Essential Tips for Getting the Most Out of Online Learning for Nebraska Students

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:28:16 +0000

Online learning is an incredible thing. It puts a traditional degree in reach of students who might not have been able to get an education otherwise. For those with fulltime jobs, family obligations or distance and budget limitations, online learning is an amazing advancement. However, it can also be challenging for many students. In fact, online learning can be more challenging than studying in a traditional school environment. With that being said, there are several things that students can do to ensure they get the most out of their virtual studies.

Be Organized and Motivated

Perhaps the most important thing for any student going through online learning is to be organized and motivated. It can be very easy for disorganization to strike, particularly for students studying at home. Make sure you have a private area for your studies, whether that’s a home office or just a corner in your bedroom. Keep all your notes and files organized, including the ones on your computer. Of course, staying motivated is just as important as organization.

Communication

In online learning, it can be all too easy to feel like you’re in a vacuum. That’s natural; after all, you’re not in a physical classroom, interacting with your teacher or other students. However, there are options to enhance your communication through online learning programs. Find out what options your school offers, but you will likely find that there are several ways you can get more involved, including:

Direct private email communication or school email communication
Online discussion boards for teachers and students to use
Real-time communication via webcam and/or microphone in a virtual classroom

Put Your Knowledge to Work for You

For students, the problem of knowledge atrophy can be a very real threat. Think of it like your body’s muscles. If you use your muscles, they become stronger. If you don’t use them, though, you lose them. Knowledge works in much the same way. Find ways to put the information learned in your studies to use in your life and you’ll find that not only do you remember the information better, but that you gain a better understanding of the processes and theory behind it.

Spend Time with the Software

One of the largest hurdles you will encounter in online learning is the software interface that the school uses. There’s really no “standard” here, so be prepared for something of a learning curve. Spend as much time as possible learning how to use the software and you’ll find that you become much more familiar with it. At first, it might feel foreign, but that will pass. As time goes on, you will not only become more adept at navigating through your virtual classroom, but it will become second nature and you’ll speed up considerably.

Connect with Other Students

Whether you do so through discussion forms, email or phone calls, it’s advisable to connect with other students in your class. Doing so gives you access to a valuable resource to help you learn better and faster. In fact, you might even find that you can form a peer study group with other students, and each student will help others in the group. In addition, learning from other students will help you find ways to learn better on your own by finding out what works (and what doesn’t) for others enrolled in your online classes.
While online learning can be a confusing place, it becomes much simpler when you apply these techniques and tips. Just remember – it will take time, but eventually you’ll find the experience enormously rewarding.

Attending an Online College in Nebraska

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:25:33 +0000

Online College or Traditional College

Working toward an online college degree is an innovative way to continue your education in Nebraska. Students who take classes online save money and time because they do not have to drive to the university every day or spend time in the classroom. The average commute for work or school in Nebraska is 35 minutes which equates to nearly $145 in gas each month! This can be a heavy burden for an unemployed college student. By working toward a degree online rather than at a campus, students can:

        –  Save money on gas and car expenses
        –  Save time by graduating early
        –  Keep their full time jobs because they have flexible schedules
        –  Have better relationships and more time with teachers
        –  Have more free time because they are not locked into time slots

Getting a college degree from an online university is a great way to complete your educational goals if you live in Nebraska. Every day, students make the choice to attend online colleges and universities because they are affordable, convenient, and necessary for workplace advancement. Getting an online education has been a blessing for those who cannot attend traditional classes for any reason.

Living in Nebraska

Nebraska is a wonderful state to call home. There are many great colleges and businesses located in Nebraska. The meat packing industry, forestry industry, medical laboratories, teachers, and computer software industries offer many positions in the job market in Nebraska. Online teaching programs in Nebraska are always popular choices and so are online accounting programs in Nebraska. The median household income in Nebraska is $49,731 which means the cost of living is and housing in most areas is a bit lower or on par with other parts of the country. Almost 90% of Nebraska residents have a high school diploma and 23.7% of the Nebraska population has at least a Bachelor’s Degree which makes for a competitive job environment as many people are very qualified.

What Makes Nebraska so Great?

Like many other states, Nebraska has a lot of fun things to do! Waterparks, themeparks, zoos, State parks, and outdoor attractions offer residents and tourists’ hours of delightful fun. Living in Nebraska, you will likely reside in a large city or a very rural location. Temperatures vary greatly throughout the year and you may encounter some harsh winters and extreme summers. Nebraska is an old state and filled with history and adventurous locales.

