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Ready to go back to school? In today's technological world, there are many options for getting an education, including taking part in an online curriculum. You may have heard that online courses are easier than their classroom counterparts or that you are totally on your own when you enroll - both of which are not true. Here are 5 common myths about getting an online education:
1. The quality of an online course is not as good as a traditional brick and mortar school - If you take the time to research your online school and confirm that it is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, you are going to receive a quality online education. Accreditation is a reliable indicator that you are enrolling in a quality school. Partner with a school that has the right credentials and benefit from a curriculum that has been evaluated and critiqued to conform to specific standards.
2. Online learning is easier than attending a live school - If you think that you are going to breeze through an online course, think again. If anything, you have to be more dedicated to your online education - if you don't complete your assignments and lessons on a regular basis, you are not going to learn the material and you are not going to pass the course. Remember you are unsupervised in an online course - it is up to you to meet deadlines and avoid procrastination. While you have more flexibility as to when you learn, you still need to devote ample time to stay on track.
3. You are on your own with an online school - An indicator of a high-quality online school is one that offers live student support. This means that you can call and actually speak one-on-one with someone when you have a question or need assistance. You are not alone when you enroll in an online course; your school should have a team of professionals available to assist you. Choose a school that has an educational support and student services department - make sure that all of your educational needs are met.
4. You need to be tech-savvy to enroll in an online course - Online courses are typically designed to be user-friendly. This means that anyone - from the novice to the pro - can navigate an online course. Typically your course website will have a clear and obvious place to log in - once you provide your username and password, you will be able to access your course materials. There will be instructions how to proceed through your course. In an online setting, the assignments, quizzes and tests will be available through your computer. You proceed through your course at your own pace and on your own schedule.
5. An online school is not as respected as a live school - Worried about employers not recognizing your career training? Don't! In today's educational times, more and more schools are offering online programs - in fact, it is even commonplace to get a bachelor's or master's degree online. Just make sure to check the school's credentials - including accreditation, approvals, memberships and student testimonials. A respected online school will be respected by today's employers.
What are you waiting for? Partner with an online school and get the career training you've always wanted. With high-quality online courses, in-depth educational materials, personalized student support and user-friendly courses, you'll be ready to build a solid foundation that sets the stage for an exciting career.
Allied Schools was awarded the designation "USGBC Education Provider" on select green courses, giving it the specialized distinction of providing a high-quality green building education that has been peer reviewed and approved by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Meeting high standards and providing an education that will help professionals achieve or maintain their green building credentials, Allied's green courses were approved and added to the USGBC's online Catalog of Courses. Courses with the "USGBC Education Provider" designation provide today's professionals with access to timely and credible green building education options. Allied's approved courses include:
- Green Building Practices
- Home Energy Survey Professional
- Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
- Advanced Principles of Photovoltaic Systems Installation
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, Education Provider courses support the LEED Professional Credentialing Maintenance Program; are preeminent in green building education and align with USGBC's educational mission; are delivered in a variety of formats and target multiple learning levels and audiences; and are peer reviewed to meet USGBC's high standard for instructional design and content quality.
"We are honored to have achieved the 'USGBC Education Provider' designation for our green building courses," said George Achenbach. "We continually strive to be a high-quality green education provider and this designation exemplifies our dedication to industry professionals nationwide. We look forward to partnering with these professionals and helping them attain new heights in their careers."
Allied Schools' Training4Green website is devoted to today's emerging green technologies and includes convenient online career-training courses that train for employment in today's innovative, green careers. The 100% online format enables professionals to further their green building training while maintaining their careers - courses are accessible 24/7, with live student support available during regular business hours.
Additionally, students who enroll in any of Allied's green courses will receive the Green Career Pathway online resources at no additional cost. The resources, which are accessible when they log onto their course, are designed to assist with their job search once they complete their career training. The benefits include access to job leads, green industry news, professional associations, career tips and techniques, and more.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities.
To learn more about the "USGBC Education Provider" courses available at Allied Schools, please visit www.training4green.com or call (800) 732-7410.
Are you considering online education? Smart choice. In a U.S. Department of Education report, research studies from 1996 to 2008 that addressed the effectiveness of online education were analyzed using 51 factors that can influence learning efficacy. The report, titled the Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning - A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies, revealed findings such as:
- Online education is more effective than face-to-face learning.
