Job Seekers/WEBUniverCITY Students

FAQ

Below is a sample of what some of our candidates have said about being their experience when represented by WEBUniverCITY. We work hard to make your job search as painless and efficient as possible!

• What is distance learning?

• "What is eLearning? To define or describe eLearning, it is best to first define learning. Learning is the act of developing skills or obtaining knowledge. So eLearning just means that you develop skills and obtain knowledge using electronic means, hence the "e" in "eLearning!" You may have heard terms such as distance learning, distance education, online learning, or a variety of other terms used to describe methods of learning outside the traditional classroom-based method. Distance learning refers to any education that is conducted outside of a traditional classroom setting. Generally speaking, distance learning follows one of two models: the correspondence course or the online course. Correspondence course students receive and submit their class materials physically, through postal delivery. Online students receive their materials electronically, via the Internet. eLearning is a type of distance learning. At WEBUniverCITY.com, we'll use the term eLearning to mean distance learning delivered through information technology, especially the Internet. Online student learning about distance education. Distance learning has become a popular method of teaching and learning. Online learning has become the most common and popular delivery method of distance learning. The majority of colleges and universities offering distance learning courses or degrees use e-mail, the Internet, and related technologies to: * Facilitate the learning process * Communicate with students * Promote the accessibility of educational programs * Provide and distribute information using multimedia How much of my class is completed using the Internet? The amount of time students are required to be on the Internet differs from course to course. Some instructors provide information and course materials using only e-mail. Other instructors will require students to go to a designated Web page or Web site to log into a virtual classroom environment. eLearning may also describe course work which uses a computer network as part of a class, whether guided by an instructor or utilizing an independent method of learning. WEBUniverCITY.com deals with all types of learning that fall within this broad definition of eLearning, as well as correspondence courses. Did You Know? According to an October 2008 report from the Center for American Progress, "Almost 70 million adults in the current workforce between the ages of 25 and 64 do not have a postsecondary credential: Forty-eight million of these adults have a high school degree or less, and 21 million have some college experience but no degree.""

• What technologies are used with distance learning?

• "What technologies are used with distance learning? Distance learning uses a wide variety of technologies and different types of media. Most distance learning is Web-based and takes place through an "online campus" Web site. These sites are sometimes called "learning management systems" and "virtual learning environments," but they're mostly just sites that you sign into to receive information and interact with your fellow students. These sites are collectively referred to as course management systems. Course management systems are designed for instructors and students. The most common course management systems systems are Blackboard, eCollege, and Moodle. They all work mostly the same way. Your school will give you the Web address and log in information that you'll use to access the system. Once there, you'll be able to click into your virtual classroom. Student learning about online education technologies. Give distance learning the old college try. While these technologies are not difficult to use, they can be new to many students, and that newness can lead to hesitation. You may want to reserve judgment about any of the technologies until you have used them for a while in a real learning situation. Expect the following technologies… * Course management system like Blackboard, eCollege, or Moodle * Word processing documents such as .DOC or .PDF files * Streaming audio, video, and podcasts * Textbooks and printed literature In online courses, expect digital handouts and copies. So what about the types of information you'll find in your virtual classroom? You're likely to encounter a lot of reading — handouts that consist of Word documents and PDF files are common. But in recent years, online schools have stepped up and advanced their offerings. You may find that your courses make a good deal of use of streaming audio and video, where you listen to or even watch a lecture or other resource right on your screen. Audio files are available too. You may even have the option to download these files onto an iPod or similar portable media player and review them while commuting or otherwise at your convenience. In fact, these sorts of options have been so popular that some schools that don't even offer online classes have begun making such things available to supplement traditional courses. There's one more technology that you're likely to use, and that's the old fashioned textbook. Even with all our technological advances, there's still a lot of life left in them. While there have been experiments with online textbooks or with online course design that doesn't refer to a conventional text, most online courses assign a textbook that you order and receive in the mail. Did You Know? When you graduate, your diploma and transcript will be identical to those earned by on-campus students. Your diploma will not distinguish you as an online student."

• How do people interact in online courses?