Vital Technology Products for Today’s College Student

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:23:19 +0000

Once upon a time, getting a college education was all about textbooks, notebooks and paying attention in class. Today, while those elements still play a role, technology has become very important. In fact, having the right technology products can make or break your college career. Of course, not all “gadgets” really offer that much value to today’s college student, so you’ll need to know what devices to bring with you.

Tablet Computer

Tablets are “all the rage” today. They’re seen in work environments, at home and increasingly in classrooms around the nation. Having a tablet is a great way to have an ultra-portable computer that you can use when your primary computer isn’t accessible (and it saves you from lugging that laptop back and forth to class). You’ll find quite a range of tablets on the market, from the iPad to Android devices. Choose one that offers decent performance and get to know how it works before heading to class.

Desktop/Desktop Replacement Laptop

While having a tablet is important, you’ll find that you still need a “primary” computer. Whether you choose to have a desktop in your dorm room or just a laptop, you need to have a home base (technologically speaking). Make sure you get a relatively modern model with plenty of hard drive space and RAM. Unless you’ll be doing graphics-heavy studies and work (think AUTOCAD), there’s no need for a high-end graphics card (though gaming will certainly benefit from having one).

iPod/MP3 Player

Whether you choose to buy Apple’s rather ubiquitous player or invest in one of the many other MP3 players on the market, having one of these devices is important. Of course, it’s not about carrying your tunes around with you – you’ll find that you can put audio lectures on them, and even video lectures and other material. Plus, if you choose a higher-end model, you’ll find that they work much like a small tablet, giving you note taking capabilities, access to email and even educational apps that can help you in your studies.

Smartphone

Of course, a good smartphone can take the place of two or even three gadgets. The right model can double as an MP3 player, as a tablet computer (though you’ll have to deal with the size difference) and more. Smartphones today have enormous capabilities, whether you opt for a Blackberry, an iPhone, an HTC or something else. As a word of caution, make sure you get a smartphone that has a decent number of valuable apps for students. It does little good to buy a model that doesn’t have much in the way of apps available, unless you primarily want to use it as a phone.
These are only a few of the technological treasures that you should consider taking with you to school. As a moneysaving tip, consider buying used models of all of the above. Technology is expensive, but buying used (or demo models) can be a great way to have the latest technology without paying the high prices.

Where Did the Name of Nebraska Come From?

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:21:51 +0000

While Nebraska did not become part of the US for quite some time after the original colonization of the East Coast, the area does have a lengthy history marked by conflict between European superpowers. At one point, the land that would become Nebraska was actually claimed by three different countries – France, Spain and England.

The Spanish arrived first, with the explorations of Coronado (this is also how horses found their way into the territory). However, the Spanish left the region after Coronado failed to locate gold and silver riches and unlike the Southwest, they did not create a lasting presence in the area. Next came the French – French explorers, trappers and traders navigated down the rivers in eastern Nebraska (the Missouri and the Platte, most notably). Unlike the Spanish, the French created a lasting presence in the territory, building trading posts and outposts along the river routes.

The English had a more tenuous claim the area, though with somewhat more “legal” grounds. Many original land grants to settlers from the English crown noted that the claims ran from the Atlantic Ocean to the “south seas” or what would eventually become the Pacific Ocean. While the English hadn’t explored the area, these grants did give them ownership of the land.

The area that would eventually become Nebraska was eventually secured by France, then sold to the Spanish, then repurchased when Napoleon took power. It was then sold again, this time to the US in what became known as the Great Purchase (the Louisiana Territory). However, the name Nebraska was still not in use, and would not be until 1842. A US Army lieutenant was sent west to explore. After spending time with the Otoe Indians, he decided that their name for the Platte River (Nebraska) was ideal for the new territory (the name meant “flat water”) and the Secretary of War approved “Nebraska” as the official name of the new territory.

Essential Resources for Anyone Moving to Nebraska

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:21:10 +0000

Are you moving to Nebraska for a new job? Maybe you’ll be attending one of the main schools in Nebraska, or perhaps you’re opening your own business. Regardless of the underlying reason for your move, you’ll find that Nebraska is a welcoming place for new residents and new businesses. You’ll also find that you need access to some specific resources. Thankfully, the Internet puts those resources right at your fingertips. Here are some of the best resources for anyone moving to Nebraska.

