel free to submit original work without the fear of plagiarism.

 

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The future of education is indeed very promising since it is evolving and transforming itself in the most positive direction and people too are being shaped and molded based on the knowledge that they are gaining. It is indeed great to see how we have been able to transcend barriers such as countries, cultures, languages, expressions, values and other minor differences to become an integrated global community with a common goal... to strive towards perfection by gaining knowledge that is free for all.

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How Apprenticeship Can Influence Your Career Growth

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Our world is dynamic. New discoveries are being made every minute and inventions are making our careers lively and innovative. If any student is interested in being an apprentice, it is a very good choice since an apprenticeship is an actual job that trains a student with all the necessary skills for the specific job.

When Do Students Choose Apprenticeships?

Usually, it has been observed that students who are still in high school have chosen to become apprentices at the tender age of 16. But at the same time they are studying for their high school degree on a part-time basis so that they can go to college.

In Which Fields Can One Become An Apprentice? 

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Usually one is engaged as an apprentice for one to four years in a wide variety of industries like engineering, finance, veterinary nursing and accountancy. There are 1,200 jobs that select candidates as apprentices. A student gains work experience and skill training.

Some of the jobs that hire students for on-the job training are stewarding manager, IT systems, Hardware and Build Engineer, Digital marketing, Systems and Networking, Technician, Internal Service Desk Engineer, Assistant Information and Content marketing.

The average wage of any apprentice is about 170 pounds. It has been studied that on an average those who have an advanced level apprenticeship earn about 100,000 pounds and see great progress in their careers. There are several levels to apprenticeship like intermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeship.

The Growth of Apprenticeship – What Recent Studies Say

There has been a growing need to have more apprentices in IT and construction industries. John Coombes an apprentice in advanced engineering had the opportunity to complete his bachelor’s degree and found employment right after that.

There are still some academicians who frown when students claim that they are apprentices, but with time it is hopeful that this concept will change and pupils who are employed and trained are accepted everywhere.

Recent statistics have shown that in the previous academic year 510,000 apprenticeships had begun. Some of the students who have chosen to be an apprentice are over 25 years of age. It is not restricted to high school graduates alone.

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The report called Apprenticeships for the Future stated that 1.8 billion pounds worth benefits were delivered by apprentices in 2012-13.

What To Do To Fast Track Your Growth

Though there are regular courses in colleges and universities which you can avail & utilize your knowledge in the field of employment, what about those challenges that you will be thrust into when you step on the ladder of your career? As apprenticeship means “you earn while you learn”, distance learning is one of the best options that you can take to go ahead.

An online degree will not only equip you enough to face real life business challenges, it will also provide you with enormous flexibility & accessibility. You only need a computer & Internet connection.

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 Online Degree – Door To Many Paths

Getting a degree online has become so much easier. You don’t need to quit your job or refrain from getting the desired experience. Instead you can keep working towards your career and the credits which will help you get your degree. You will be astonished to discover how useful your online courses will be in practical life too. Whatever you learn can be applied when you are training to become a working professional. You can complete your bachelor’s degree and think about completing your post-graduation too. It will help your promotions at work too and recruiters would select your resumes if you have higher degrees.

So there is no reason to give either your studies or job up. Getting a degree online will ensure that your dreams come true both academically and financially. Reach the finish line with perfection and find success waiting for you in the end.

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What You Will Get Back From Your College Degree

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Every parent wants to invest money on his child’s education so that the person can earn a decent salary for a comfortable livelihood. It is true that some candidates struggle to get a job in a stagnant economy. There are many who are apprehensive about paying back loans that they have to take to complete their education. These are real problems faced by people. It makes everyone doubt about whether the degree will pay off or not.

If a student doesn’t go to college, he will be denied access to decent jobs. The jobs that will be available will pay less and will be less stable. No one wants to remain stuck at a low-level job like that of a waiter or retail sales clerk.

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 "This is what I'll call the 'Job vs. Career' trajectory. Individuals without a degree move slowly towards their highest earning potential, with somewhat stagnant early years," said Shanker Mishra, the Ladders Vice President of Data Science And Analytics. "Individuals with a college degree may start in the same compensation range, but grow exponentially over the course of their careers.”

If one attends a college with a good reputation, students can establish personal connections with people in class and can make a huge social network.

A Little Of Everything Counts

Another truth is that not only will your college degree be taken into account, but your hard work and dedication will also be judged. So take a look at the various fields of employment and the salaries that people are estimated to be getting.

