The trends in the job market have changed. This is observed particularly in the IT and computing industry. Now it’s so unpredictable that nobody knows who will manage to impress the employer- those having traditional degree or the self-learners.
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Traditional learners take formal training from campus based education format. Where students dedicate reasonable amount to time and money to get the qualification. Whereas self-learners might opt for Online IT diploma courses. Online diploma in information technology programmes allows students to take quality and flexible study option at affordable cost.
Online education has the potential to engage and deliver key learning and skill to the students. Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is the online learning platform that offers standard education for free. Here students can learn the latest IT and computing skills. Besides, there top online institutes which dispense comprehensive, qualitative, practical and industry based learning.
10 Smar Tips For Effective Online Study
Learning In The New Format
According to the Global Developer Economics: State of the developer Nation, a survey conducted with 13,000 plus developers by the VisionMobile shows that 46% of the prompt developers have not learnt computer science from institutes. The report shows that 45% HTML5/Javascript developer belongs to this group. The survey reveals that HTML5/Javascript developer comprising 29% had learnt self and have no formal training for scripting languages.
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The survey also shows that the providers of MOOCs have the pivotal role which has helped developers to obtain skills in the related field. This includes skills such as Ruby and Python. Besides, there are MOOC programmes for Android, iOS app and web development alongside data science.
According to Coursera Technology Vertical Manager Kevin Mills, “The typical Coursera learner taking a programming or other technology course has a bachelor’s degree, is currently employed, and is between 22 and 35 years of age. Among these learners, it is about an even split between those looking to begin a new career in programming versus those seeking to advance their existing programming skills.”
There are also e-learning institutes delivering essential learning through online diploma in computing courses which facilitate relevant skill building to the students.
Time & Money Factor
Time and money are two most valuable things in life. Effective use of time is indispensable. Ask any person on the plant what is the importance of time? I am sure even school children would be able to tell you the importance of time. In the present day, time management is crucial for success. Now the question arises- Does one have ample time to attend hours of lecture in the classroom, travel and study at home? What if education system allows students to study from anywhere and anytime, which will save plenty of time. I have seen students taking the online diploma in computing and using remaining time for enhancing their knowledge.
Online IT diploma programmes including that of the MOOC does not only saves crucial time by money as well. Online diploma in information technology courses offered by online institutes is low priced. Whereas in MOOC app and web development and others are free.
So, why would anybody spend additional time and money? Especially when they have the tool like online learning that helps them to attain their purpose?
With the advent of technology, distance learning has advanced to unprecedented heights. In its early years, distance learning was more about course material being dispatched through the mail but today, it has evolved and students can access course material online and discuss it with their tutors with the help of internet tools like webcams.
Online distance learning has brought many enthusiastic learners back to academic fold. A number of people who had quit academics early in their life because of some constraints, show faith in online education and are returning to complete their education. It is the idea of giving something back motivating people to return to education and online distance learning programme has proved to be of great help in realizing their dreams.
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Online learning paves way for convenient learning environment
The most sought after distance learning online course has been found to be MBA. Professionals these days are keen to specialize in their respective area and stay abreast of others by increasing their educational qualification through online programmes.
When it comes to distance learning online, most of its features are different from the traditional classroom environment, where students and teachers can interact in real time. As opposed to traditional classroom, virtual learning lets students study according to own convenience. There are some online courses that allow recording of interactions and instructional proceedings to review it later by students.
So, you must have got a fair idea about how distance learning works. But, there are more to it. In fact, the idea of distance learning is quite vast and one needs to carefully and sincerely examine all the features and facts about it.
Nature of study material
Students have access to the online study material in the form of audio CDs and video DVDs, though most colleges and universities provide plenty of printed study material as well. While compiling the topics into course materials, it is kept in mind that they are of highest quality and may contain specially written workbooks or textbooks, online teaching materials, audio and video CDs and computer software.
After enrolment, each student is given access to the module website, where they can find out plenty of additional resources. They are also given authority to visit the online library.
You are going to need a computer
If you enrol for a distance learning online course, you will need a computer and reliable and consistent access to internet so that you can gain maximum from the universities’ online services, which include online forums and vast library, among others. On the computer with internet access, you can interact with fellow students and tutors in order to seek assistance in your studies.
