But the truth is, deciding to attend adult education classes can be a big step forward in your life, even though it may not seem that way at first glance. Continuing or completing your education as an adult is richly rewarding, and we’ll give you the satisfaction of having achieved something important in your life — a type of milestone.

One common reservation about going back to school is finding the time in your busy life for study. But with a little commitment and preparation, all of us can find creative ways to free up time during the week. Perhaps you will need to cut back on your extracurricular activities, or delegate certain responsibilities to your spouse for a period of time. But as someone once said, anything worth achieving requires sacrifice.

If you’re interested in continuing your education, but nervous about the concept of going back to school, there’s good news: it is now possible to attend online adult education courses, bypassing the traditional classroom altogether. Online learning also is easier to work into your schedule for several reasons.

You see, unlike traditional classroom education, online learning is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are normally no fixed times when you must “attend” classes; instead, you are presented with a series of tasks, which you can then complete on your own time frame.

Even those of us with hectic job and family schedules can find a few minutes here and there to study online. And the more you get into it, the more you will find creative ways to make the most of the time you do have available during the week. Online education conforms to your specific situation — not the other way around, and is without a doubt the best way to go back to school as an adult.

But besides being able to work your studies around your schedule, online education saves you time and money in other ways. For example, you never have to rush home after work, just to grab a quick bite to eat and then rush back out the door to drive across town for a class. This saves you gas money, a great deal of stress, and makes the most of the free time you have, so that you can continue to have a life while you study.

And Internet educational resources have developed to the point where you can study for a wide range of adult education degrees online. Many people also find this way of studying easier, because classes are normally presented in video format, which means that you can watch them over and over again as many times as you like until the information “sinks in.”

If you have been considering adult education, but were nervous at the prospect of going back to school, online adult education could be a perfect solution for you to advance in your career and life.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on online learning and a distance learning college at http://www.ultimateeducationguide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Thornburrow

And also a little scary! When you were in college or high school, fads and fashions were much different. Kids dressed differently and spoke differently. When you were in school no one was texting, much less Twittering. The music was different and so were the television shows. You may have the feeling that setting foot on a college campus will be like going to a foreign country, or that there will be culture shock and you’ll feel like an old fossil.

You Are Not Alone

Yes, it’s true that kids today have their own style and attitude. But here’s the inside scoop: the fact is that you will not be the only adult in class. Over the past ten years there has been an explosion of adults returning to college. Adults are enrolled in every conceivable way: as full-time and part-time students, on campus, off-campus, and in growing numbers through online or distance learning. This year more than six million adults will attend college in the United States.

Who Are Adult Learners?

o The average age of the college student continues to rise. Data from the recent Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) shows that students at U.S. institutions of higher education cover nearly every over-18 age group.

o Adult students (also called re-entry students) range in age from 25 to 70 or even higher.

o Adult learners are often female, but the numbers of men returning to college are climbing as they seek to enhance their professional skills.

o Some adult learners went to work right after they graduated from high school, or they started college and then left school because of financial, family, or other reasons. Others earned a certificate or undergraduate degree and now want to earn a higher degree such as a master’s degree or doctorate.

o Department of Education figures indicate that 13 percent of students who are now enrolled in college are single parents, an increase from 7.6 percent in 1993.

o An increasing number of adult students are retirees, and many have spent time raising a family, in the workforce, or in the military, and want to go back to fulfill lifelong dreams or advance their career potential.

The reasons for the growing numbers of adult learners or re-entries are numerous. These include a desire to pursue a new career path; changing demands in the workforce; employer requirements to secure licensure or certification; the need to update existing job skills or secure new ones; or simply a desire to engage in learning.

For many adult learners, financial aid and flexible schedules are major considerations. Fortunately, the U.S. government provides a wide range of financial aid programs to qualified moms and dads who want to return to school. With family and career responsibilities to juggle, adults need weekend and evening classes and the option to learn online. The best way to choose a college or program is to log onto a reputable directory website such as www.Education-For-Careers.com, where you can find career schools that fit your expectations, compare what they have to offer, and make the best choice.

So fear not! Go boldly back to college-and you will find that you have plenty of company.

Thinking about training for a new career? To make the best decision, you need the right information. Log onto http://www.Education-For-Careers.com and compare colleges. Get information about career training programs, degrees, online education, financial aid opportunities, job placement services, and much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Hauck

Today’s jobs may entail the same responsibilities and rely upon the same levels of experience, but the good jobs usually require education and experience. Young people fresh from high school don’t have this combination; and many much older people, while experienced, lack that important piece of paper. For the typical adult in the middle of these categories, golden opportunity exists, but often only for the ones with a degree.

If this is the issue you face, you must decide. Is going back to school to get that paper worth it? Of course it is. It’s the only way to be competitive. But then anxiety sets in. Those nagging questions may plague you day and night. But what you don’t realize is, you’ve got it made before you even step foot through the doors! To help put your mind at ease, here is a rundown of just why there’s really no need to fear. After all, you really are on a whole different level in so many ways.