- Face-to-face learning alone is the least effective method among three types studied.
According to the report, adding video and online quizzes or other forms of interactive learning aides may be appealing, but they may not fully increase educational efficacy. Instead, it's the time spent on learning combined with the additional communication opportunities that online delivery affords that make online education an effective learning choice.
Allied Schools, a provider of online education, is proud to announce that alumnus Margaret Jones of Aliso Viejo, CA was awarded the 2010 Distance Education and Training Council's Outstanding Graduate Award.
When Margaret was laid off from her job, she faced a familiar challenge - she lacked computer skills desired by potential new employers. After several frustrating interviews, she took advantage of the services of a One Stop Center, which helps qualified individuals to locate government funded retraining options.
"I was going to the One Stop Center in Irvine, CA and discussed the possibility of retraining with them and they gave me a list of schools and courses," said Margaret. "I was impressed by the fact that Allied was offering all the courses I wanted to take."
Margaret enrolled in Allied's Vocational Rehabilitation School. She developed her computer skills by successfully completing the online Microsoft Office Professional and Computerized Financial Accounting courses.
"I started the courses in January and completed in September," said Margaret. "My experience was extremely positive. The materials were understandable and followed a logical order and the fact that I had a Student Representative calling me to make sure everything was ok was very helpful. I was self taught in Microsoft Office and knew nothing about accounting. I feel I have learned so much in the last few months."
According to the DETC, there are more than three million distance education students studying with DETC members. Allied is a part of this elite member group. And we encourage all of our students to continue their pursuits for brighter futures through quality distance education.
"Now I feel I have extra skills to offer. I would like to go on and further my career in accounting," says Margaret of her future plans.
To learn more about Allied's 20+ online, career training programs in medical, business, real estate and emerging green technologies, please call 888-501-7686.
Allied President and CEO George Achenbach and Allied Vocational Rehabilitation Director Jacqueline Gomez presented Margaret Jones (center) with her award.
Available Sizes: 300 X 200 800 X 533 1800 X 1200 3840 X 2560
Allied President and CEO George Achenbach and Allied Vocational Rehabilitation Director Jacqueline Gomez presented Margaret Jones (center) with her award.
Available Sizes: 200 X 300 533 X 800 1200 X 1800 2560 X 3840
Labels: detc, Margaret Jones, Outstanding Graduate
One of 20 accredited schools nationwide to offer an AHDI approved medical transcription program, Allied Schools' newly designed courses include concentrated training modules that provide students with a professional and affordable training option. Coursework is graded by professional QA specialists and feedback is supported by mapping to The Book of Style for Medical Transcription, creating a real-world educational experience.
"We partnered with industry experts and created a program that not only meets industry standards, but provides a practical foundation that today's students need to get their foot in the door," said George Achenbach, president of Allied Schools. "We are proud to offer a medical transcription program that puts the student first, with manageable course modules, hours of dictation practice and personalized support."
The college-level medical transcription education includes online modules that provide students with the opportunity to build their knowledge one course at a time. Upon successful completion of Allied's Medical Transcription Program, students will be prepared to sit for the AHDI Registered Medical Transcriptionist (RMT) exam. The program includes:
Module 1 - Medical Terminology for Transcription
Module 2 - Microsoft Word for the Medical Transcriptionist
Module 3 - Medical Transcription for Professional Tools
Module 4 - Beginning Medical Transcription Practicum
Module 5 - Intermediate Medical Transcription Practicum
Allied's medical transcription courses are AHDI approved, which is the most effective way for students to ensure that they receive a high level of transcription education. Combined with national accreditation, students partner with a school that is evaluated and reviewed on a continual basis and held to a higher set of standards.
With their education, Allied students receive complimentary access to Medical Career Pathways, a valuable database of career planning tools and resources, which includes links to major medical job search engines, medical career tips, resume and cover letter templates, interviewing tips and more. They also benefit from a one-year AHDI membership that is included at no extra cost upon completion of their program.
Additionally, students looking to diversify their medical transcription education can enroll in Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Electronic Health Records and Health Information Management courses. For further information about Allied's Medical Transcription Program, please visit http://www.medtranscriptioncourse.com/program-details.asp or call (888) 822-2923.
Are you considering a property management career? Property management offers a wide range of possibilities once you establish yourself. Here is a brief synopsis of what is involved in this growing field.
