The English language has long been accepted as the official language of international trade. Globalization has made it even more important for individuals to learn the English language irrespective of where in the world they are from.
In addition, the breaking down of trade and immigration barriers especially in Europe and the United States have increased the need for immigrants to learn the English language in order to integrate themselves into society. As a result, there is a huge demand for individuals trained in the art of teaching English as a second language (ESL). Training in the art of teaching English as a second language can be gained from institutions offering accredited online ESL degree Programs.
Benefits of the Online Degree in ESL
An online degree in ESL has many benefits. The online degree in ESL exposes teachers to individuals of varying cultures and languages. Some also travel the world working with international agencies providing English training to individuals. ESL teachers by just being in foreign countries for an extended period also get the opportunity to learn the culture and language of the local population.
Types of Online ESL Degree Programs
There are two main types of online ESL degree programs and the program you choose depends on the long-term goal of each online student.
Juvenile ESL - targets individuals interested in teaching at the K-12 level. At this level, students gain knowledge that covers the theories and fundamentals of language instruction. Here, students of the online ESL degree learn how to design ESL programs specific to children. It takes into consideration class management, culture and language acquisition.
Adult ESL - is for individuals interested in teaching adults. At this level, students focus on issues such as cross cultural communication and advanced linguistics. The approach here is different from that used to teach children and focuses on areas of pronunciation, grammar and other verbal weaknesses.
Qualification Required of ESL Teachers
Most ESL centers require teachers to have at least a Bachelor degree in education with ESL as an additional specialization. Although the approach of ESL teaching may be slightly different from the methods used to teach original English speakers, the teaching experience proves invaluable to teachers in the design of classroom curriculum. During the online Bachelor degree in ESL, students studies in curricular planning and development, assessment and evaluation, classroom instruction for varying learning levels and critical issues affecting education. Other ESL teachers go on to pursue online Masters and PhD programs in ESL where they conduct extensive research into methods of improving the delivery of English language to non-English speakers.
Universities for online ESL degree Programs
The outlook for holders of an online degree in ESL remains positive. As international trade, globalization and immigration increases, there will always be a need for ESL teachers who give non-English speakers the ability to communicate with their business partners. Various online universities have seized the opportunity to train these teachers to fulfill this demand.
A PhD is one of the most significant investments any professional can make towards the advancement of their professional career. At the PhD level, aspirants would already have significant experience and knowledge in their area of specialization and only want to top it off with a scholarly research that will prove their dedication to the profession or provide it with new ideas that can be used to enhance it.
PhDs are not cheap, the usually cost an average of $90,000 to $100,000 and take three to five years to complete. During the program, students conduct extensive research on sensitive areas of their respective profession or specialization that they then defend before a dissertation committee prior to graduation. After graduation, they can earn employment as senior managers, consultants, university lecturers and policy makers.
Choosing a Top Online University for PhDs
Applicants to online PhD programs must ensure that the university they apply to is fully accredited. The accreditation of the university has a direct bearing on how easily you will be able to gain employment in the working world. The department of education has set up several regional offices that are responsible for the monitoring and approval of accreditation for online universities. This body ensures that the standard of education delivered by a university is at industry acceptable standards and that the students receive all aspects of their program as advertised by the university. Students can easily visit the website of the department of education or other professional association to carry out a check on the status of a university.
Top 3 Online Universities for PhDs
Many online universities offer PhDs in various subject areas. However, as it is said only the cream will rise to the top. As a result, some of these online universities will receive recognition than others. These recognized online universities receive the full support of industry players and the government through funding, research documentation and equipment that enhances the training of their pupils.
Some of these top online universities for PhD programs include:
University of Phoenix:The University of Phoenix is one of the most recognized names in the industry of online education. With more than two decade of experience, the University of Phoenix has perfected the science of online education. They have consistently been at the forefront of cutting-edge innovations that enhances the learning experience of their students. This thrust is also applied to their PhD programs, as they are fully aware that these graduates are future policy makers and help to shape societies.
Walden University:Walden University offers accredited online doctorate degree programs in some of the best subjects like management, education, psychology health and human services. These programs are designed to help you fulfilling your life long goal whilst adding credentials to your career.
Capella University: Capella University offers students the option of many high quality PhD programs that range from education, business, information technology, public service leadership to psychology. With the use of highly trained lecturers, Capella remains at the forefront on online education delivery by presenting its students with applicable PhD programs that are current and relevant to all industries. Residential colloquia at Capella University give you the chance to interact with faculty, advisors and peers.
The science of Health Education uses a combination of biological, environmental, psychological, physical and medical sciences to establish the promotion of good health practices that result in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
Health Education is promoted at the individual, community, institutional and national level where policies are created and filtered down to the general population. By doing so, healthcare officials hope to be able to positively influence the health standards of individuals and communities. In doing so, they address issues such as HIV Aids, teen pregnancy, immunization, smoking, heart disease, hygiene and vector control diseases.
Duties of a Trained Health Educator
The health educator is of vital importance to the maintenance of good health care within a society. These individuals may be from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Some of their duties include:
Conduct assessments of the community’s health needs
Design, plan and implement health care programs that are sensitive to their location
Identify resources and write grants
Develop marketing campaigns that stimulates the interest of the public
Promote healthy lifestyles in their community
Types of Online Degrees in Health Education
Online degrees in Health Education span the entire spectrum of the tertiary education system. This is in order to increase the knowledge and awareness of employers of the health system about the role they play and the health issues that affect the society.
Online Health Education degrees are available from accredited online universities starting at the Associate level where students are introduced to the basic science of heath care education. During the Associate degree in Health Education, students cover subjects such as human health, fitness, teenage pregnancy, nutrition, sex and drug addiction.
The Bachelor degree in Health Education brings more propagation and leadership skills into focus and combines them with the basic health care issues covered in the associate degree program. As a result, coupled with the issues of general health care, students pursue courses in leadership, computer technology, health and society theory and development of Health Education programs.
At the postgraduate level of the degree in Health Education, students will specialize in both the promotion and management of Health Education systems. This Master degree qualifies students for leadership roles in health care centers, schools, nonprofit organizations and government. Students participate in various research activities that focus on health communication, exercise physiology and business administration. At the end of the degree, they must produce a concise review of their research as their dissertation and defend it before a dissertation committee.
Career Outlook in Health Education
Graduates of an online degree in Health Education have a rewarding future ahead of them. The reward of online Health Education graduates comes two fold because they are compensated financially and by the gratitude shown by members of the community they serve. The continued expansion of Health Education by the Department of Health also creates many openings at both the junior and senior level of the health sector. Average salaries for graduates of an online degree in Health Education fall around $50,000 per year.
