education

How an online degree can benefit your education

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These days, nearly everything is available online, including the opportunity to earn a college degree. When it comes to education, the more ways we can get a good one, the better, so bringing higher learning to a high-tech world only makes sense.

Some people cannot attend classes in person and others just don't want to, so for those who still desire a college education, opting for online is the way to go. It may not be traditional, but in this fast-paced, ever-changing world we live in, before long, online may become the new norm.

If you are not sure if an online education is right for you or you would like to learn some of its benefits, here are some stellar reasons to log on and learn.

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It's Less Expensive Than a Traditional College/University Experience

Boy is college expensive! Even community and state schools cost a fortune. Without financial aid, loans, or scholarships, many people just cannot afford to go. Rather than ditch the idea of getting a degree altogether, folks with financial limitations can seek out more affordable options online.

According toStraighterline, "You can save hundreds of dollars to get your degree when you're learning online. The traditional costs associated with using classroom space and equipment don't apply. As long as you have the right hardware and software to log on and complete course assignments, as well as study the material, there are big savings you realize right away."

There are other practical savings perks too, asMontgomery College notes. "Consider what it would cost you in gas and parking each month if you were driving to campus. Consider the costs of eating out versus eating at home. Consider the costs for child-care, pet care or any other kind of care that you need to provide while you are away from home. Consider the costs of missing work to make classes or not being eligible for a promotion because you can't attend classes to advance your educational level."

There's a Wide Range of Courses to Select From

When you attend a college in person, there are a variety courses to choose from, but there are limitations depending on the size of the school as well as its focus. This puts restraints on what you can study, and in turn, what sort of career you will one day be prepared for.

As per Open Education Database, "No matter what students wish to study, from nursing to neuroscience, they can find online the courses or degree programs they need. They can also earn every academic degree online, all the way from a career certificate to a doctorate."

"Whether it's algebra, English composition or even biology lab work, there's a course you can take online. You can even study humanities, sociology and business administration," Straighterline adds.

You'll Have More Flexibility

With online education, you can learn at your own pace, at any time of day or night, weekdays or weeknights, after work, or when the baby is napping. You can take as much time as you need to earn your degree or speed things up and move on to the next stage in life. Take one course or take a bunch. Online, flexibility is a major perk.

For instance, as per Straighterline, "If you work non-traditional hours, you don't have to lose sleep, arrange for childcare or waste time commuting to physical classrooms."

Open Education Database adds, "Students can study and work when they are at their peak energy, whether that's early morning or late at night. Course material is always accessible online, so there's no need to schedule special trips to a library either. All of this makes online learning a good option for students who need to balance their work and family commitments."

It's a Lesson in Prioritizing and Self-Discipline

Not only does online learning teach you coursework, but it provides an important lifelong lesson in discipline and prioritization. You are fully accountable to show up, do the work, and retain the information. There's no physical classroom where the professor will mark you absent, so it's up to you to show up for yourself.

Learning to manage your schedule and keep on top of things responsibly is not only valuable for college, but in all areas of life. As per Montgomery College, "The motivation to study in an online course comes from you. It's something we call student-centered or active learning. The online student takes responsibility for their course of studies and matures into an individual for whom learning and accomplishment are highly valued. In short, your success depends on you!"

Are you interested in learning online but don't quite know where to start? Consider OnlineSchoolScout, "a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison features." They have released their top five featured schools with online degree programs for 2018. #1 is Ashford University with 70+ online bachelor's degree programs. And if you opt to attend college in person after learning online, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits. Check out OnlineSchoolScout's other top picks and see if one is the right fit for you.

Learning is power, and education can be powered up right at home.

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Hidden benefits of a Liberal Arts Education

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Liberal arts is a common college major, but it sounds majorly confusing to many people. It isn't very specific as most majors are, so plenty of incoming freshman choose to lean towards liberal arts when they are not sure which direction they want to take career-wise. Many feel it will be a stepping stone and eventually they will choose another, more "solid" major, but before leaving liberal arts behind, know that the major has its many pros and perks.