You can choose to focus your efforts on smaller properties, including apartments and townhomes, or pursue larger projects such as shopping malls. Depending on the state you live in and your particular goals, you may need to obtain a real estate license as an agent or Broker.
To simplify, there are typically three categories of property managers:
-Individual Building Manager - Employed directly by the owner to
manage a single property.
-Individual Property Manager - Handles multiple properties for
several owners. They have their own firm, or work as part of a
property management company or real estate organization.
-Resident Manager - Manages an apartment building and usually
resides on the premises. He/she is employed by either a real estate
Broker or the owner.
Some of the duties involved in managing properties are record-keeping, rent collection, showing the property to perspective tenants, running credit and background checks, preparing leases and rental agreements, advertising vacancies, and hiring and training building personnel.
An important skill all property managers should master is marketing – because vacant buildings mean loss in profits. Property managers need to be aware of popular trends and desirable features that attract clients. For example, energy efficient properties are in high demand. Savvy property managers who pursue green training or renewable energy education will be better equipped to fill the demands of today's green-conscious consumer.
Unlike many career choices, being a property manager doesn't require lots of formalized education. However, a Bachelor's Degree is helpful in getting your foot in the door as an assistant property manager, regional manager, or a leasing consultant for a large community. All in all, the key to moving up and increasing your success is with actual experience in the field.
Finally, property managers who belong to respectable member organizations receive extra credibility as well as support. One such group is the International Real Estate Institute (IREI). Employers frequently look to these groups for prospective personnel since all members must agree to uphold and follow a certain code of ethics.
Are you ready to begin a property management career? Choose an online property management course, differentiate yourself by grasping green building principles and begin the rewarding career you deserve. Click here to learn Green Property Management Course.Labels: green buildling, Green property manager, property management career, property management course, property manager
Are you ready for a career change? What about gaining a competitive edge for that promotion you deserve? No matter what your career plans are, an online school can provide the convenience and flexibility one needs to balance daily obligations with educational pursuits.
The key to a successful online educational experience starts with selecting the right online school. The selection process requires careful consideration and the following checklist is a great place to start.
1. 100% Online Courses
Make sure the program you choose is truly 100% online. Some schools offer courses with online and classroom requirements. Avoid the confusion. Select an online educational institution with 100% online courses that are self-paced and accessible 24/7.
2. Personalized Student Support
Choose an online school that offers live technical and academic support with multiple contact options: email, phone and fax. If you get stuck on a concept, assistance is within reach. And here's a good tip - make sure your school's support department is staffed by more than one person. Your time is precious.
3. Accreditation
Your online school of choice should be accredited by a nationally-recognized accrediting agency. In order for any school to receive accreditation, they must constantly adhere to strict guidelines. For example, the school must be financially sound, have qualified instructors, approved policies/procedures and much more. Beware of schools lacking proper accreditation - your hard-earned certification or licensing could lose all credibility.
4. Variety of Online Training Courses
Choose an online school with educational programs in growing industries. For example, with Obama's plans to improve our nation's health care system and renewable energy use a major focus nationwide, these industries are in need of trained workers. Selecting an online school with certification and licensing programs in an industry poised for growth is simply a smart choice.
5. Job Assistance
You just completed your online education program. Now what? If you chose an online school with job assistance, you can request the help you need to pursue a new career. Services may include resume and cover letter reviews, interview tips and more.
6. Payment Plans
Worried about money? Align yourself with an online school that offers flexible payment plans. Some payment plans will even allow you to start your course at a low cost, followed by affordable monthly payments.
7. Military Tuition Assistance
If you're in the military, choose a school that accepts your Military Tuition Assistance (TA) benefits. As an active-duty service member, TA benefits may cover up to 100% of your online education. Spouses of active-duty service members can also benefit by selecting an online school that accepts Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Program (MSCAAP) benefits, which can provide spouses up to $6,000for their education.
8. History of Success
Are there student testimonials on your prospective online training school's web site? How long have they been established? Did past students have successful experiences with their courses and the school's policies? These are the kinds of questions to consider when pursuing education courses online.
An online education is an ideal choice for those who like to manage their own time, enjoy learning from home and must attend to other responsibilities while pursuing their education. Choose your online education program carefully and you'll be on your way to a rewarding career in no time.Labels: Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, Military Tuition Assistance, online course, online education, online school, Online Training Courses
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