1. Can you manage your time effectively? Although classes are online, you will still need to meet the attendance requirements, participate in class discussions and complete assignments on time.
2. Do you have the extra time to dedicate to online classes? The misconception is that online classes are easier. It will take just as much time and effort to succeed whether it’s online of at a traditional campus site.
3. Can you express yourself intelligently on paper? Because this is an online format everything you do will have to be in writing. So proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and being able to express yourself in a clear and intelligent manner is essential.
4. Are you a self-starter? You’re basically on your own when it comes to motivating yourself to get your work done. Because there is no pressure you may tend to slack off on completing your assignments or only do the bare minimum. However, to be successful in the online environment, you will need to be able to push yourself into doing your class work and assignments or you’ll get behind in your work and possibly lose all motivation to get it done and on time.
5. Do you need constant interaction to function? Collaborating and bonding between instructors and classmates face to face for some students helps to motivate them to do better academically, but this is not the case in an online class. E-mails and chat boards may not do it for you.

There are some real pros to attending an online university

• You can attend class at 2 am in the morning.
• Your get to wear your PJs during class.

There are also cons to attending an online university

• It costs just as much to attend an online university as a traditional university.
• Technical problem may arise causing you to be late in submitting your assignment on time.
• You’re pretty much on your own in an online environment.

In Conclusion

Online Universities may not be for everyone, especially if you’re not someone who has the drive and is motivated and determined to get the job done. Traditional universities on the other hand may not work for everyone either. The best solution is to find a middle ground and decide which way is more effective and meets your needs. Overall online universities are an excellent alternative to fit your degree into your busy life. So research the options available to you and decide if attending an online university will offer you more pros than cons. Give it a test run by taking one class at a time and judge for yourself.

Types of Taxation Systems

There are various types of taxation systems employed by governments. Of course, this depends on the wealth and traditions of the country. These include:

• PAYE: In this system, employers extract taxes from their employees prior to them receiving their salaries. These taxes are then passed on to the government.
• Self-Assessment: In this system, individuals assess both their income and expenditure and place them in various categories. Based on the exemption policy of their state or country they then remove those items that qualify for exemption and then pay the according percentage as stipulated.
• Consumption Tax: In this system, instead of taxing each individual, governments impose a percentage tax on consumable items. It is then the responsibility of traders to pass on this tax to the government.

We are all aware that filing tax documents can be a significant headache. Hence, qualified tax accountants take on these challenges much to the delight of their customers. They are also educated in all tax laws and are capable of finding loopholes in the system that can save them money.

Online Business Taxation Degrees

The effectiveness of any tax accountant depends on their level of education and experience. Online Business Degree in Taxation Programs prepare their participants with an arsenal of information that gives them a competitive edge in the work place. These Online Business Degrees in Taxation begins at the Associate level and continue through to the Postgraduate studies. This online degree program introduces students to the various aspects of tax accounting where they cover subjects such as:

• Accounting
• Tax Information Technology Mechanisms
• Budgeting
• Forensic Accounting
• Tax Regulations
• Retirement Saving
• Investment

Postgraduate Studies

At the postgraduate level, students focus their studies on research in specific areas of tax accounting. They conduct various researches on different types of companies, government tax systems, and modules as well as prepare actual annual tax returns and make recommendations for more effective tax mechanisms.

CPA Certification

Most employers require their tax accountants to be Certified Public Accountants (CPA). This certification body has high standards and ensures that their certified tax accountants are of high credibility. Applicants are required to have completed an Online Degree in Tax Accounting along with work experience. The CPA certification can be obtained after successfully sitting the CPA certification examination.

Top Online Universities for Tax Accounting Degrees

Tax accountants are constantly in demand. As a result, many online universities have developed programs to train individuals to enter into this lucrative and specialized field. The more educated and experience the tax accountant is, the more they will be able to save for individuals during filing. This will translate in higher salaries for them.
The online training mechanism makes it easy for individuals already in the field of tax accounting or those entering to pursue their studies without disrupting their regular schedule. The online system offers flexibility in their method of delivery that ranges from live web conferencing to delivery by mail. Their support systems are also of high standards where they promptly reply to any queries forwarded by their students. Some of these online institutions include:

• Minnesota School of Business
• Golden Gate University Online
• Globe University

Type of Online Fine Arts Degree Program

There are various types of online degree program in Fine Arts. The type of degree you choose will depend on your specific area of interest. Some online universities combine several forms of Fine Arts into one comprehensive Bachelor degree that gives students knowledge and experience in several fields of art. During this Online Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, students study subject areas such as acting, theater, creative writing, classical art, graphic design, fabrication, photography and sculpture. Upon completion, students will be able to work in media houses, museums, theater and digital art manipulation companies.