Nebraska’s State Website

Perhaps the most important resource for would-be Nebraskans is the state’s official website. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of information, from details about changing your license to registering your car, information about real estate in the state and information for business owners looking to set up shop here. You’ll find links to individual county websites for Nebraska’s counties as well, which is good for those looking for a job or checking into a specific county’s education department. You’ll find the website here: http://www.nebraska.gov/

Nebraska Real Estate Commission

Whether you’re checking up on a realtor you’re considering using or you’re a realtor yourself moving to Nebraska, you’ll find the Nebraska Real Estate Commission website a handy resource to have. This website offers quite a few resources, from license applications to consumer information, access to the Nebraska Real Estate Commission members and updates on state real estate law. You can find the website here: http://www.nrec.ne.gov/index.html

NebraskaAccess

While this website might not give you immediate information about schools or where to find the closest DMV office, NebraskaAccess is an important online resource for anyone in need of information. This is the prime location for anyone looking for electronic access to magazines, books, periodicals and other publications available via the state’s libraries. The website also has links to government publications, the Nebraska Library Commission and other databases of value to residents. The website can be accessed here: http://nebraskaccess.ne.gov/about.asp

The Nebraska DMV

No matter why you’re moving to Nebraska, you’re going to have to deal with the DMV at some point. Even if all you have to do is get your license changed and register your car, you’re going to need to know the state’s policies, where the nearest DMV office is located and more. Thankfully, most of this information is available online with the state’s DMV website. You can even get an estimate of how much you’ll have to pay in tax for your car, truck or van with the site’s tax estimator. The website can be accessed here: http://www.dmv.ne.gov/dvr

Travel and Tourism

Even if you’re moving to Nebraska permanently, chances are good you’re going to want to know what there is to see and do in the state. Nebraska.com is the prime place for those looking for information about travel, tourism and fun here, from golfing to bird watching and everything in between. The website has information about hotels, and about historic sites and outdoor recreation, and can be found here: http://www.visitnebraska.gov/

A Brief Look at the History of Nebraska

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:14:07 +0000

Nebraska might be relatively young in terms of statehood (1867), but that doesn’t mean the state is without much in the way of history. In fact, you’ll find that it has a long history, reaching far back before the US was even founded.

For instance, Nebraska was originally a Spanish possession, at least in name. England also had a claim to the land, though the nation was unable to enforce it. It was then a possession of France, and was sold back to Spain. Napoleon repurchased the territory from Spain, but it was quickly resold, this time to the US.

Of course, the area was home to human activity long before the arrival of Coronado and his quest for gold and silver. Nebraska was home to several Native American tribes, including the Pawnee, the Missouria, Omaha and the Ponca, as well as the Otoe and the Sioux. In fact, the name Nebraska stems from the Otoe word for the Platte River, which meant “flat water”.

Many of those tribes are still in the state, and are working actively toward preserving their culture through building tribal infrastructure, creating tribal schools and in other ways, including fighting for legislation naming them sovereign peoples.

Settlement of Nebraska by European-Americans was sporadic at first, with most settlers simply moving through on their way west. However, the California Gold Rush increased westward migration so significantly that the population of Nebraska (far removed from California and the West Coast) boomed as well. After this, the push for more grazing land for cattle further spurred the state’s population growth, as did new farming techniques and technologies that enabled large tracts of prairie land to be turned into highly productive farmland while protecting crops from cattle and other animals.

Nebraska continues to grow today, and has played an important role in civil rights, as well as in many other areas.

The Top 5 Online Schools in Nebraska

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:13:16 +0000

There are some great schools in Nebraska, but many are much more innovative than you might think they are. While the traditional hallowed halls of learning certainly still exist, more and more online schools in Nebraska are cropping up. What’s more is that you might just find that many of the top online schools are also the top physical schools in the state. What are the best online schools in Nebraska? Here’s a look at the schools you might consider attending if distance learning is the right path for you.

The University of Nebraska, Omaha

Founded in 1908, the University of Nebraska, Omaha, is a public school that currently has about 12,000 students enrolled. The campus spans over 500 acres and ranks as a tier 2 school in the state. It offers traditional classes, as well as a broad range of online classes for those in need of distance education.http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-nebraska-omaha-2554

Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College is a private school that was founded more than 115 years ago. It has an urban setting in Omaha, though the campus is relatively small, coming in at just 17 acres. The school offers several different online degree programs, with a heavy emphasis on medical training, including sonography, surgical technology and other program. http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/nebraska-methodist-college-6404

University of Nebraska, Kearney

Located in Kearney, Nebraska, UNK was founded in 1903 and enjoys a relatively large campus (514 acres). The school has an enrollment of almost 5,200 students, and is located in an urban area. This public school in Nebraska offers quite a lot in the way of distance education, and actually records all education classes for online use, allowing students to access the material when it works best for them. http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-nebraska-kearney-2551

University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the school is one of the oldest in the state, and was founded in 1869. The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, has a campus size exceeding 624 acres, and has a student enrollment of almost 20,000. This is one of the most comprehensive schools in the state, and offers a broad range of majors, as well as numerous graduate departments. All classes recorded and made available for students to access online.

