U.S. News University Directory in collaboration with E-learning insiders clear up four common myths about the online learning experience and how online classes are perceived.
Tampa, Fla., February 23, 2010 -- Online classes are being offered seemingly everywhere, but don’t make the mistake of jumping on, or steering clear of, distance learning without knowing the facts.
Myth 1: My online class will be easier than a face-to-face one.
“People are sometimes unpleasantly surprised that it’s not easier,” says Kathleen Moore, executive director of the University of South Florida’s (USF) ECampus. ECampus supports more than 84,000 enrollments in 2,000-plus distance learning sections each year, and since “regular faculty are teaching both online and face-to-face courses, there’s probably 100% comparability in terms of students’ workloads and the demands,” she adds.
“A graduate course is a graduate course, whether you take it online or in the classroom,” says Ellen Waterman, associate dean for distance education at Regis University in Denver.
“I have heard online courses are even more challenging than in person,” notes Waterman, a frequent presenter at education technology conferences whose division in the College for Professional Studies helps faculty design and develop courses for online delivery. When online courses are developed, everything is thought through beforehand and all the learning activities are built to fit the course objectives, she explains. While classroom environments can be more free flowing, that’s a little less possible online, where professors use the same course template.
Myth 2: I won’t be interacting much with the instructor and other students.
This misconception “pretty much goes away as soon as a person engages with an online course,” Moore says. From chat rooms and discussion boards to class discussions held in real time (sometimes even in-person, for “hybrid” courses or in instances where the instructor likes to have everyone possible meet at least once in the beginning), there are lots of chances to interact. At USF, where many online learning students are local, it’s common for instructors to have students come in for the first day of class, she notes.
At USF and other institutions, instructors get special training in strategies for building a feeling of community in online courses. “Active learning strategies are specifically set up to create an atmosphere where students can participate in dialogue with each other and with faculty, Waterman says.
“Some of the best learning you do is through the groups you study with,” points out Waterman. She hopes students seeking online programs look for ones where interaction is key.
Participation is generally key to getting a good grade. “It is much harder to ‘hide’ in an online course than in a classroom. I am reviewing every post by each student. I can tell who is contributing and who is not,” says Patricia Carroll, an alumna of the nursing school at Excelsior College (N.Y.), where she is now an adjunct faculty member in the School of Health Sciences who teaches online courses only. A registered nurse and founder of the consumer health resource website Nurse’s Notebook, Carroll explains that contributions to online discussions count as class “attendance.”
Luckily for those who tend to be shy, online course interaction is often easier than speaking up in front of a class. “If you’re participating in a message board, you can compose your message before you send it, think about it without having to be so spontaneous,” says Moore.
Myth 3: I’m not tech-savvy enough to enroll.
Carroll puts it this way: “I’m pretty geeky, but many of my students are not.” Students need a reliable internet service provider, ideally with a broadband connection, knowledge of Microsoft Office, basic e-mail skills, and virus protection software, she says.
Her students can turn to Excelsior’s tech support team or troubleshooting resources that are part of the learning management system Blackboard. “‘I couldn’t upload my paper’ is the new ‘dog ate my homework’ and it doesn’t work any better as an excuse,” Carroll says.
Students at Regis, which also uses Blackboard, tend to turn to faculty as the “first line of tech support,” Waterman says, adding that Regis has 24-hour tech support available.
At USF, “We try to make sure that instructors are conversant with all the functionality of the technology so they can help the students and model the online behavior,” Moore says. Pre-course training on using Blackboard is also available.
Myth 4: My degree won’t be respected by employers.
Moore sees this as a real concern both for students and faculty not yet involved in online learning. “The bottom line is that online is a delivery mode. We’re basically delivering the same programs and courses that we deliver in the face-to-face mode on campus, or face-to-face at off-campus locations,” she says. “There are clearly online programs that are not accredited and not of quality, but there are also face-to face programs that are not accredited and not of good quality. Online delivery doesn’t say anything about the quality of the program.”
