The Online Education Database just released its rankings of the most significant degree granting undergraduate online colleges/universities that operate nationally. Here is the link — http://oedb.org/rankings. For each school, eight separate metrics were collected and evaluated. What I am really pleased with is the that Liberty University’s Distance Learning Program, of which I am intricately involved with, had such a favorable placement in the rankings. I know firsthand the hardwork of the leadership and staff that allowed Liberty to be placed among the elite of online schools. My colleague, Ron Kennedy (www.ronaldkennedy.com), who is Executive Director of Liberty’s Distance Learning Program, has spent countless hours implementing operational processes and new recruiting initiatives which are now paying off. Beyond operations and marketing, which in and of themselves are unique and dynamic in this space, academics, academic services, and adult learning models are critical to ongoing success. All of these things must go hand in hand if an online institution hopes to grow and not sacrifice quality and academic excellence.
From: OHE Staff, Eduventures, LLC
Re: Benchmarking Liberty University’s Online Student Headcount
Date: February 27, 2007
Background
Liberty University asked OHE staff to benchmark their headcount of unique, current 100% online students against for-profit and non-profit schools generally. Read the rest of this entry »
Well, it’s Sunday evening and not only is the work week about to kick-off but I am also instructing an online class for Liberty University’s first spring 8-week term which also begins tomorrow. Being an adjunct professor gives me a unique view into the world of the online student. I have earned a unique perspective – distance learning student, early pioneer in distance learning operations and marketing, my current consultative role for Liberty’s online programs, and online adjunct.
I remember years ago when I was a distance learning student. Although the delivery methods have changed, there are still common mistakes that online students make in approaching their studies. Here are a few to consider: Read the rest of this entry »
Do you know that one out of two adult learners is using corporate tuition reimbursement? Tuition reimbursement programs help pay for college tuition and tuition related expenses. Some companies require the employee to take courses specifically in the field (i.e. finance degree for those in the banking or investment industry) while others will allow the employee to take courses that are not job or business-related. If your company offers such a tuition reimbursement program it is something that you should take DEFINITELY take advantage of.
Eligibility and program requirements include, but are not limited to: Read the rest of this entry »
On October 29, 2007, I wrote a post on my blog about “Diploma Mills.” I run across more students, even family members and friends, who have fallen into the trap of receiving degrees from schools, many of which are online, that are not properly accredited. I even see it becoming more prevalent in religious or seminary circles where well intentioned pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders are tempted to take short cuts in their educational pursuits.
If you are a prospective student, make sure you do your due diligence. Here are some Diploma Mill “warning signs” that I have run across: Read the rest of this entry »