Wayne State College

Located in Wayne, Nebraska, Wayne State College was founded in 1909 and has an enrollment of almost 3,000 students. The school’s has a rural setting and the campus covers almost 130 acres. Wayne State College is a public school and has a rolling admission deadline for application submission. http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/wayne-state-college-2566
These are only a few of the excellent online schools in Nebraska. In addition to these options, you will find a range of community colleges now offering online courses for students, as well as a host of national online schools that offer completely virtual classes. Some online courses from traditional schools are not 100% online. These “blended” courses do require at least some component of in-person study, so students are encouraged to study any course they are considering very carefully prior to making a decision.

Taking a Look at the Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Nebraska

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:10:25 +0000

For those seeking a degree that will help them get their foot in the door with an entry-level position, earning an associate’s degree (rather than a certificate) is the best option. However, for those who are already working fulltime, or those with family responsibilities, traditional education can be impossible. This is where the top online associate degree programs from Nebraska schools come into play. You’ll find that distance education allows you to get the degree you need, without the hassles of a traditional education. What degree options are available?

Surgical Technology

Earning an associate’s degree in surgical technology allows you to become a surgical tech. You’ll find that you are able to work in a number of medical facilities, from hospitals to surgical centers, outpatient centers, birthing centers and more. The need for qualified surgical techs is considerable, and you can also go back to school and earn a higher degree down the road if you so choose. To find out more about these online associate degree programs for Nebraska students, visit: http://www.methodistcollege.edu/academicprograms/index.asp?S=2&SUB=18

Radiologic Technology

For those who want to work within the medical field but don’t find nursing an appealing path, becoming a radiology tech can be a rewarding career. You’ll work in the field of diagnostics and imaging, helping diagnose diseases, injuries and other health problems and giving patients the means to get back to good health. An associate’s degree in radiologic technology allows you to enter a fast growing field in the state of Nebraska, though national job prospects are just as bright. To learn more about these online associate degree programs from Nebraska schools, go to: http://www.methodistcollege.edu/academicprograms/index.asp?S=2&SUB=15

Medical Sonography

Sonogram technology has come a long way in recent years. You’ll find that earning your associate’s degree in medical sonography allows you to specialize in a certain area (musculoskeletal, for example) or to provide services in a broad range of situations. Like radiological techs, sonography professionals play a vital role in diagnostics and medical imaging, producing high quality images of body parts, organs and more. For those who want an excellent career with good growth and earnings prospects, this is a great career choice. You can learn more about these online associate degree programs for Nebraska students here: http://www.methodistcollege.edu/academicprograms/index.asp?S=2&SUB=34

Paralegal

For those seeking to earn while they learn, getting a paralegal degree is a great way to do so. Whether you want to become a professional paralegal for the long term, use this position as a stepping stone on your path to becoming a lawyer or just to get some experience of how a law office works, you’ll find that these online associate degree programs for Nebraska students can help. You’ll face unique challenges on a daily basis, learn how the law works in many different situations and play an important role on a legal team.
There are numerous other associate’s degrees that can be of immense value to students, as well, including accounting degrees, nursing degrees and criminal justice degrees from schools in Nebraska.

Important Considerations for Students Earning Their Online Teaching Degree from an Online School in Nebraska

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:07:36 +0000

Distance learning has revolutionized adult education. Once upon a time, adult students found it nigh on impossible to further their education without taking drastic steps, such as quitting school or sacrificing time with their families. However, the situation has changed significantly, thanks to online education providers. You can even get your teaching degree online today. Of course, that doesn’t mean that everything is clear cut. What should adult students know about earning their online teaching degree from an online school in Nebraska?

Is There a Residency Requirement?