But do employers know that? An article in the spring 2009 issue of the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration that reviewed seven years of studies and articles about how potential employers perceive online degrees concluded that there may still be a “marked stigma attached to online degrees throughout the hiring process” within the industries studied. Studies have shown that they may perceive these degrees as lacking rigor and face-to-face interaction, associated with diploma mills, having increased potential for academic dishonesty, and indicating concern about students’ true commitment.
Yet some themes emerged in the review, namely that certain conditions can influence online degrees acceptance, including reputation of the institution and accreditation. In addition, there seems to be a perception that online graduates must be more self-directed and disciplined.
“There are diploma mills out there, which hurt us all,” says Carroll. “But the characteristics of a successful online student – takes personal responsibility, reliable, computer literate, able to express self in writing, goal-oriented – those are the characteristics I want in a professional employee.”
When Waterman checked in with two people from well-known technology companies to get a sense for what they thought about online degrees, they both pointed out that their companies had supported and even paid for master’s degrees earned online. They also noted that most of the training done at their companies is delivered online.
Still, the fear of people looking down on a degree earned online may be a reason some people seek online programs offered by traditional institutions. As Waterman says, “The degree looks the same. It doesn’t say how you did the work.”
About U.S. News University Directory
U.S. News University Directory – Providing comprehensive and unbiased information on more than 2,000 academic institutions directly from U.S. News & World Report, the most trusted source for college and university rankings since 1983. Search America's Best Colleges and America's Best Graduate Schools offering associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s and MBA degrees, doctoral and PhD degrees, and certificate programs. And because U.S. News is the leading ranking resource for anyone seeking an on-campus or online degree, students who use the directory are getting the best education advice and information available.
Contact:
Matthew Speer, Director, Sales and Marketing
U.S. News University Connection
866-442-6587
http://www.usnewsuniversitydirectory.com/four-myths-online-experience.aspx
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Nationally Recognized Supply Chain Management Program Prepares for Green Job Training Federal Grants
The University of San Francisco’s Online Green Supply Chain Management Course Keeps Pace with the Rising Demand for Green Jobs Training
TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 17, 2010 — Everything’s coming up green thanks to President Obama’s priority focus on green jobs creation and training. Since the beginning of this year, the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $290 million toward green jobs training grants, and aims to prepare more than 120,000 Americans for environmentally friendly jobs by 2012.
Which means, across every industry, there will be a growing demand for green supply chain supervisors and managers looking to bridge the divide between an aging, fossil-fuel-based economy and a new, energy-efficient one.
Ahead of the curve are training programs like the University of San Francisco’s (USF) 100% online Green Supply Chain Management course. Regionally accredited universities such as USF are doing their part to help reduce America’s carbon footprint by creating the expert leaders today’s organizations need to “go green” and to successfully compete on a global scale.
“Funding for green jobs training in the U.S. is on the rise and for those interested in pursuing a green career, there’s never been a better time,” said USF online faculty member and supply chain expert Neil O’Connell.
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts’ study, “The Clean Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America,” the number of jobs in America’s emerging clean energy economy grew nearly two and a half times faster than overall jobs between 1998 and 2007.
“Companies nationwide now recognize the major importance of their green supply chain, and find themselves competing for a very limited number of qualified supply chain specialists,” said O’Connell. “Eager professionals who invest in themselves with a university-backed, expert-led supply chain training program will reap the rewards throughout their career.”
USF’s comprehensive Green Supply Chain Management takes an in-depth look at the implications of today’s most pressing environmental issues and demonstrates how green practices can actually save money, increase efficiency and reduce delivery time. Led by top supply chain, sustainability and environmental experts, this eight-week advanced specialized certificate course is offered 100% online and prepares professionals to successfully implement a green supply chain in any industry.
