The Redgate Read On Online Learning

I have been in the distance and online education for twenty-five years – as a student, faculty member, and administrator. I have seen over the years, first-hand, numerous advances in technology, curriculum design, and student services. Many of these advances enhance student engagement, productivity, and success.
However, the more things change on one end, the more some things stay the same on the other. And, this is true with the online learner’s approach to online learning as a whole. Although there are all these additional resources and technologies, I have found that there is a thread of “common mistakes” that a percentage of online learners make on a consistent basis. Here are some of the most common mistakes that I have seen:

1. Not developing proper study routines for online coursework as if one was sitting in the classroom — online students must maintain disciplined schedules. Most online programs offer compressed terms of between 5 – 8 weeks so it is critical to set aside the necessary time to successfully complete the coursework and enjoy a positive learning experience.

2. Not communicating — online students must communicate with their instructors and fellow students. One of the advantages of online learning is the use of discussion boards, group activities and projects, and email correspondence. Online students should take full advantage of every possible interaction point.

3. Not having a goal in mind — one of the great interruptions to online learning that I see every day in the online classroom is life itself. Most online students are busy adults, working a full-time job, and raising a family. And you know what, there are times when life gets in the way — family sickness, added work responsibilities, and the infamous “computer problems.” That is why one of the common mistakes online students make is that they don’t see the big picture, the ultimate prize to their toil and hard work

There’s a reason that the life coach is one of the country’s fastest-growing professions: it requires less formal education than most “helping professions,” yet is comparable—or better—paying. Forbes recently reported that 10% to 20% of all professional life coaches are now earning $100,000 or more annually. On average, fulltime life coaches earn approximately $85K per year, with part-time coaches earning $25K.

One particularly booming subgroup is Christian life coaching. That’s because many people who don’t need therapy or counseling are seeking the warm, guiding care of a Christian life coach to help them reach their life goals. It’s no surprise, then, that people are turning to this rewarding, life-affirming profession at a quickening pace.

The noted Licensed Professional Counselor Dwight Bain agrees: “Life coaching is the next big trend and will take your career to a new level of success by equipping you to make a positive difference in the lives of your clients.” Bain knows what he’s talking about. His clients include Disney, Toyota, AT&T, and the US Army—and he’s been featured in Investor’s Business Daily, the New York Times, FoxBusiness.com and MSNBC.com.

Today, one school is offering Christian-based certificate and diploma programs in life coaching. Light University Online has introduced several online Professional Life Coach certificate and diploma programs that allow people to learn empowering strategies that enable them to make powerful, lasting differences in the lives of their clients. Additionally, students achieve greater fulfillment—they reap more satisfaction because they are at the vanguard of emerging coaching trends taught by Christian coaching’s thought-leaders.

According to Bain there are several trends that ensure the demand for life coaches will continue to rise. For one, there is a demographic shift driving the rise of women and minorities—particularly Hispanics—in the US workplace; in government, education, churches, media, and major corporations. Also, the recent economic recession, corporate scandals, mortgage crisis, and banking meltdown have forged a new population of Americans who are eager to embrace positive change, and others who are just plain angry. Furthermore, our overreliance on technology is creating people who are lonelier, and disconnected. All of these groups represent millions of potential clients for today’s Christian life coach.

Since 1999, Light University has been a leading Christian institution for those passionate about biblical counseling, life coaching, and the helping professions. Light University Online is dedicated to providing academically-sound, clinically-strong, and decidedly Christian resources to empower people-helpers like you in their professional, ministerial, or caregiver roles.

In short, Light’s programs in life coaching equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to help those who are serious about transforming their life. Credentialing is also available through the Board of Christian Life Coaches (BCLC) for those who qualify. With the growing demand for life coaches—and the looming trends that are only going to increase this need—the time has never been better to look into a life coach education.

So if you’d like to take the next step in your professional career—and jump into the growing Christian life coach field—visit LightUOnline.com today to learn about our exciting Christian coaching program.

I wholeheartedly believe we are on the verge of seeing significant changes in the education landscape. I am talking about BIG changes. These changes are being brought about by forward thinking educators and students who are asking:

1. Why am I learning (or teaching) this?
2. How is it relevant to the world I live in now?

Just think about how the answers to these questions change the game.

We can analyze, evaluate and debate, ad nauseam, the value of post-secondary education.  Are the anticipated outcomes for the end user (student) worth it in light of the investment of time and resources?  There has been much discussion about this in recent days, especially in the for-profit education space.  Is education dying while it’s trying?

I know I can get lost in myriad of information that is available on both sides of this question.  I don’t know about you, but for me simplicity is key so let me navigate through this endless chatter to establish, in my opinion, what is the crux of this matter.

The intrinsic value of post-secondary education, or education in general,  must be measured by its ability to affect the destiny of one who is less advantaged.  That’s it – plain and simple.  In my next post, I will explain why I feel this way.

My wife and I just returned from family vacation at the Outer Banks in North Carolina which is becoming one of our “can’t miss” traditions.  The sandy beaches, rolling surf, Duck Donuts, morning walks, and those “treasured moments” with the kids and grand-kids are oxygen for the soul.

It was also wonderful watching those grandchildren make sense of their surroundings and each other.  As I interacted (okay, played) with them, I discovered that the space between their animated joy, laughter, cries, and everything else in between was their way of probing and learning.  And let’s not forget that the process included them astutely observing the adults who were present.  I think this picture illustrates my point and might be good for some of you.