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According to Monster, "A liberal arts degree makes you well-suited for several industries, including technology, marketing, and business operations. That's because your studies have taught you how to think critically, research thoroughly, and write well—all of which are skills any employer will value." In fact, as per Top Universities, "The Ancient Greeks considered a liberal arts education to be the ultimate mark of an educated person."

But what is liberal arts exactly? My College Guide Defines the major as, "an education that provides an overview of the arts, humanities (the study of the human condition), social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences. A liberal arts education gives students an opportunity to explore a variety of academic disciplines rather than following a specific rubric of courses that train them for a career. One of the benefits of a liberal arts education is the chance to explore multiple areas of interest. You'll also acquire the skills you'll need for lifelong learning—like research writing and communication."

With a degree in liberal arts, "A variety of careers are available to you," as per Marymount University. "The career options are endless. Journalists, public relations specialists, writers, lawyers, politicians, communication experts, linguists, librarians, publishers, fundraisers, community health workers, marketing specialists, real estate agents – and so many more."

Along with nearly endless career possibilities, former Acting Dean of Arts, Richard Sigurdson of The University College of the Cariboo suggests, "A liberal arts education will enhance your knowledge and improve your understanding of the world and its people. Many say that knowledge leads to wise action, perhaps even to goodness. Thus, an Arts education may help you to perceive and to understand your shortcomings, allowing you to become a better citizen, friend, spouse, parent, human being."

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With so much to be inspired by, educated about, and explore, liberal arts is exciting and full of prospects and possibilities. If you are considering choosing the major, check out Monster's listing of the 10 best jobs for liberal arts majors:

  • Interpreter/Translator
  • Web Developer
  • Software Developer
  • Database Administrator
  • Technical Writer
  • Advertising or Marketing Manager
  • Paralegal or Legal Assistant
  • Archivist or curator
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Human Resources Specialist

What other major has such a diverse set of job opportunities? Who would guess that a Software Developer graduated with the same major as a Paralegal? Goes to show how important and well-rounded the degree can be.

And the value doesn't stop here. In today's fast-paced world, "a liberal arts education can also prepare you for professions that might not yet exist," as pointed out by Huffington Post. Technology is moving rapidly, the economy is ever-changing, and new developments emerge regularly. The liberal arts graduate "can put their liberal arts education to use by questioning commonly held beliefs, even in the rigid fields of science, technology, engineering and math, (something) they might not have found if they had focused too narrowly on only one subject" as per Huffington Post.

As per WiseBread, "There are many great careers and opportunities out there that pay an excellent wage, and offer a fulfilling vocation." See the jobs they highlight, including Archaeologist, Economist, and Real Estate Broker with their respective average salaries as per Nov. '16.

So, if anyone questions what you'll ever do with your liberal arts degree, you can let them know the sky's the limit!

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Should you invest in IoT products?

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IoT — or the Internet of Things — is definitely here to stay. It may seem slow in the moment, but IoT has rapidly taken over our homes, schools, healthcare and workplaces. And over the next few years, there definitely will be more improvements.

Many people like myself ask, should I invest in IoT products? It seems like they're always coming out with new ideas and innovations everyday that any product I do buy will be outdated in a couple months.

Even if this is true, IoT is continuously building on itself — take the smartphone for example. Even though most of the world has smartphones now, people were hesitant to buy it at first. Now, it's the basis for connected devices — you can control your house lights, garage, pet feeders and more with your smartphone.

If you're still hesitant, here are other reasons why you should invest in IoT devices.

If you're a student

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Students are the future of IoT products — Generation Z kids were the first to actually grow up always having modern technology. Whether you're a college student, stuck in high school or teaching as an educator, IoT devices can help you.

Take your dorm for instance — items like smart plugs and home cameras allow you to control what happens in your room from anywhere. In everyday life, connecting tablets and laptops to your school's network can help keep you updated too.

If you love to travel

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Traveling gadgets have been prevalent since basically forever — however, we're now moving away from neck pillows and ear plugs. Get your hands on smart devices like the portable scanners — for the workaholic — smart suitcases and dual SIM smartphones for the ultimate relaxing vacation.