What The Statistics Say 

• According to a study after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in education, people in the field of humanities like Lawyers are earning $ 79,997. The wage and job growth in this job in five years is 14% and 29%.School Health Care managers from the field of life sciences are earning $87,360. The wage and job growth rates in five years are 14% and 15%.

• The Head Nurse and Medical Supervisor in the health department are earning $76,960 with wage

  

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  and  job growth rates of 18% and 11%

•  For people who work in business administration as a financial administrator, the salary is $82,992 and the wage and job growth rates are 16% and 8%.

• In the field of engineering, a school specialized engineer gets around $79,997 and the wage and job growth rates are 28% and 7%.

• The school principal and administrator in the field of education receive$91,437 for a wage and job growth rate of 14% and 8%.

• In the social sciences, a psychologist gets $77,875 and a wage and job growth rate of 18% and 30%.

• Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists in the field of mathematics and physical sciences get $88,525. Their wage and growth rates are 19% and 3%.

 It has also been observed that the incomes of men exceeded the income of women in the similar fields.

It is evident from these reports that earning a bachelor’s degree can help any student in any relevant field to earn a salary of this kind. In the times of global recession and stagnant employment opportunities, it is still necessary that one should get a bachelor’s degree. That will ensure a bright future. It will encourage advancement of the students too if they are interested in higher studies. There will also be an opportunity to pay the debts off faster if they were incurred during studentship. So prospects are favorable for anyone who wishes to graduate and find employment in the world of globalization and universal progress.

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How To Teach - Not A Process, But An Education

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In every nation it is essential that people have their children well educated. But what most people overlook is that teachers too need to be properly trained in order to teach children

A compassionate nature and teaching skills are highly essential. A teacher is a professional who trains students to be successful in every other profession. A teacher creates employees for the future.

Teaching Is A Recreation – A Misconception

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There is a misconception that teaching is like a hobby which is learnt when the teacher gets the job. In reality the process begins from much earlier than the time the person begins teaching. Alarmingly, this notion is still present among Education bureaucrats and institutions such as the National College for Teaching and Leadership.

What Is Being Done To Train Teachers?

To ensure that teachers get proper training , the universities are working together with schools to educate and train the teachers so that they can meet the requirements. These teachers are getting the training from teachers who are already employed and are dealing with the real classroom scenarios.

Unlike the specialized trainers in universities, these teachers who also teach children are unable to provide the latest information about the field of education. Those teachers who are trained in universities are well equipped with updated knowledge.

The Global Scenario

It has been observed that countries such as Finland and China have been able to achieve excellence in terms of standards in education. Their educational system is very attentive to the needs of both teachers and students.

The Hurdles Faced by Teachers and Students 

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Very recently it has been observed that the School Direct programme has continually been unsuccessful in allotting seats to trainee teachers. Unfortunately, in universities where there are limited seats, candidates are competing to secure a place for a proper training.

This will only lead to a deficit of available and properly trained teachers. Universities like Worcester, University of Bath Anglia Ruskin University and others have faced a reduction in the number of teacher training laces at the universities. This is being controlled by the National College for Teaching and Leadership. This body is slowly transferring places away from universities.

While reducing the number of teachers who are being trained, they are increasing the number of students who are choosing to work right after graduating from college. There are several reasons why teachers need to be trained.

Why Teachers Need To Be Trained

· The students need to be properly trained by teachers who are themselves both academically and practically trained and qualified.

· Apart from having a cheerful disposition and patience, teachers need to understand how to use technology in classrooms.

· They need to be well conversant with the different teaching methodologies like individual, pair and group learning and peer -teaching.

· They need to also know how long the lectures should be conducted to avoid drudgery.

· They should know how to introduce lateral teaching while using visual aids.

· These don’t happen overnight or they don’t just come to the mind the minute a teacher steps into a classroom. 

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Solve These Issues – Little Step At A Time

The government needs to look into these little details which can really help improve the life of teachers and the students since they will get better jobs if they receive the best knowledge. Teachers can successfully teach using the knowledge that they will get if they are trained. So the benefits will be mutual and will help the nation lead in terms of education and skill.

If you have any statements, leave them in the comment box below. 

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Brain-Based Learning - The Next Big Thing In Education

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With constant technological advancements, the learning process has evolved to a great extent. As a result various new learning methods have been introduced to help our students learn in a more effective manner. One of the techniques that are increasingly becoming popular among teachers and students alike is Brain-Based Learning.