Graduates of USF’s online Green Supply Chain Management training will find their skills much in demand. The World Resources Institute reports that currently 60 corporations are now measuring the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of their products and supply chains. And international giants such as Nike and Cisco are spearheading new efforts to create a better environment.
Nike has implemented Lean and Human Resource Management training in its contract factories, which is one of the company’s key strategies to build a lean and green supply chain. Moreover, Cisco has reduced its GHG by 40% compared to fiscal year 2007, in part by implementing energy-efficiency programs.
USF’s green supply chain management training program benefits professionals involved in any step of the supply chain, enabling them to leverage eco-friendly practices to reduce costs and comply with environmental legislation. It is also essential for environmental health and safety (EHS) practitioners, corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialists and C-level executives, whose actions and policies concerning green issues have a tremendous impact on consumer opinions of their organizations.
Some examples of positions in green supply chain management include:
Procurement
About the University of San Francisco
Acclaimed as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of San Francisco has earned a reputation for academic excellence that dates back to its founding in 1855. It is committed to becoming internationally recognized as a premier Jesuit Catholic, urban university with a global perspective. USF’s online programs are offered through its School of Business and Professional Studies, which includes the Masagung Graduate School of Management and the McLaren College of Business.
Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
University of San Francisco/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.usanfranonline.com
TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 17, 2010 — Everything’s coming up green thanks to President Obama’s priority focus on green jobs creation and training. Since the beginning of this year, the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $290 million toward green jobs training grants, and aims to prepare more than 120,000 Americans for environmentally friendly jobs by 2012.
Which means, across every industry, there will be a growing demand for green supply chain supervisors and managers looking to bridge the divide between an aging, fossil-fuel-based economy and a new, energy-efficient one.
Ahead of the curve are training programs like the University of San Francisco’s (USF) 100% online Green Supply Chain Management course. Regionally accredited universities such as USF are doing their part to help reduce America’s carbon footprint by creating the expert leaders today’s organizations need to “go green” and to successfully compete on a global scale.
“Funding for green jobs training in the U.S. is on the rise and for those interested in pursuing a green career, there’s never been a better time,” said USF online faculty member and supply chain expert Neil O’Connell.
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts’ study, “The Clean Economy: Repowering Jobs, Businesses and Investments Across America,” the number of jobs in America’s emerging clean energy economy grew nearly two and a half times faster than overall jobs between 1998 and 2007.
“Companies nationwide now recognize the major importance of their green supply chain, and find themselves competing for a very limited number of qualified supply chain specialists,” said O’Connell. “Eager professionals who invest in themselves with a university-backed, expert-led supply chain training program will reap the rewards throughout their career.”
USF’s comprehensive Green Supply Chain Management takes an in-depth look at the implications of today’s most pressing environmental issues and demonstrates how green practices can actually save money, increase efficiency and reduce delivery time. Led by top supply chain, sustainability and environmental experts, this eight-week advanced specialized certificate course is offered 100% online and prepares professionals to successfully implement a green supply chain in any industry.
Graduates of USF’s online Green Supply Chain Management training will find their skills much in demand. The World Resources Institute reports that currently 60 corporations are now measuring the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of their products and supply chains. And international giants such as Nike and Cisco are spearheading new efforts to create a better environment.
Nike has implemented Lean and Human Resource Management training in its contract factories, which is one of the company’s key strategies to build a lean and green supply chain. Moreover, Cisco has reduced its GHG by 40% compared to fiscal year 2007, in part by implementing energy-efficiency programs.
USF’s green supply chain management training program benefits professionals involved in any step of the supply chain, enabling them to leverage eco-friendly practices to reduce costs and comply with environmental legislation. It is also essential for environmental health and safety (EHS) practitioners, corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialists and C-level executives, whose actions and policies concerning green issues have a tremendous impact on consumer opinions of their organizations.