Assessment and examinations
Online learning is not an easy cakewalk. You are asked to complete your assignments that contribute towards completion of your module. Furthermore, you must submit the assignments online on or before due date.
The assignment given to you covers the material from your module. It helps you strengthen the knowledge you have gained from module. Your tutors provide comments on most assignments.
At the end of the module, you are expected to appear for examination on scheduled dates. You are made aware of the specific details of the examination up to a year in advance. Examination location depends upon your country of residence and arranged individually.
In a sharp contrast to early years, online learners today are sought after in the job market. A number of online learners have gone on holding the top positions in the corporate sector. Some renowned UK universities have come to Nigeria with a hope to contribute to its education sector. Nigerian students can make the best use of their presence and achieve their dreams by receiving globally recognized online degrees from them.
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Are universities in Nigeria preparing students with substantial skills for getting hired by employers? The answer can be quite negative, yet that is only the stark reality. As former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro points out, “Universities need to equip their students with the necessary competencies. Universities while trying to give quality education to the students and making sure that they have employability attributes, must be aware of the external factor and labour market regulations, democracy and structure of the economy and considering the overall economy situation of the country. Good academic qualifications are no longer enough for employability. Graduates need to also have other attributes which they call soft skills. Graduates can no longer expect to be employed in just one sector through their professional life. They will need to be impacted with skills that will make them to adapt to different situation. Some graduates do not know how to write application letters even some use internet English and short hand is not good.”
How to Deal with It?
This is indeed a problem that many developing nations like Nigeria face. Conventional university education is grossly focused on bringing excellence in academic knowledge. Employment-centric curriculum is something that is prominently absent in Nigerian education.
Now, how would Nigerian youth deal with this? A very simple question having a complex answer, Nigeria must have to make extensive use of open educational resources that allow learners getting real-life working experience parallel to their academic knowledge.
Skill-Developing Learning
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One of the most prominent benefits with globalisation is number of international universities and affiliated course providers flocking around many underdeveloped nations like Nigeria to offer online courses. Nigerian youth must take the advantages of such way of learning where flexibility of online courses allow them to enjoy anytime-anywhere studying with simple gadgets like tablets or laptops, with an internet connection. The real advantage with this flexibility of online learning what students can easily turn in favour of them is the opportunity for real-industry involvement parallel to their theoretical knowledge accumulation.
Involvement in Industry whilst Studying
So, with online university courses Nigerian youth can augment their academic proficiencies alongside their involvements in relevant industries to get practical skill-based efficiencies. Thus, they can achieve a combination of knowledge that helps them develop both theoretical concepts on any subject and applied aspects of those theories.
This is what can only save Nigerian youth from the engulfing doom of unemployment. Employers today prefer those candidates who have prior industrial exposure, and this can only be achieved through the flexible, easy-affordable online learning model. To deal with unemployment problem among Nigerian youth Government there should also encourage people for taking benefits of online education and make their job prospect really lucrative.
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Africa Is One Of The Earliest Adopters On Technology In Education
January 28, 2014
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As technology is evolving with time, it is becoming friendlier and life saviour for people around the globe. Most importantly, the people residing in Africa and nearby places are the ones who are getting mostly aided. Africa, very surprisingly, has become the topmost country in adopting online education.
The expected growth of online education in the continent in almost 15.2% and Senegal is the highest among them with 30.4% growth in e-learning. This kind of rapid acceptance of online learning in Africa surely proves one thing that the future of education is quite bright there. Along with the improvement in the field of education, there will be reduction in poverty, health stature will be improved and also there will be emancipation of women.
MOOCs in Africa
The first ever MOOC in Africa has been developed by the African Management Initiative (AMI). It is primarily aimed at providing different courses to the learners to polish their basic skills in management. The name of the MOOC is Launchpad and it is in partnership with the South African Gordon Institute of Business Science. Now, the AMI will try to acquire more funds in order to design courses in partnership with the Strathmore Business School on Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos Business School in Nigeria.
Rebecca Harrison, the developer of MOOCs at AMI, says, “We want to make it as engaging as possible, but also low bandwidth.” According to a report by the eLearning Africa conference in the month of May’2013 has found out that the rise in MOOCs will be one of the most amazing changes in the online education scenario in Africa.
Online degree providers!
Apart from Africa’s own MOOC, there are a number of other international distance degree providers which can work as wonder for the aspiring learners in Africa. They have degree courses from the most reputed universities worldwide and therefore, the learners in Africa will get much more exposure in an international basis.