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What Is Brain-Based Learning?

This type of learning is not a recent development. However, with the teacher accountability movement initiated by President George W. Bush and sustained by President Barack Obama, it is experiencing improved attention. To put it simply, brain-based learning requires teachers to act as “neuroscientists” and concentrate on developing experiences which gratifies the inner workings of the learner’s brains. This results in enhanced learning experiences and superior retention.

How To Use Brain-Based Learning

There are numerous variables which impact the way your students absorb and retain new information. According to various Neuroscientific research, among the most prominent variables which affect learning are the pace of information delivery, social health and physical activity. Fortunately, you can band and manage several variables with the help of the following tips-

Use Recurrent Breaks

With the growing need of developing effective test-takers, it can be often tempting for most educators to think about cutting gym, recess and other recreational physical activities and instead focus on studies.

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 But you should know that taking even a 5 minute break from studies and focusing on some physical activity can actually refresh the mind. Exercising the body is more efficient than making your students to slog through the teaching sessions where learners usually become fatigued and overwhelmed. According to studies, human brain digests and processes more information when our body is exercised regularly. As a teacher, you can use a variety of techniques to include brain breaks like using dance-along videos, activity cards etc. You can also find various ideas on the internet as well.

Focus on Social and Emotional Learning 

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I am sure you know that some learners tend to struggle with acquiring sufficient emotional and social skills. Hence, more and more school districts in the United States are adopting the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula to deal with this issue. Studies show that the SEL curriculum can help to increase test scores by almost 11 per cent and reduce problems related to classroom behavior by around 9 per cent.

Teach In Small Portions

Although it may sound odd, but learning new information is like eating food. The larger amounts you eat, the harder it will be for you to digest; while eating in smaller chunks will not only help you to digest, but you will be able to savor the taste as well. Ok...getting back to the topic at hand...studies have found that bite-sized portions of information are absorbed more effectively. Latest research shows that impressionable young brains operate best with a maximum of 4 chunks of new information at one time.

The job of an educator has become increasingly challenging and complex today. That is why, several educational neuroscientists are making new discoveries which will help to simplify your work and make learning more effective.

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What do you think about Brain-Based Learning? Share your thoughts and concerns by commenting below. We would love to hear from you.

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Make a Difference With Your MBA

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Here’s a story about a young girl with a big dream. She was sitting in a dingy classroom with her best friend. She excitedly talked to him about her new computer and internet connection. She was one of the first students to have access to these facilities. She dreamt big dreams.

This little girl slowly grew up in the cozy cradle of China in a very humble town and started working as an accountant and auditor. Later she chose to complete her MBA after marrying and becoming a mother of a lovely daughter.

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Yoyo Wu, a successful Chinese woman fulfilled one dream after another. Now she wants to be a chief financial officer.

This is one success story. The other one narrates the tale of Mbali Mogalanyane who chose a course in MBA after working as a mining engineer. She was supported by her husband and employers. Although she had to juggle work and family and the responsibility of raising her daughter, she claimed that, the effort was worthy to take as the MBA has opened a plenty of new doors to her.

She chose to learn from home so that she could balance work and could nurture her baby as well. She took all her classes online, finished all her reports and completed her examination online.

So you see, there really isn’t any specific time to complete your MBA. You can study while you are employed, as a graduate who is keen on acquiring skills or as a mother from home. You can do all that with a little time management and self-discipline.

Feeling inspired?

Fast Track Your Growth 

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Though in today's radically evolved professional era an MBA degree is taking an invaluable place, it is also a considered fact that for many working individuals or stay at home moms sometimes it tends to be difficult to attain a traditional 2 year MBA program at a stretch. Thus, in order to meet the growing demand for a quicker and more affordable way to attain MBA, some business schools are introducing postgraduate diploma in business, which fast tracks your MBA degree course. Providing a greater flexibility of money and time for the want to be degree holders, the fast track MBA program can accompany them to see the bigger picture & empower them with the expertise to develop sound business plans.

The Expertise You Are Provided With

The Postgraduate diploma in business is a facility that provides you with the most needed competitive lead that can appropriately go with the busy schedule of working professionals, catering to the modern business scenario. This level 7 diploma in Business enhances the key managerial skills, covering a vast domain – interpersonal, communication, operations, production, sales and marketing.

 

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What To Say Finally

If you can fast track your MBA degree you can also share your success stories and can inspire so many others who are waiting for inspiration. There is no obstacle unless you become your own obstacle towards progress.

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