The Online Master in Fine Arts is an advanced training program in the field of Fine Arts. At this level, students specialize in a particular area of arts. From here, they will conduct extensive research in the history and development of their art form and how they can add their personal touch. Some of the specializations offered by accredited online college in their Master degree in the field of Fine Arts are art collection, computer animation, photography, fashion design, illustration, pottery and sculpture. Graduates of the Master degree in Fine Arts find work as managers in museums, consultants, art critics and designers.

Salary Potential of Online Fine Art Degree Graduate

The amount of money an online Fine Arts degree graduate earns will depend on their skill level, level of qualification and area of specialization. Art directors earn an average about $64,000 per year with some earning salaries ranging up to $120,000 depending on their location and product. Craft artist are a little more vulnerable as their salary is pegged to sales of their creations. Therefore, if they are highly talented, the sky is the ceiling to what they can earn, but if they have minimal talent, then the opposite stands. Graduates of the online Fine Arts degree working in sectors such as multi media will earn an average of around $55,000 per year.

Top Universities offering Online Fine Arts Degrees

The field of Fine Arts covers a wide area and is sometimes left to the taste of the observer. Although a large part of being a successful Fine Arts professional relies upon natural talent, online institutions design programs that hone these skill to enable students to achieve their true potential. Some of these online universities include:

• Academy of Art University
• American InterContinental University Online
• International Academy of Design and Technology

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 around $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:

• 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.

Irrespective of the size of the organization, there has to be someone who handles the financial affairs of the organization. These individuals must be able to use their knowledge to make sound financial decisions to benefit the organization. These financial professionals perform duties such as making investments, plan the organization’s long-term financial goals, acquire assets, seek financing and corporate with other businesses.

To be successful in the field of banking and financial management, individuals must receive sound training that will make them competitive within the field. One of the most flexible ways of gaining a degree in banking and financial Management is through the pursuit of an online degree in Banking and Financial Management.

Advantage of an Online Degree in Banking and Financial Management

The banking industry is one of those fields that place significant emphasis on experience. As a result, many individuals within the banking sector can achieve significant career growth. The online degree in Banking and Financial Management is perfect for individuals who are able to continue working thus gaining experience and also study and improve their academic qualifications. Students of the online Banking and Financial Management degree study at times convenient to them as long as they have access to the internet.

Type of Online Degrees in Banking and Financial Management

• Online Associate Degree in Banking and Financial Management: The online Associate degree in Banking and Financial Management is an introductory course that qualifies its graduates for entry-level jobs within the profession such as bookkeeping, credit clerk and tellers. During this online course, students study subjects such as foundation of banking, accounts, business communication, banking instruments, introduction to trust functions and the legal environment of businesses.
• Online Bachelor Degree in Banking and Financial Management: The online Bachelor degree in Banking and Financial Management has many areas of concentration. Students have the option of concentrating on areas such as business management, financial management, banking and financial support. During the program, students study subject areas such as technology in banking, management of liquidity, financial decision-making, financial market and institutions, information systems, principles of economics and business law.
• Online Master Degree in Banking and Financial Management: The Master degree in Banking and Financial Management is designed for those individuals who aspire to or serve in management positions within the banking industry. At this level, the course work changes from introductory courses in banking principles studied during the Bachelor program to actual implementation of many of these concepts and strategies. The online Master degree in Banking and Financial Management entails extensive research and study about the implementation of financial strategy, investment analysis, mergers and acquisitions, risk management and financial theory. Other subject areas that are of significant importance to the banking industry are credit analysis, managing retail banking, asset resolution, strategic marketing and bank regulatory law.

Top Universities for Online Degree in Banking and Financial management

The online degree in Banking and Financial Management is one of the most popular online degree programs sought after by students. As a result, accredited universities design several distance learning courses to facilitate these students. Some of the online universities include:

• Strayer University
• Boston University
• New England College
• New England College

The term “accredited” has been sported by many online institutions and is one of those key words that students look for when choosing online universities. However, how much do really understand by the term accredited and what are the responsibilities that come with the term? Even without knowing the definition of the term its existence have significant influence on the value of your online degree and how much it is accepted by the wider employment community.