Some examples of positions in green supply chain management include:
Procurement
- Industrial engineer
- Logistics specialist
- Sales analyst
- Transport manager
- Warehouse specialist
- Energy efficiency consultant
- Supply management
- Sustainability officer
- Community relations officer
- Compliance officer
- Standards developer
- Environmental auditor
- Recycling manager
- Supply management analyst
About the University of San Francisco
Acclaimed as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of San Francisco has earned a reputation for academic excellence that dates back to its founding in 1855. It is committed to becoming internationally recognized as a premier Jesuit Catholic, urban university with a global perspective. USF’s online programs are offered through its School of Business and Professional Studies, which includes the Masagung Graduate School of Management and the McLaren College of Business.
Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
University of San Francisco/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.usanfranonline.com
# # #
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Social Media Trumps Super Bowl Commercials in Pepsi's Latest Advertising Campaigns
The University of San Francisco's Online Advanced Social Media Training Program Is Leading the Way as Major Corporations Shift Advertising Gears
TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- When this year's Super Bowl commercials hit the airwaves, many familiar brands will return, but one will not. For the first time in 23 years, Pepsi opted to take a different approach with its annual advertising budget. The carbonated beverage company is moving from the TV to the Internet, by giving away over $20 million "to move communities forward" in a social media advertising campaign called "The Pepsi Refresh Project."
"Pepsi's decision to utilize social media certainly created a national buzz, but comes as no surprise," said Jay Berkowitz, instructor and interactive marketing expert for the University of San Francisco (USF) Internet marketing training program. Although the Super Bowl attracts approximately 42% of all U.S. TV homes, over 85% currently use a form of social media(1).
The epicenter of Pepsi's Refresh Project is an interactive web community, which allows visitors to apply for their own grant, as well as vote for those who have already applied. Pepsi will fund six categories that will contribute to making a difference in the applicant's community.
Pepsi isn't the only major corporation taking to the Internet. Domino's has launched its "Pizza Turnaround" campaign which exploits its customers' complaints and showcases corporate members doing something about it in a viral video located on its Pizza Turnaround website. This dedicated website allows Domino's to have a greater level of public and customer interaction. All comments - good and bad - are on the website for all to see.
The Truth About Social Media
Over the next five years social media marketing is projected to grow at an annual rate of 34%, according to Forrester Research. Social networks have also proven to be an effective way to gauge - and achieve - Internet marketing success, offering unlimited opportunities for feedback, promotion, brand-building and monetization.
"If you aren't listening to and participating in the conversations that take place in the social media realm, you won't know when your brand is succeeding or faltering - and you won't be able to react quickly to customer comments or concerns," explained USF instructor and social media expert Christopher S. Penn.
Social Media Helps
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter help a wide variety of businesses communicate with the public. They can also help in the face of disaster. After an earthquake rocked Haiti recently, musician Wyclef Jean took to Twitter (as did many of his celebrity friends) urging followers on the social network to donate $5 to Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation. In a matter of days over $1 million was raised, and it's still climbing. In another recent example, Facebook spurred a viral campaign where members urged friends to donate to the Red Cross via text messages, raising over $35 million in donations in just 48 hours(2). Facebook also helped raise over $100,000 for various charities with its Causes application, as well(2).
Facebook's statistic page shows that it currently has over 350 million active users, which gives over 700,000 local businesses an outlet to interact with their public. Most people are not aware that ahead of personal email, visiting social sites is now the fourth most popular online activity(3). With over two-thirds of the global Internet population visiting social networking sites(3), it's no wonder that Internet marketing professionals come to USF for its 100% online Master Certificate in Internet Marketing and Advanced Social Media training programs.
For more details on these courses call 800-436-1713 or visit http://www.USanFranOnline.com. Agencies and marketing departments can learn about corporate training solutions, customization options and agency/group discounts at http://www.InteractiveMarketingTraining.com.