• "How do people interact and communicate in online courses? In a traditional class setting, the instructor provides feedback to students vocally, with body language, or writing on a whiteboard or chalkboard. Students comment or ask questions, interact with others in verbal discussions, collaborate with small groups, and may give presentations. Similar forms of interaction and collaboration exist in online courses, with a few substantial differences. Writing is the way classmates discuss topics. Writing is the primary form of communication in the online classroom. Unlike the campus classroom, online students do not have the opportunity to speak to one another as readily. Written communication is much more prevalent in online classrooms. Verbal communication is used in teleconferencing and videoconferencing. Study group of adult students in a library. Written communication tools in the online classroom can include: * E-mails * Word or PDF documents * Threaded discussions or message boards * Chat rooms Asynchronous classes do not have specified meeting times. Online learning is usually asynchronous. This means the instructors and students do not necessarily need to be online at the same time to post information or messages. Online students have varied personal schedules and live in different time zones, which contributes to the disjointed nature of online classroom communication. The majority of the interaction does not occur at the same time, with discussions and responses being separated by minutes or even days. Asynchronous communication is the most common type of online class, allowing students to develop the most convenient and effective personal work/study schedules rather than having to adhere to predetermined class meeting times. Asynchronous classes are highly effective, especially for students and learners who: * like to take longer to formulate their thoughts * are very detail oriented * are uncomfortable participating in verbal discussion or speaking in front of a large audience Asynchronous learning entails a certain amount of adaptation for both instructor and student. Classroom participants must develop reading and writing skills in order to communicate effectively. Asynchronous learning requires that students be articulate, well-written, and follow the etiquette rules that apply to this type of learning environment. Synchronous classes have specified meeting times. In synchronous learning, students and instructors meet together at the same time. Conversations and communication occurs at a set time using technology such as video conferencing, chat rooms, and conference calls. This mode of learning is not as convenient for most students as asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning presents time constraints for participants and is more reliant on technology such as a high bandwidth Internet connection, Web cameras, microphones, and specialized software programs. Computer based training and independent study courses are similar. Computer based training (CBT) differs from both asynchronous and synchronous learning in that CBT is designed to have the student learn by using a computer program rather than interacting with an instructor. A student progresses through his or her course following a preset curriculum, similar to many online classes. Grades are assigned based on assessment quizzes and tests rather than discussion boards and research papers. Still other schools offer independent study methods which are similar to CBT. The student progresses through the course work alone, without the opportunity to interact with classmates. Online independent study differs from CBT in that students interact with an instructor, facilitator, or school department one-on-one. Online independent study includes lecture notes, readings, and assignments that are prepared for the student and accessible at all times. You can expect the following… * Content Management System (CMS) like Blackboard, eCollege, Moodle, etc. * Word processing documents such as .DOC or .PDF files * Streaming audio, video, and podcasts * Compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), video cassettes * Textbooks and printed literature Remember: The general rule of thumb is you will need 2-3 hours per week "outside of class" for every credit you are enrolled. This means a 3-credit course could require between 6-9 hours per week to participate in online discussions, do readings, and complete assignments."

• Is online education high quality?

• "Is distance learning an effective way to learn? We believe that the answer is yes! You are able to learn and progress through a curriculum using electronic media just as effectively as in a traditional classroom setting. Distance learning is no different from any other kind of learning in regards to quality. A lot has changed since the 1990s. In the early days of online education, it was questioned whether eLearning had the potential to be just as rigorous and effective. Today, more than 61 percent of all colleges and universities offer some form of distance education in their programs. A great deal of research has been done in the past decade to illustrate that when it comes to quality, distance learning can stand with the best of them. Statistics illustrate the effectiveness and increasing popularity of distance learning. For example, consider these quotes from the report titled Online Nation: Five Years of Growth in Online Learning by The Sloan Consortium published in October 2007: * "A large majority (69 percent) of academic leaders believe that student demand for online learning is still growing." * "A question often asked of online educators is whether online degrees are as good as those granted by face-to-face programs. Overall, only about one-in-five institutions disagrees with the statement that 'online degrees have the same level of respect as face-to-face degrees.'" * "Academic leaders do not believe that there is a lack of acceptance of online degrees by potential employers." Instructor teaches students in a classroom. There has also been groundbreaking research done by the Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications that strongly suggests that there is no significant difference between the effectiveness of learning through online courses and traditional, classroom-based learning. Top tier universities meet student demand by developing online programs. Perhaps the most important qualitative indicator that distance learning can be sufficiently rigorous has been the willingness of well-known traditional institutions to make use of it. When schools such as Harvard University, Duke University, and Pennsylvania State University are offering online learning programs, it's reasonable to conclude that eLearning is a mature, accepted means of obtaining a quality education. As a final note, while some suspicious online programs do exist, you can rest assured that all schools listed with WEBUniverCITY.com are high quality — we only list schools that are accredited by agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation! Did You Know? Since 1999, WEBUniverCITY.com has helped over 1.1 million adults from all walks of life find an online program to help further their careers without sacrificing time away from family."