What is Accreditation?

The term accreditation refers to an accepted standard that must be met by online universities to be associated with a particular standard. These standards will vary on the type and level of courses and the stipulation established by state educational boards and peers. It is used to give an insight into aspects such as the level of instructors, amount and type of financial assistance available for students and how much assistance the university receives from industry contributors. These contributions may be in the form of technology, financing or placements for graduates.

The Accreditation Debate

It is a fact that not all online universities have received accreditation from any of the many accreditation agencies set up to regulate the educational standards of online universities. There is currently a heated debate on how to weight online universities when compared to traditional universities. Supporters of online universities suggest that online universities provide the same education as traditional instructions and thus should receive the same accreditation. On the other hand, supporters of tradition institutions lament the fat there is no direct contact between students and doctors and so the student loses some amount of influence.

In the interim as the debate continues, the Department of Education have appointed agencies in six regions to act as accreditation bodies that spans across state borders to accommodate the various types of online universities.

How to know if your University is accredited?

The US department of Education does not itself accredit online universities. The task of accrediting online universities is delegated to regional bodies that are strategically located to cover the spans of the United States. These regional agencies have established guidelines as dictated by the secretary of education, industry players and their peers. They carry out various forms of assessments to ensure online universities adhere to the established standards. These may come in the form of tracking student complaints, checking of course work material and monitoring of university accounts.

To check on the accreditation of a particular online college, students can visit one of the many websites set up buy accreditation agencies. These include a database established by the US Department of Education @ http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx where students simply enter the name and location of the university to gain accreditation information.

What to do if your University is not accredited?

If you conduct an accreditation search and found out that your online university is not accredited, the first to do is to contact your nearest state accreditation agency with jurisdiction over that states education affairs. There may be various reasons why any particular online university may not have gain accreditation. These include:

• The university is relative new and has not completed all their requirements that qualify them for accreditation. They will also on the progress the university is making towards accreditation.
• The accrediting agency has received overwhelming complaints about the conduct of the university. As a result, their accreditation has been suspended pending improvements.

Over the past 10 years, we have seen many changes within the online educational community. Competition have increased has increased significantly with many traditional universities entering the market by offering online versions of their on-campus programs. In addition, the general cost of education has escalated due to the effects of inflation and technological advancements. Online universities have had to include marketing departments in their operations to seek out new markets to maintain their market share and most naturally, these expanses are transferred to the pockets of students.

The cost of online education is also influenced by the popularity on the university. As online universities become more experienced in the art of online education, they are able to improve their product. This will in turn increase their influence on the market as students who desire the best level of education flock to these online universities that have the most influence within the business sector.

Changes in Student Budget over the Years

To gain a better understanding of the changes in student budgets we can compare cost of online tuition from 1999 compared to that of 2009. On average, in 1999 that cost of online degree programs stood at around $10,000 for public institutions and $20,000 for private institutions. During that time, online universities were not fully accepted within the business communities as online universities were still going through growing pains and not all had the relevant accreditation from the various boards.

Jump 10 years to 2009, online universities now form a vital part of the educational landscape. Many employers are now encouraging their employees to take advantage of online universities as they can improve their qualifications without disrupting their work schedule. As a result, the forces of supply and demand kick in as the increase in demand results in individuals willing to pay more for their education. Statistics show that currently in the year 2009, online students will have to fork out tuitions fees averaging $30,000 for public online institution and $45-50,000 for private institutions. This shows an average of a 50 to 60% increase in ten years.

If we conduct a more in-depth study based on the types of online degree programs, we see an even more disturbing trend. The cost of bachelor’s degree stick to the average trends of 50 t 60% but graduate programs see an increase of 102% over the past ten years. This is due to the significant increase in demand for postgraduate degree programs by working professionals. These individuals have to increase their educational arsenal to remain competitive against younger and more technologically advanced kids leaving high school. The fact that they can study without disrupting their work patterns has proven to be a hit among this target group. Another factor that affected the cost of postgraduate programs is that some online universities factored the improved salaries that graduates gain after the completion of a postgraduate degree program. Thus, they decided that these students would be prepared to pay for these opportunities. ]]> http://www.onlineedublog.com/comparison-online-college-student-budget/feed/ 1 http://www.onlineedublog.com/online-degree-top-8-reasons/ http://www.onlineedublog.com/online-degree-top-8-reasons/#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:13:02 +0000 admin http://www.onlineedublog.com/?p=947

Education especially college education is every student’s dream. Getting an admission in one of those best rated colleges is definitely going to be tough. It is indeed a long procedure, right from searching until you get a call from the University. What about those who are into employment or into family? What if they want to complete their graduation? Leaving your job and attending these courses is really not possible, nor can you give up your responsibility in your family to attend a college. What is the solution after all?