While you might think that all online teaching degrees from online schools in Nebraska would be 100% virtual, that’s not really the case. There are some schools that offer an online program with no physical presence requirements at all, but others do require that you be present in person at least during specific times. Some online programs have what are called “residency requirements” – these are times when students and faculty meet in person. You might find that the school you’re considering requires you to be there in person once per week, three times per month of four or five times per year – the requirements vary.

Is the School Accredited?

You’ll hear about this consideration quite a bit while looking for the right online teaching degree program from an online school in Nebraska. Accreditation is enormously important – it’s highly advised that you only attend an accredited school. While an unaccredited school will provide you with a degree, you might find that it’s not really worth as much as it should be. Also, if you choose to earn a higher degree, you might find that your credits can’t be transferred to your new school, forcing you to take remedial classes and placement tests that cover material you’ve already learned.

Take a Good Look at the School

Yet another consideration for students interested in earning their online teaching degree from an online school in Nebraska is to take a long, hard look at the school itself. What’s the school’s reputation like? Does it have a reputation for preparing students for a rewarding future? How long has the school been in operation? Does the school provide a full list of resources to online students (digital library access, online lectures and classes, etc.)? Does the school provide access to internships/student teacher programs for its students?

Interaction Potential

You’ll quickly find that different online teaching degree programs from online schools in Nebraska vary significantly in the amount of interaction between students and professors. They also vary in the way that interaction is provided and even the type of interaction in each class. For instance, some schools will provide the means to interact only through email or online chat programs. Other schools might offer virtually no communication or interaction tools. Yet other schools in Nebraska will provide you with the means to communicate in a synchronous, real-time format with teachers and even other students, during the middle of class if necessary.

Making Your Decision

There is no single set of criteria that will work for all students looking for a good school to attend. Your choice should depend strictly on your needs and on the quality of the schools to which you apply. If you are considering an online teaching degree program from an online school in Nebraska, take a good long look at each school available and how it benefits you. In the end, it’s your education. The school you choose should fit your needs, not vice versa. Choose carefully and you’ll have a rewarding experience.

What Are the Benefits of Earning an Online Psychology Degree from an Online School in Nebraska?

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:06:07 +0000

For students who clearly understand the value of a psychology degree and how it can help them further their career, the question becomes one of where to get such a degree, rather than whether it’s a good idea. You have two choices before you – get your degree from a traditional school, or earn an online psychology degree from an online school in Nebraska. Increasingly, going the online route is not only popular, but highly beneficial. If you haven’t taken a good long look at distance education, those benefits might be a bit hard to see. Let’s take a look at what you can gain with distance learning.

Work and Study

For adult students, the problem with earning a degree to boost their career has always been one of time and responsibility. Chances are good that you already have a fulltime job, and possibly even a family that you have to support. Between work and home life, there’s little time left over to attend school and get your degree. One benefit of earning an online psychology degree from an online school in Nebraska is the fact that you won’t have to choose between your responsibilities and your education. You can do it all, and do it all from your home, which brings us to the next benefit.

School from Home

In a traditional situation, you would have to leave home, drive to school, sit through classes and then drive back home. That’s an awful lot of time spent just traveling. With an online psychology degree program from an online school in Nebraska, you get to do it all from the comfort of your home. That means you don’t have to worry about traveling at all since you can just log onto your account from your home PC and do all of your coursework from your home office. Doing your schoolwork from home offers quite a few advantages, including:

You spend less on fuel (which is a significant savings these days)
You put less pollution into the atmosphere by reducing your driving
You enjoy greater flexibility and more free time

Study When It’s Right for You

Students considering earning their online psychology degree from an online school in Nebraska will find that the flexibility offered is of paramount importance. Unlike a traditional school, you’ll be free to do your coursework when it fits your schedule. If you work during the day, you can take your classes and listen to lectures in the afternoon or at night. If you work at night, you can do your class work during the morning or early afternoon. Online education is all about giving you the education that you need, but in a format and on a schedule that work with your life and your responsibilities. You won’t find that kind of flexibility with traditional schools.

The Chance to Attend an Excellent School

For those just now looking into their options in terms of distance education, you might think that you’re limited in school choices. You might think that you can only choose those “national” schools that you hear about on radio ads and TV spots. That’s not the case, though. More and more traditional schools are offering distance learning programs for their students. You’ll find you can earn an online psychology degree from an online school in Nebraska that has a long history, a physical campus and an excellent reputation.
As you can see, there’s quite a bit to be gained from earning an online psychology degree from an online school in Nebraska. Flexibility, the chance to learn while you earn and the ability to tailor your education to meet your responsibilities are just a few of the advantages.