• What are the pros and cons of online education?

• "What are the positive and negative aspects of online learning? You might find that distance learning requires more discipline and self-motivation than traditional courses that meet face-to-face. One method to determinine how well online learning might work for you is to consider its benefits and disadvantages. To get the most from this list, consider your learning needs, professional priorities, and personal circumstances to help you decide what is best for you. * PROS: * No time spent commuting/traveling to a campus * No additional travel costs to add to the family budget * Continue working at your current job while you take classes, thus allowing you to earn a living and gain work experience, applying your course work * Your learning options are not constrained by your geographic location (e.g. you live in California and attend the University of Massachusetts) * You can learn at your own pace and study at your convenience (e.g. after the kids are asleep or before work) * If you prefer to express yourself in writing rather than verbally, you may find distance learning more effective * Classes typically centered and focused on student responses and virtual discussion rather than instructor-led lectures * Instruction and course work can be highly customized to your field and subject—especially computer based training (CBT) * Additional benefits of learning new technologies and practicing the use of the Internet, office software, etc. * You will meet and work with classmates from all over the United States and throughout the world * All students are 100 percent equal: your work will stand on merits alone, and you will not be treated differently based upon race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, religion, disability, etc. * Requires 100 percent participation from each and every classmate (e.g. the most outgoing students will not monopolize the discussions) * CONS: * Allow for time required to boot up computer, software programs, and connect to the Internet * Budget for additional high-speed Internet costs (if applicable) * Need the discipline not to log into your class while at work (unless your employer permits you to complete your course work at the office) * Plan and adjust your studying schedule around assignment due dates (e.g. you live in California your final project is due to your instructor at 5 p.m. Eastern time) * At times, you may experience feelings of isolation or a sense of detachment from your school * Lack of face-to-face interaction — especially in self-paced courses — or difficulty in developing relationships with classmates * Students may need to wait for feedback and responses from peers and instructors (especially if you study between the hours of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.) * Equipment needs of students and learning providers (e.g. generally a personal computer, office software, and an Internet connection are required) * May require you to learn new or enhance computer and troubleshooting skills * Possibility of limited local networking opportunities * You will be required to be able to work unsupervised (i.e. you will have to problem solve solutions independently) * You must be self-motivated and disciplined to progress through your program in a timely manner Did you know? 63.4 percent of all colleges and universities in the United States offer distance learning courses, according to the U.S. Department of Education."

• How is it different from traditional learning?

• "How does distance learning differ from traditional learning? Prospective students are often surprised to find that, at their cores, online learning and traditional learning are remarkably similar. It may be difficult to imagine the similarities between the two. The components are the same as those in a typical course delivered by eLearning. However, while the components are the same, it's also true that the form that they take can be different. To help compare on-campus and online learning, consider the usual components of a traditional on-campus course: Adult student studies at desk with two classmates talking behind her. * A textbook * An instructor * Class discussion * Written assignments * Quizzes and exams Let's consider them one at a time. A textbook. This is simple, usually exactly the same in both types of learning delivery formats. Sometimes, textbooks for online courses will be available online (as an e-Book) or will consist of a set of readings freely available online rather than an actual book. But usually, even with distance learning, the textbook will be a printed book that you can hold in your hands. An instructor. This component can be extremely similar in an online course, or it can be quite different. Distance learning courses vary a great deal in how structured they are. Some are extremely structured, with an instructor-led sequence that is as formal as any one would find in a traditional classroom. Others are more akin to independent study, where you set your own pace for learning and the instructor is only available in class or sometimes not at all. Class discussion. In online classes that are like independent study, this won't be an important component. However, many if not most online courses incorporate class discussion using online bulletin boards. This is called threaded discussion, and it allows students to interact and have a running conversation without having to be online at the same time. Another option is chat functionality, which is more rarely used and built into the course. This allows real-time communication between students and instructors who are online at the same time, just like instant messaging. Written assignments. This is nearly the same when it comes to traditional classes and online classes. One difference is that when assignments are submitted electronically, it's much easier to scan them with plagiarism detection services to ensure that the work you're handing in is really yours. This maintains the value of the degree you'll receive because it provides evidence of academic integrity. Quizzes and exams. Taking a quiz or exam online can be somewhat different from taking it in the classroom. There's no sense of camaraderie with your fellow students because they're not sitting with you. On the other hand, you can take quizzes and exams in the environment of your choosing, to prevent distractions, and you can usually take them at a time convenient for you. Another advantage of taking quizzes and exams online is that you can usually find out your score right away if your test is multiple choice or true/false, as opposed to that agonizing wait for the next class meeting (or the one after that!) to find out how well you did. Did You Know? According to an October 2008 report from the Center for American Progress, "Almost 70 million adults in the current workforce between the ages of 25 and 64 do not have a postsecondary credential: Forty-eight million of these adults have a high school degree or less, and 21 million have some college experience but no degree.""