Online Degree Programs

Well Online educational system is a boon to all those who just cannot imagine themselves attending a regular college. With the increased preference of online degree programs to regular campus courses, even those students who prefer regular college courses are opting for online degree programs. It is indeed a sea change in the attitude of people and increased appreciation of online educational benefits.

Courses are available to cater to the needs of all students. Hence nothing is a hurdle in choosing online educational programs. Online courses are widely recognized by employers. Employers in turn encourage their employees to take up online degree program in their area of study, that offers them knowledge and certification with no disturbance during their working hours.

Pursuing any kind of an education involves cost. The question here is about difference in cost between online and campus courses. There seems not much difference between the two, except for those operational expenses. In order to facilitate students, several financial institutions are financing online degree courses. Now, there is nothing to stop you from opting for online degree certification.

Top 8 why you should get an Online Degree?

If we were to list the reasons why you should go for online degree program, it would be as follows

• You can study at the comfort of your home or office, with no travelling required
• No force or pressure on the pace of study, complete flexibility offered
• Fix your study schedule and work accordingly
• Study where ever you would like to, all you need is a computer system and an internet connection
• Forget about carrying your textbooks from one place to another, online reading material reduces your burden in a big way
• Wide range of online degree programs to meet your choice of study
• Several Online Universities to choose from
• The cost at which it is offered fits your budget perfectly.

Given the advantages, I am sure there is nothing which can stop you from taking up an online degree program.

I’m sure you have heard them all before – don’t take classes online because it is not recognized by employers or don’t take online classes because it is not the same as traditional classroom programs. Well, I want to put your mind at ease; these ideas are simply not true. Do not believe everything you hear. If you are considering enrolling in an online degree program you should not hesitate. The following is a list of the top 10 online education myths:

Myth #1 Online Education is Easy

The fact is, most online degree programs are identical to on-campus programs because they have to meet certain standards to be approved for accreditation. You will receive the same subjects, assignments, projects and class work that on-site students receive. You will also get the same high quality education online that is found in the traditional degree programs. Studies show that distance learning is at least as effective as traditional on-campus learning.

Myth #2 Online Attendance is too Time Consuming

Most online degree programs are flexible, which means you can work at your own pace from anywhere and at a time that is most convenient to you.

Myth #3 Employers do not Accept Online Degrees

This used to vary from one employer to another but now employers see the benefits of online degrees. Most employers understand the need for busy professionals to attend a distance learning degree program to improve their qualifications and ability to move up the career ladder. Most employers’ main concern is that the educational institution is accredited and has a good reputation rather than the method you use to obtain your degree.

Myth #4 On Campus Attendance is Mandatory

Online learning methods vary from one institution to the next. Some institutions offer 100% online degree program with no on-campus attendance. Other institutions may offer courses as a combination of online and on-campus attendance requirement. So before completing the application process, make sure you know how your program is being delivered and if it will it be a problem if you have to attend class on-campus.

Myth #5 The Instructors are not Qualified

In order to teach at a reputable accredited university faculty members are required to have advanced degrees in addition to some online training programs in online instruction. Online instructors are very qualified and experts in their chosen field.

Myth #6 The Traditional Classroom is Better than Online Learning

This is a case of “to each his own”. Online learning is designed for people who want to continue their education but do not have the time to attend the traditional classroom setting. Distance learning makes education more convenient, especially for adults with families and full-time jobs. Many people choose distance learning simply out of necessity. Not everyone can enroll in traditional higher education due to work, commitments and obligations so distance learning provides the flexibility to continue working at a current job while pursuing your educational and career goals at the same time.

Myth #7 It is Quicker to Complete your Degree On-Campus

The time needed to complete a degree varies but it is possible to earn an online degree much faster with accelerated programs and the amount of time and dedication you put towards your online studies. A bachelor degree usually takes four years to earn on-site, but online students can complete the same degree in less than three years.