Connect With USF Online
Keep up on the latest social media trends with USF's interactive marketing groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter at http://www.USanFranOnline.com/social
About the University of San Francisco
Acclaimed as one of America's best universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of San Francisco has earned a reputation for academic excellence that dates back to its founding in 1855. It is committed to becoming internationally recognized as a premier Jesuit Catholic, urban university with a global perspective. USF's online programs are offered through its School of Business and Management, which includes the Masagung Graduate School of Management and the McLaren Undergraduate College of Business.
References Cited:
(1) Universal McCann's large-scale "Media in Mind" tracking study - via MarketingCharts.
(2) Information provided by Insidefacebook.com
(3) Nielson, Global Faces and Networked Places, 2009
Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
University of San Francisco/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.usanfranonline.com
"Pepsi's decision to utilize social media certainly created a national buzz, but comes as no surprise," said Jay Berkowitz, instructor and interactive marketing expert for the University of San Francisco (USF) Internet marketing training program. Although the Super Bowl attracts approximately 42% of all U.S. TV homes, over 85% currently use a form of social media(1).
The epicenter of Pepsi's Refresh Project is an interactive web community, which allows visitors to apply for their own grant, as well as vote for those who have already applied. Pepsi will fund six categories that will contribute to making a difference in the applicant's community.
Pepsi isn't the only major corporation taking to the Internet. Domino's has launched its "Pizza Turnaround" campaign which exploits its customers' complaints and showcases corporate members doing something about it in a viral video located on its Pizza Turnaround website. This dedicated website allows Domino's to have a greater level of public and customer interaction. All comments - good and bad - are on the website for all to see.
The Truth About Social Media
Over the next five years social media marketing is projected to grow at an annual rate of 34%, according to Forrester Research. Social networks have also proven to be an effective way to gauge - and achieve - Internet marketing success, offering unlimited opportunities for feedback, promotion, brand-building and monetization.
"If you aren't listening to and participating in the conversations that take place in the social media realm, you won't know when your brand is succeeding or faltering - and you won't be able to react quickly to customer comments or concerns," explained USF instructor and social media expert Christopher S. Penn.
Social Media Helps
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter help a wide variety of businesses communicate with the public. They can also help in the face of disaster. After an earthquake rocked Haiti recently, musician Wyclef Jean took to Twitter (as did many of his celebrity friends) urging followers on the social network to donate $5 to Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation. In a matter of days over $1 million was raised, and it's still climbing. In another recent example, Facebook spurred a viral campaign where members urged friends to donate to the Red Cross via text messages, raising over $35 million in donations in just 48 hours(2). Facebook also helped raise over $100,000 for various charities with its Causes application, as well(2).
Facebook's statistic page shows that it currently has over 350 million active users, which gives over 700,000 local businesses an outlet to interact with their public. Most people are not aware that ahead of personal email, visiting social sites is now the fourth most popular online activity(3). With over two-thirds of the global Internet population visiting social networking sites(3), it's no wonder that Internet marketing professionals come to USF for its 100% online Master Certificate in Internet Marketing and Advanced Social Media training programs.
For more details on these courses call 800-436-1713 or visit http://www.USanFranOnline.com. Agencies and marketing departments can learn about corporate training solutions, customization options and agency/group discounts at http://www.InteractiveMarketingTraining.com.
Connect With USF Online
Keep up on the latest social media trends with USF's interactive marketing groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter at http://www.USanFranOnline.com/social
About the University of San Francisco
Acclaimed as one of America's best universities by U.S. News & World Report, the University of San Francisco has earned a reputation for academic excellence that dates back to its founding in 1855. It is committed to becoming internationally recognized as a premier Jesuit Catholic, urban university with a global perspective. USF's online programs are offered through its School of Business and Management, which includes the Masagung Graduate School of Management and the McLaren Undergraduate College of Business.
References Cited:
(1) Universal McCann's large-scale "Media in Mind" tracking study - via MarketingCharts.
(2) Information provided by Insidefacebook.com
(3) Nielson, Global Faces and Networked Places, 2009
Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
University of San Francisco/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.usanfranonline.com
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