1. Can I do it this time? Sure, math seems like Greek these days, but most schools recognize this. When you decide to enroll in college, the school will likely ask you to take a few tests. This is actually a good thing. You won’t get a failing grade on your record and they won’t tell you you’re not good enough. Fact is, the tests are a great tool. If you’re strong in an area, it places you right up in the required courses for your degree. If you’re weak in an area, it lets you take a little developmental coursework to refresh your memory, give you new knowledge, and work you quickly into the curriculum you’ll need to undertake. Either way, you win. So no matter what you may think your abilities are, you can do it this time. Your school will make sure you get exactly what you need to navigate the courses at your speed. Even better, I don’t know of any legitimate school that doesn’t have free tutoring and counseling for students. Short of just ignoring the class altogether, there’s no way you can fail.
2. Can I afford this? The better question is, can you afford not to do this? All accredited, worthy schools have financial aid departments just waiting to help you understand how to finance an education. Financial aid staff are very happy to see you at school because they know you’re serious and are far less likely to do anything that would jeopardize whatever financial aid you get. It’s actually a simple process. You complete one form that every student completes, the “FAFSA” (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You simply fill in your demographic and financial information and submit, wait a few weeks, and the school goes to work putting together a financial aid package that will work for you. You can even complete this self-explanatory, simple form online in less than an hour. Your award amounts are based on the anticipated cost of education (including books and transportation costs) compared to your family’s previous year’s income. Think you don’t earn enough to go to school? The FAFSA will reflect that and the financial aid department can put together a package that is very fair, often covering everything needed by way of grants, loans, and scholarships. And if you made one amount last year, but don’t expect to make the same this year because you may decide to stop working or decrease your hours, you simply talk to a financial aid counselor, fill out a piece of paper that says just that, and they adjust your award package. Schools are so happy to have you there that they bend over backwards to get you whatever financial aid you may need, so no unexpected or added expenses to strain your household budget. Better yet, many schools have special scholarship funds available, and while they won’t tell you this, you are often first in line to be considered for these because you need it more, you meet certain criteria, or they just want to invest in adult students who won’t let them down. Simply ask or apply for it, because there is always some grant or scholarship money your school is willing and happy to give you. Just be sure to respect deadlines and show initiative. It really is that simple. Bottom line? You can afford this, no matter what your income bracket.
3. What about the kids? Every problem has a solution, and this is no exception. If your kids are still young and you care for them at home, you can either go at night or get part-time child care. After all, for a typical course load of 15 semester hours, you’re only physically in class an average of 3 hours a day. You don’t even have to schedule it so you’re there every day. You could go only 2 or 3 days a week and still be a full-time student; or, you could choose to pace yourself and be a part-time student going only once or twice a week. There are also distance learning, online, and “course in a bag” classes to eliminate this problem. All you need is access to a computer and the internet or a television with a DVD player. Simply get the materials, review at home, and do the assignments. Your professor or tutoring center is only a phone call or visit away if you need help. If your kids aren’t still young and at home, you can work your schedule around theirs. No matter how you look at it, your kids aren’t an impediment to your ability to go. You can work around that the same way you would as if you were going to a job. As an added bonus, you’re setting a great example for kids watching mom or dad get a proper education!
4. How will I work and still go to school? Schools offer day or night classes which you can work around your job schedule. There’s also the convenience of those online and “course-in-a-bag” classes you can do during your off hours. Or, you could consider cutting your hours back and going to school during the hours when you would have been at work anyway. No matter how you look at it, you can keep your job-if you wish-and still get an education because of the flexibility schools offer adult students today. Better yet, many employers value education so much, they will let you work around your school schedule and even offer incentives like helping pay for your classes or giving you a promotion upon completion.
5. Here’s the best part: Professors and traditional students love adult students. While they don’t necessarily view you as peers, they do view you as serious adults. Sometimes when you need special consideration, professors will give it to you because of your circumstances, even when they wouldn’t give it to others. They want you to succeed. They respect you for taking this leap. And they value the perspective and input you bring to the learning environment. They’re happier to see you there than anyone because it makes them feel that there really is somebody in class for whom they are making a difference-and that’s the reason they’re teachers anyway. And those young students? They’re no match for you. You’re on a whole different level. There’s no need to feel inferior or self-conscious because in reality, those kids look up to you. They respect what you’re doing. They want to be like you. If you look closely, you’ll even notice them following your lead or asking your advice.

So if you’re thinking about going back to school, “just do it!” There’s no argument against it that can’t be solved and every argument for it that makes it the best move you will ever make. You’ll be more competitive, feel better about yourself, and win the respect of everyone around you. After all, you truly are on a whole different level.

Shannon Smith Harwell is a former Supermom who now enjoys freelance writing, business consulting, and helping clients plan their cruise vacations. When she’s not bogged down with a million things to do trying to give her kids the best opportunities possible, she loves taking occasional naps (ahh!). She raised and home schooled two successful children singlehandedly while getting her honors degree day and night, working full time, and coaching at least two sports-one for each child-simultaneously year-round. But at the end of the day, she’s just “Mom” and that’s the best title of all.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Smith_Harwell

The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) is a non-governmental charity with a number of high profile members, including the BBC, universities, local authorities and the Ministry of Defence. The primary aim of the institute is to ‘encourage all adults to continue in learning of all kinds,’ and set to achieve this by setting up events, support networks, publishing texts, and hosting training courses.

Of course, the idea of adult education for senior citizens is not new. China has been at the forefront of lifelong learning since the establishment of its Agricultural Broadcast and Television School. Before switching over to a primarily ICT-led scheme, the distance learning institution used radio, TV, video, and audio cassette, to ensure those in rural areas had access to learning materials. The scheme is now an integral provider for older learners in an aging society.

The fresh enthusiasm for senior citizen education in the UK is in part due to recent examples of the positive affect it has had when implemented. Tansley House Care Home in Derbyshire has recently won 2009’s NIACE Adult Learners Week after starting an education scheme – resulting with an increase in the levels of health and happiness of the residents.

The next step in the scheme is for NIACE to conduct a report into the best models of learning and the extent by which such schemes improve the lives of care home residents. The scheme also has positive benefits for distance learning and the promotion of continuing education for your whole life – which is a great thing at a time when new learning technologies, open content and proposed broadband for everyone is making education even more accessible.

Sarah Maple is writing for Kaplan distance learning about degree courses online and education in general.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Maple