• What is the future of eLearning?

• "What advancements and changes can we expect for online education? Distance learning is not simply a contemporary trend that will fade away. When considering the future of distance learning, it is important to look at many of the trends related to learning that are already influencing current trends and planning. The amount of knowledge and information that must be taught to tomorrow's leaders is expanding at a tremendous rate. The high school graduating class of 2008 will be exposed to more new information in one year than their grandparents were in a lifetime. Memorizing facts will have a much lower value, while utilizing information for analysis and decision making will be a critical skill for educational and professional advancement. Continuous learning will be essential. The typical American worker will have many distinct careers in his or her lifetime. Each of these career paths or changes will require the attainment and practice of new knowledge, skills, and competencies. Lifelong learning will be something any individual must do to remain competitive. Students will be expected to have an ability to conduct research, analyze data, adapt to changes, etc. In this way, distance learning provides a more resourceful solution for the student and working population. Its flexibility, accessibility, and program diversity better meets the immediate educational needs of individuals, making learning more meaningful, effective, and practical. International study will not be as dependent on travel. The world is shrinking rapidly. The Internet has brought the world together in ways that nobody could have expected. You can now attend a college halfway around the world with classmates living in any country. International education will likely gain in popularity and enrollment as demand from students increases. Travel costs, bureaucracy, and cultural barriers will impact international study less and less. Adult student taking course online working at a desktop computer. Distance learning will impact the operations of traditional schools. Universities and colleges will likely begin to collaborate with one another in an effort to diversify their offerings to meet the ever growing need for higher education while staying competitive in the global market. Private companies will not be excluded from the changes affecting higher education. People will telecommute to their jobs as their employers will be increasingly forced to compete on a global, rather than local, scale. Technical familiarity will have increasing value. The skills that distance learning will impart upon students will continue to increase in demand — skills such as an ability to learn, to adapt quickly, to communicate across a neutral medium, to analyze data, to utilize technology, an ability to conduct research, and, of course, the ability to work independently without compromising productivity. Colleges, universities, and schools of the future will utilize technologies far more advanced than those of today. (Consider the complexity of today's technology, some of which would have been inconceivable only thirty years ago.) Learning to use the new technology will be essential to navigating modern life and advancing professionally. Ways distance learning will have to evolve… In order to meet the needs of the changing world noted above, future learning must be: * Time flexible * Independent of geography (lacking geographical barriers) * Competitive cost/value * Learner-centered with less emphasis on lecture-style classes * High-technology, incorporating new media and computer applications as part of instructor presentations and course work * Culturally diverse * Adaptable to the needs of the global marketplace * Growth oriented from the perspective of the individual and organization * Contemporary material that is relevant to the times What distance learning institutions will have to do… Organizations that deliver distance learning will need to consider these issues and more: * Realize what market and demographic groups they serve * Be responsive to adult learner needs * Prove their value to adult learners, such as quality, relevance in material, convenience, etc. * Take direction from business organizations, and in response, anticipate and adapt to their needs * Streamline the instruction process * Look for partnerships with other complementary organizations * Find creative ways to certify learning credentials * Be prepared to compete globally with a variety of learning providers * Stay abreast of relevant issues in education * Understand that the paradigm of thinking in education has changed over the last fifty years and will continue to change in the future Likely changes that will happen… As a result of all of those factors, we may see some of the following predictions come true in the next decade: Corporations will compete directly with colleges and K-12 schools, as has already begun to happen with charter schools or schools such as Ashworth University High School. * Partnerships and mergers between learning institutions, publishers, technology companies, and learning providers will consolidate the marketplace * A greater percentage of learning (formal and informal) will take place online * The role of the instructor will be broken down into multiple specialized positions: curriculum design, content delivery, classroom facilitator, learner support, etc. * Demand for top instructors will grow in both the education market and in business * Fewer students will get the traditional on-campus degree and most will get at least a portion of their formal education online and off-campus * Adult students will become more commonplace and schools will more readily facilitate these learners * Cultural diversity will become increasingly more integrated into formal education Learners will complete degrees and certificates made up of courses and experiences from a wide range of learning providers private, public, traditional and online. Did You Know? When you graduate, your diploma and transcript will be identical to those earned by on-campus students. Your diploma will not distinguish you as an online student."