Take a beach vacation for example — relax by the water with a waterproof reader or play ball in the water with a connected speaker.

If you're into fashion

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Although this portion of IoT hasn't been thoroughly researched yet, there have been some pretty big improvements. Take the Anrealage Monte Z shoes — with a smartphone and AR, you can put designs onto your sneakers.

Some brands even let you virtually try on their clothing while others are working on wearable tech and multi-functioning connected accessories.

If you have pets

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Yes, IoT devices can even help your pets — in this case, mostly cats and dogs. With products such as smart dog collars and trackers, you won't ever lose your dog again. Smart feeders and pet players can also take care of your pet when you're away — with a tap of your smartphone.

If you own a home

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Obviously, smart homes are all the craze now — why get up and do something when you can be efficient and have it automated?

Your kitchen for example — smart refrigerators can help you keep track of your food or automatically reorder groceries while smart forks, cookers and coffee makers make your life easier with scheduling and automatic services.

If you have a car

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Cars are the next big step in IoT development — even though we have a few self-driving and connected cars on the road, we still haven't even fully switched over to electric yet. Funding and supporting research in this emerging market will help us convert faster.

As you're reading this article, researchers and professionals are making and testing automated and connected vehicles in a fake Michigan city called Mcity. Even though there are limited options on the market right now — especially affordable ones — more are soon to come.

After all these uses, I'd say investing in IoT products is a pretty good decision. Even though you don't particularly care about the movement, getting left behind could be pretty inconvenience in both your professional and personal life.

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Paying Your Way To (and Through) Study Abroad


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Travel is out of the question for a lot of people, but none of us can escape that unshakable feeling of wanderlust we feel whenever we see someone post a picture of them in an exotic, exciting new context. For those of us still in college itching to travel, study abroad is probably the best bet—the additional challenge of academia and learning about your new context in an academic setting is incredibly appealing for some people, as well as the opportunity to quite literally live abroad for a few months. Even then, it can seem like a lofty goal, and usually for financial reasons. How will you survive once you get to your country of choice? How will you even get there? With the market ruins, millennials have discarded going away, but it's an essential part of our growth, both educational and spiritual. Don't let finances get in the way; most importantly, know they don't have to.

Here are five ways you can pay your way to and through study abroad, and start getting some wear-and-tear on your passport.

Find a program that works for you

The fact of the matter is that just because you can study abroad through your university doesn't mean that the programs offered are right for you, whether that means price-wise or academic-wise. Find a program that won't break bank, and will take you where you want to go, whether that means doing a direct exchange through a university in your country of choice or a study abroad program through another university.

Take out a loan

The government offers several loan options, and these need not be used to just pay for a normal semester—use those Stafford Loans to buy your ticket, and maybe take out a little extra to be able to live comfortably where you most likely won'y be able to get a job, especially if you don't know the language while you're away. That said, only take out what you can afford to take out and, most importantly, what you'll be able to afford to pay back upon graduation.

Scholarships, and grants are your best friends

Aside from money that you worked hard at saving before going away, there are so many options through several organizations for study away, whether destination or merit, or need-based. Do your research and cast a wide net—you never know what you might catch, and there are plenty of organizations ready to help you fulfill your study abroad dreams.

Pick a city with currency that works with your budget

Don't pick a place like, say, London if you're already strapped for cash (not unless that's your dream and you're determined to make it work). For those of us who want to study abroad but don't know where to go or what to expect (and are looking to actually have a cheaper semester) there are so many beautiful cities out there where the American Dollar is stronger than the local currency, and exchange houses will allow you to live a little bit more above your means for less. Study abroad need not break bank once you arrive.

Live like a local

Go to the local market and buy fresh food to cook at home. Make friends and make food together. Scour your new city and find the cafes locals go to, the ones that are the cheapest and, somehow, also the most rewarding to go to. You'll only be in your new city for a few months, so why waste your hard-earned money (or your loans) on grossly expensive tourist attractions? Those things are fun, but the underbelly of a city is usually more fun, more rewarding, and more financially savvy. Live like a local, and fall in love with your new city while giving your wallet some relief.

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