E-learning is a gateway to healthier lifestyle in Africa!
Higher education is something which is necessary for everyone not only in order to further in their career goals but also for their sound mental and physical health. It is seen that the ones with a higher education degree leads a very balanced and healthy lifestyle. In fact, studies in 2012 have shown that people with just a high school diploma smokes 17% more than the ones with a Master’s degree. Higher education makes one think on a broader perspective and this way the person becomes perfect to dwell in the society.
It is true that Africa suffered a lot, both financially as well as the education scenario wasn’t good at all. There were no better resources in the schools and colleges and the learners had to worry much about getting a degree and most of the times they had to leave hopes of acquiring a degree for them. Online learning then became their saviour and offered them with courses and degrees which they have wanted forever.
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Nigeria has been striving to rise with its planned educational development for years, but for multiple reasons like lack of proper infrastructure, militancy impacts, funding deficiencies and many more issues alike, the country could not make it successful till now. But, things are changing for better, and new measures are hoped to bring a hopeful era of all round growth with substantial developments in Nigerian education.
It is no new concept that educational developments bring forth economic growth. The most developed countries are the ones that have taken special care of educating its mass populace. In this respect Nigeria is lagging pretty behind with its current illiteracy level of 61%. But, to make considerable growth in its manpower and services such as healthcare, communication and community welfare, educational achievements plays crucial role.
Governmental Failures in Nigeria’s Education Sector
But, as for the governmental initiatives to bring good changes in educational prosperity there is nothing so encouraging, apart from the institution of National Open University, NOUN, in the year 2000. The outcome with this initiative has been quite prominent over the time since its introduction. The result was optimistic because, open learning curriculum it is not like traditional system where teaching staffs develop courses on their own, and choose the way they like to teach and assess. Student progress in the open learning environment involves multi-disciplinary experts to design courses, so that the student can meet exemplary success with innovative approaches in learning.
New Fields of Study
As the most effective solution to an environment where funding scarcity from governmental end leads to the lack of basic educational facilities to the majority of Nigerians, open education has come up with potential benefits. With open university courses newer trends are becoming popular which show great newer possibilities of career developments. Through open online courses studies like management, IT, entertainment, various social enterprises, news reading, furniture designing, reporting for electronic media, fashion designing, content writing, event management, and many other career-oriented courses have become easy to pursue through studying online.
In 2014, distance education will have a considerable growth, as predicted. Number of universities and polytechnic colleges are forecast to increase to propagate open online education in this year. With admission criteria and cost for regular tertiary institution continues to grow highly competitive online education is showing promising glimpses to provide easy and alternative ways of education.
International Education becomes Easy
Nigerian students who aspire for completing their higher education abroad can be benefited greatly with this emerging trend of online education. Especially, those who are classified as “middle middle class” are to take immense advantages with these open courses offered by not only their national universities, but also by many top-grade international universities as well. In another mentionable measure, private sector investment in both primary and secondary levels will grow. This is because UBE has continuously failed to meet the level of quality demanded by the parents. And, this sort of investments is supposed to focus on the actually effective educational spheres like distance education, online learning and other prospective fields of alternative education.
With the measures to bring about substantial developments in education Nigeria’s overall developments are on the ascension. If these unexplored avenues can be exploited up to their fullest potentialities, Nigerian socio-political developments as well as economic growth are something on the cards.
Think Over Some Issues Before You Take Any Online Course
December 27, 2013
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The latest and most fantastic way of education has already become identical with the methodology employed by online education. People had a little doubt over this unconventional mode of education, which with the involvement of world’s greatest universities in structuring online courses has been vanished.
Yet, to ascertain the maximum outcome out of any online learning programme there are certain factors that must take into account. An online course must reflect clear idea about what students can expect from it and what career opportunity can it promise. Similarly, students should be clear in their approach what they expect from their online learning programme.
In any online learning programme various types of support students get stand as one of the attractive factors. Those who are planning for taking up online education as their preferred mode of study should take prior view of such support allotment by visiting the website of any programme. Generally, the student support is indicated by the tag “Guide to Study” or something like that. If this type of place is missing in their website the indication is they are careless or not so concerned about student support. Students need not have to be told what they should do with this sort of course provider!