Myth #8 Credit Transfers are not accepted at Online Schools

Most online universities will accept credit transfers from regionally and nationally accredited institutions of higher learning, as long as the credits are eligible for credit transfer and can be applied to your degree program.

Myth #9 Online Learning is not Right for Everyone

It really depends on your learning style; online learning is very different than the traditional on-site learning, I have to agree. Anyone can adapt to online learning, all it takes is a bit of getting used to.

Myths #10 Online Degree Programs are Limited

Many degree programs are now available online. Online institutions offer Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees in addition to a variety of non-credit and certificate programs. ]]> http://www.onlineedublog.com/online-education-myths/feed/ 0 http://www.onlineedublog.com/iphone-applications/ http://www.onlineedublog.com/iphone-applications/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:41:35 +0000 admin http://www.onlineedublog.com/?p=683

The iPhone has revolutionized the cell phone industry. No longer our cell phones are just for makings calls. Online graduates are now demanding more and more facilities from their iPhones. This has fueled a separate industry of program designers who create programs to benefit iPhone users. Some programs are specially designed for online graduates who are constantly wired to keep pace with school developments and their peers. These applications can be accessed from your iTunes online store. Some of these applications include:

1. Flipr Flash cards:

With this application, graduates can simply synchronize their iPhone to their Mac and download flash cards with important exam pointers. They can also visit flashcard exchange via their iPhone 3G network to gain access to over 16 million flash card resources and then view them on wide screen mode on their iPhone.

2. A body of Knowledge:

This is a favorite with medical students. This program has over 300 built-in annotated images of all the body’s bones, muscles, vessels, and joints. Graduates can easily test their knowledge by placing their iPhone in quiz mode or simply pinch on an image to get a closer look at an image. This eliminates the need to carry around bulky textbooks everywhere you go without skipping a beat with your study schedule.

3. Free Wi-Fi Finder:

Students are always strapped and find it difficult at time to afford wireless network connection to carry out their studies. Free Wi-Fi finder allows them to locate free internet portals that they can log unto to gain access to their universities.

4. I Student:

This application allows you to input your class schedule and other important events such as homework, exam dates, and department meetings. This eliminates reasons for students to be late.

5. Tools for School:

This application is like a portable library. It entails applications that cover every subject area studied by online students. It also has 2D and 3D graph generating capabilities along with a copy of the New American Oxford Dictionary.

6. iTune U:

iTune U is designed specifically for the Online University community. It contains lectures from various courses offered by the leading online universities. Via their 3G iPhone network, students can easily watch and listen to lectures from the over 200,000 available audio and video files.

7. Doc Viewer:

Doc Viewer allows students to peruse documents before presentations or just for review.

8. iTalk Recorder:

This applications allows students to record anything from lectures, notes read aloud or just their own ideas on the go. They can then replay them at anytime.

9. Writing Pad:

iPhone writing pad allows you to use your finger to scratch any word you may want. It then gives you the option to save the word for future reference.

10. Social Networking:

All the major social networking sites such as twitter and face book are available directly from your iPhone interface.

11. Fring:

Fring allows you to instant message your entire online student peers at once by combining all your registered instant message providers.

12. Wikipanion:

This is a direct access to Wikipedia’s unlimited information resources. With this application, you can quickly settle educational disputes between you and other students.

13. iHistory:

This is a favorite with history majors. It provides an informative alternative to chugging around heavy history books. Major topics include art, wars, inventions, great cities, and other major historical events.

14. iClckr PowerPoint:

This allows you to access and make power point presentations without the use of a PC. It provides students with high-resolution presentations and seamless transition through slides.

15. Current Events:

iPhone has access to all the major news networks such as CBS, CNN, NY Times, and Wall Street Journal. This application is a hit especially with online finance students who want to keep wired to the latest financial trends.

16. Word Processing:

iPhone allows online students to read documents created by the entire major word processing programs such as PDF, word, Excel and Corel.

17. BookBargain:

The BookBargain application seeks out the best online book deals not only in America but also from sources all over the world.

18. Foreign Language Tutor:

Graduate students can gain access to their personal foreign language tutor via their iPhone. Lessons are given for all major languages such as Spanish, English, and French.

19. Punch in Numbers:

This is a calculator application that gives students access to a fully functional scientific calculator.

20. iTranslate:

This application allows translations of over 42 different languages. Students are able to gain information from a different angle by accessing study material from different parts of the world.