Monthly Archives: October 2011
Should You Go to Graduate School?
By Melissa Venable Deciding to enter a graduate program is a personal commitment in many ways, and an investment of not only money, but also time and effort. There has been a lot of speculation about the value of higher education in general over the last several years and the larger discussion includes graduate programs [...]
The Top 10 Valedictorian Speeches on YouTube
Some choose to make their speeches inspiring and moving while others aim to get their fellow students to laugh until their sides hurt.
The Resume of the Future
By Melissa Venable The traditional resume isn't obsolete, but there are a growing number of alternative ways to present your work experience and qualifications to an employer. There are also reports that some employers are using non-traditional methods – social networking sites, Google searches – to both locate potential applicants and screen applicants that have already [...]
50 Great Ways to Grow Your Personal Learning Network
Through social networks, email, video, and online chats, learners can connect with and learn from a wider range of people than ever before.
#IOLchat Report: Social Media and Higher Education
Each week we meet via Twitter for #IOLchat to discuss current issues related to online learning. Participants have included students, instructors, eLearning companies, schools, publishers, and instructional designers. This week we discussed social media and higher education with questions adapted from the EDUCAUSE ECAR 2011 project on students and technology. Here's a review of our conversation: How [...]
Education Startups: Learning, Technology, Innovation, and Small Business
By Melissa Venable A growing focus of small businesses and incubator groups, technology solutions created by new companies can fill the voids left by colleges, universities, and school districts facing shrinking budgets. This is crucial because those same schools are also working to meet technology requirements and initiatives driven by agencies concerned about quality education. [...]
Social Networking Savvy
By Melissa Venable After reading one of my recent posts, LinkedIn for the Adjunct Professor, a colleague of mine pointed out that as helpful as social networking systems can be, they can also be a source of misinformation. Social media can be leveraged for many purposes and unfortunately you may encounter the negative as well as [...]
2011 ECAR Report: Students and Technology in Higher Education
By Melissa Venable EDUCAUSE, a non-profit association focused on the use of information technology in higher education, annually surveys college students about their use of technology. The ECAR National Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2011 report was presented at the EDUCAUSE annual conference* yesterday. While I wasn't able to attend in person, I was [...]
15 Eye-Opening Facts on Undocumented Students
From federal Financial Aid restrictions to reduced opportunities, students with undocumented status face a lower quality of education than their legal classmates.
Wanted: “Critical Thinkers”
By Melissa Venable You will find critical thinking skills referenced in your courses, program objectives, information about job opportunities, and professional development and workplace training. What is critical thinking and why is it so important? Being able to think critically, which is evaluative rather than negative, allows us to make better decisions and solve complex [...]
On Twitter
If you have a question about going to college online, Melissa can help. Get direct access to our expert on Twitter.
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Online College FAQ
How Are Online Colleges Different From Traditional Colleges?
How Do I Know Whether Online College Is Right for Me?
What Are the Benefits of Going to College Online?
Inside Online Learning
An Education Writer for OC.org, Melissa's background includes work in higher education...
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The Latest
Making the Most of Your Virtual Career CenterOnline students are not always aware of all of the resources available to them, including career centers. Just like their traditional, on-campus counterparts, professional career practitioners at online institutions provide valuable services for …