Management of Studying
Some think that online learning is much easier to go with, which is not exactly the actual thing. Online learning requires exactly the same level of dedication as in any in-person course. The benefit with online course only lies in its convenient design which students find easy to cope with. So, when someone is considering for an online course he/she must make a thorough planning of studying. In online learning proper time management for study is very important. Students must not take the liberty of time so casually as to neglect their regular study habit.
Decide right course
The comparatively easier and flexible eligibility criteria might deliver wrong message to a candidate in deciding his/her course. He may not succeed to secure his admission in an on-campus institute for a particular subject, and find easier to get admission into any online programme. But, what is important is to think thoroughly whether he would be able to carry out the course curriculum or not. Indiscreet decision can lead the student in a measurable condition.
Quality instructors
Instructor play significant roles to make any course qualitatively successful, so through research regarding instructors associated with any online programme should be surveyed responsibly. One can always take thorough look at the instructors’ web profile to get fair idea about their reputation. Communicating with senior students to know their experience about such instructors is another good way to gather knowledge.
Alumni Feedback
Paying considerable attention to what alumni comments on any course, what prospects they have found is incredibly profitable to decide for any course.
Online learning is really an advantageous medium to get education with an easy design that students find easy to cope with. Only with some discreet decisions one can make his online study truly successful.
The latest and most fantastic way of education has already become identical with the methodology employed by online education. People had a little doubt over this unconventional mode of education, which with the involvement of world’s greatest universities in structuring online courses has been vanished.
Yet, to ascertain the maximum outcome out of any online learning programme there are certain factors that must take into account. An online course must reflect clear idea about what students can expect from it and what career opportunity can it promise. Similarly, students should be clear in their approach what they expect from their online learning programme.
In any online learning programme various types of support students get stand as one of the attractive factors. Those who are planning for taking up online education as their preferred mode of study should take prior view of such support allotment by visiting the website of any programme. Generally, the student support is indicated by the tag “Guide to Study” or something like that. If this type of place is missing in their website the indication is they are careless or not so concerned about student support. Students need not have to be told what they should do with this sort of course provider!
Management of Studying
Some think that online learning is much easier to go with, which is not exactly the actual thing. Online learning requires exactly the same level of dedication as in any in-person course. The benefit with online course only lies in its convenient design which students find easy to cope with. So, when someone is considering for an online course he/she must make a thorough planning of studying. In online learning proper time management for study is very important. Students must not take the liberty of time so casually as to neglect their regular study habit.
Decide right course
The comparatively easier and flexible eligibility criteria might deliver wrong message to a candidate in deciding his/her course. He may not succeed to secure his admission in an on-campus institute for a particular subject, and find easier to get admission into any online programme. But, what is important is to think thoroughly whether he would be able to carry out the course curriculum or not. Indiscreet decision can lead the student in a measurable condition.
Quality instructors
Instructor play significant roles to make any course qualitatively successful, so through research regarding instructors associated with any online programme should be surveyed responsibly. One can always take thorough look at the instructors’ web profile to get fair idea about their reputation. Communicating with senior students to know their experience about such instructors is another good way to gather knowledge.
Alumni Feedback
Paying considerable attention to what alumni comments on any course, what prospects they have found is incredibly profitable to decide for any course.
Online learning is really an advantageous medium to get education with an easy design that students find easy to cope with. Only with some discreet decisions one can make his online study truly successful.
Working professionals have found a solace with the availability of online classes. Now, they have a chance to earn a valuable degree at their own pace. Most people appearing for online degree courses have either career advancement or career changes in their mind. Also, there are people who just want to complete a degree course started at another college or university. At present, there are many online learning programs to choose from. Certainly, it has become easier for the prospective students to find a right degree course from the right online school.
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In most cases, it has been noticed that earning an online degree promptly leads to career advancements in the form of promotion or hike in salary. Even though classroom learning is thriving and considered traditional, online degree courses are ready to leapfrog it.
There are multiples benefits of online classes degree courses, take a look at few.
Variety of degree programs and classes to choose from
You have plenty of degree courses to choose from and as far as classes are concerned, everything is made available to you through online medium. Students have the freedom to choose a degree program that suits their needs most and study it in flexible manner. These days some of the best vocational courses are also studied through online medium by the students.