• Is distance learning right for me?

• "Is distance learning right for me? Earning your degree through distance learning can be a convenient way to go to school, but there's still quite a deal of work involved, and it's not necessarily right for everyone. For many adult students, it can be difficult to decide between on-campus courses and online courses. (Some of us have not participated in a classroom setting in a decades—how can we know?) Take into consideration your professional and personal situation (e.g. will you need a baby-sitter for the kids if you attend night classes at your local university?) Review your finances and family budget—financial assistance is a help, but what if your textbooks cost more than you planned? How can you know whether you might benefit from distance learning? Start by reading the following statements and counting the ones with which you agree: Adult learner at her desk with her laptop smiling. * I am disciplined and self-motivated. * I am comfortable navigating the Internet and using e-mail. * I do not have the time to commute to classes and find parking on-campus. * There are no traditional colleges or universities located in my area that have the kind of degree or certification that I need. * I am able to learn and retain information from reading as equally as I can from listening to students talk in class. * The topic I want to study is offered via distance learning or online course. * I would like my learning experience to focus on me rather than my instructor's lectures. * I am interested in some of the potential advantages of distance learning. * An online course or degree program in my field would be accepted or respected. If you agreed with more than half of the statements above, then distance learning might be a great option for you to further your education. Taking the next step WEBUniverCITY.com decided it was important to help prospective online learners determine if they are well-suited for distance learning. We recommend that you use the WEBUniverCITY Advisor to assess your readiness for an online degree program! For more information, also see the article Am I Ready to Go Back to School?. Remember: The general rule of thumb is you will need 2-3 hours per week "outside of class" for every credit you are enrolled. This means a 3-credit course could require between 6-9 hours per week to participate in online discussions, do readings, and complete assignments."

• What makes a good online degree or college?

• "How can you be sure a college is right for you? Ultimately, you are the only person qualified to answer this question! We can provide some insight as to some of the factors to consider when selecting a distance learning course, degree or provider: Online degrees and courses: * What delivery and media technologies are used? * What interactive tools and strategies will be used? * Do the instructors have previous experience with distance education, as either an online learner or instructor? * What formal training and credentials do the instructors have? * How many students will be in the online course? * Are there any prerequisites or entrance criteria necessary for new students? * How will your work be evaluated? * How do the costs compare to other learning options? * Does the curriculum reflect your learning needs or goals? * How many weeks does each course last? Is this an accelerated program or traditional semester length? * Is the delivery method synchronous, asynchronous, self-paced, cohort style or other? Colleges, universities, and schools: Two students at a desktop computer. * What is the reputation of this college or school? * Are their programs and offerings accredited and if so what type of accreditation do they have? * Can you speak to employers who have hired their graduates? * Can you speak to learners who have used their offerings? * What types of resources will be available to you? * How long have they been offering distance learning? * Do they use one of the leading learning management/delivery systems such as Blackboard or Moodle? * Is financial aid available at this school? * Does the school have the degree or course of study you are looking for? * How are the learner support services for the school and are they accessible? * If applicable, does this school and its degree program meet state licensure requirements? For example, if your goal is to be a Certified Public Accountant, do you know for sure that this program will meet your state's requirements? Your criteria and personal circumstances: * Do you know what you'd like to study or what degree you'd like to earn? * Do you have a preference for certain schools or school reputations? In other words, is it imperative that you enter a nationally-ranked top ten business school? * Do you know the top-rated schools for your field of study? (e.g. New York University would be an excellent, top rated business school, however, if your focus is computer programming, New Jersey Institute of Technology might be a better fit.) * Have you considered what you intend to do with the degree once you graduate? * Do you know if this school/degree/program will enable you to meet your goals? * Do you have a budget or know what amount of tuition you can afford? * Do you have personal scheduling considerations? * Have you spoken with those already working within the profession you are aspiring to enter or move up within? What do they have to say? * Are you going to be employed part-time or full-time while a student? * What are your familial obligations? Can you sacrifice time away from your family to learn and if so, how much? * Do you have the support of your family and does everyone have realistic expectations as to what will be required of you? * Do you want to attend school at an accelerated pace, full-time, or part-time? * How much education do you currently have? How many transfer credits, etc.? * Are you willing to take a GMAT or GRE if required for the school's application process? Again, this is not an exhaustive list but, these are the kind of questions you should consider when planning your journey. Did You Know? Since 1999, WEBUniverCITY.com has helped over 1.1 million adults from all walks of life find an online program to help further their careers without sacrificing time away from family."