Affordable Cost
Students from poor economic background are relieved by advent of the new learning approach. Most of the online degree programs are offered to students at affordable tuition fees that seem a distant dream if they opt for traditional classroom learning set-up. Besides tuition fees, students are able to save additional expenses on commuting and stationary items.
Say no to monotonous classroom studies
Students are given opportunities to stay free from the boredom and pressures of regular classes. As everything is available online, there is no need to attend regular classes. Even assignments can be prepared and submitted online, making it ideal for working professional and students busy with other commitments.
Chalk out a study time table to suit your needs
Students are free to choose the time they want to study around. However, the prepared time table should be followed strictly by the students in order to bring success to their career. Working professionals indulged in full time work are benefitted a lot by this.
Specialised degree programs
The study materials are designed such a way to help students focus on more relevant topics. Students are now able to learn specifically and earn the degree faster.
In a nutshell, online learning is the answer to the traditional classroom studies and a vital option for the students who always wanted to study on own terms and conditions.
A large number of students from Nigeria have taken up online degree courses and shaping up their future in right way.
Education is indispensable to people around the world. Globally accepted, education is unarguably one of the most compelling instruments working behind human development and progression of the world economy. However, it is still difficult to ascertain at which level education can contribute to such progression. Education can make a change either at preliminary, secondary or at higher levels. Today, an academic course is not just a tool to enhance one’s knowledge level; it is certainly the driving power encouraging a lot of intelligence-based competition amongst enthusiasts. Thus, people are urged to consider higher education as a pivotal instrument having an impact on the world economy. Academics have taken our economic endeavours to new levels and have subsequently encouraged national initiatives for economic growth, higher degree of competitiveness and productivity.
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Higher education and its beneficial offerings to the society
Scholars are of the opinion that higher education results in copious benefits both at private and public levels. It can actually have a greater impact on individual income; thus leading to improved national wealth. It is true that education can actually drive people to reconsider population growth of their country and strengthened governance through improved technicalities, which are of prime importance in order to lead a nation towards success.
An overall research has proven how higher education is acting as an underlying force initiating rapid industrialization and bringing in new changes to the world economy through massive contributions to manpower at professional, technical and managerial levels. Education helps people acquire skills through interactive academic programmes. Over and over again, it has been proven how research based knowledge acquiring can drive workers hailing from every stratum to supply skills at global levels thus contributing to a surge in world economy.
Researchers even suggest that higher education is inevitably the most significant factor causing a change to occur in the world economy. It is indeed encouraging attitudinal alterations for socialization and modernization amongst individuals. Education is certainly paving way for strong foundation of a nation and concurrently enforcing globalization in every sphere of life.
Higher education and its contribution towards economic growth
Higher education is undeniably the most instrumental factor boosting interactive functions for the world economy. In fact scholars claim that educational qualification can significantly contribute to effective knowledge production and implementation. It is certainly a universal truth that colleges, universities and other academic institutions are considerably contributing to economic development both at national and international levels, through dissemination of knowledge in the society. Furthermore, it is strongly believed that institutions offering reputed post-graduation courses are also the torch bearers to extensive result-based teaching activities; they are also responsible in diffusion of knowledge.
Contribution of online learning to an enhanced world economy
Online learning is accepted worldwide. Though this might seem weird, but it is true that electronic media has come into the forefront to initiate difference in the world economy on an education context. Over the years it has been found how academics have brought upon radical changes in the global economy and have effortlessly been the sole source for far-reaching impacts. Today, with the arrival of digital media, academic enthusiasts can gain an access over higher qualification. Since economic constraints and social aspects pose as barriers towards economic and educational development, many countries are adapting to the new mode of studying to urge prospective students in enrolling for higher education courses. Moreover, these educational programmes are also beneficial for full or part time professionals who yearn for higher academic degrees for personal as well as public benefits. Now, this is actually how distance learning benefits the entire society at large and helps overcome challenging scenarios.
Some benefits of online education
• Receiving education at the convenience of one’s home
• Cost effective courses
• Time-efficient courses
• Adding to the credentials of an individual
• Quality education
• Flexibility
On enrolling into a higher education programme, you are likely to gain much and can subsequently think of disseminating your knowledge to contribute to the world economy. After all, your analytical skills will be highly valued in a world that demands more of social and economic development. Gain knowledge on how education can be beneficial for the global economy as you visit here.
Leona Sharon
Distance Learning in Nigeria 