Growth of Online Degree Programs in the Philippines

Online degree programs were first offered in the Philippines in the early 90's during which there was a recorded continuous growth in the number of state and private institutions in the country. Also during this period was when the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), one of the three government organizations handling the education system in the country, encouraged many educational institutions to offer distance learning programs. This move was triggered by the increasing population and rise of tertiary enrolments over the past years.

1990's - Rise of Open Universities

One of the well-recognized Higher Education Institution (HEI) offering online degree programs in the country is the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), which was established in 1995. OPOU is the pioneer of open learning and distance education in the Philippines. Another prominent open university in the country is the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University (PUPOU). PUPOU began offering online degree courses in 1990. The Asian Institute for Distance Education (AIDE) is one of the only four government-recognized distance learning providers in the country offering full academic degrees. Other pioneers of online degree programs are the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) through the e-Learning Access Program, and Dela Salle University (DLSU). The online programs offered by these online universities include undergraduate programs, graduate certificate programs, post-baccalaureate programs, masters program, and doctoral programs.

2000's - Technological Advancements in HEIs

The eLearning market starts to emerge in the Philippines in the early 2000's. However, the online courses offered by that time are limited only to certificate and vocational training. The government agency that helps facilitate these online programs is the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Today, TESDA is offering various online courses in the fields of IT, Tourism, Electronics, Automotive, HVAC, and Agriculture under the so-called Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Although these programs only provide Diploma and Certificate courses, TESDA has ladderization programs from these courses to the degree courses.

At the turn of the millennium, internet technology starts to gain momentum in the education system of the Philippines. This technological milestone gives way to the emergence of more public and private HEIs offering online courses. According to a study, the number of internet users increased by about 291% during the period of 2000-2006, which is equivalent to 7.82 million people. According to Philippines ICT Statistics Portal, the mobile phone subscription was more than doubled from 2006 to 2011 and the fixed broadband subscription was more than quadrupled within the same time frame. According to StateUniversity.com, various public and private websites have also surfaced to provide online programs and services to students in the higher education. Among of these institutions are the Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Kodiko Online, 2StudyIt.com, Education for Life Foundation, Estudyante.com, FAPENET, Gurong Pahinugod, and Iskolar.com.

2010's - High Economic Growth Impacts Higher Education Programs

According to Business World Online, there are nearly 2,300 HEIs in the Philippines and 1,259 of them were offering business degrees in 2012. According to CHED, tertiary enrolment reached 3.3 million in the same year. Based on Courses.com.ph, there are lots of postgraduate courses in the Philippines that can be taken online from various public and private HEIs today. These are online courses in education, management and public administration, agriculture, media and communication, health and allied sciences, computer studies, business, and architecture and engineering.

The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) can be considered as one of the major breakthroughs in improving the offerings of online degree programs in the Philippines. Under this program, students aiming for bachelor's degree can complete their studies in about a year or so and they also have the option to take the program online from the accredited online colleges and universities.

Fueled by the growing economy, more and more HEIs are offering online degree courses to both Filipino and international students across the country today. And with education programs offered by TESDA and CHED, it is expected that online degree programs in the country will continue to experience more growth in the coming years.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9057880

University Courses, Online Degree Programs and Education For Seniors

Senior citizens today are far more active than ever before. They are doing all those things that had to be put on hold to raise and provide for their families, including going back to college. With a number of options to choose from, like online college programs, community colleges or four-year college or university courses, senior citizens are reliving their youth as well as enriching their lives with education.

It is heartening to see a number of colleges in the United States where the college crowd is not limited to youngsters alone. And contrary to popular belief, senior citizens attending college along with younger people do not feel out of place at all! In fact, most elderly students on campus are very popular, and the younger lot likes listening to their life stories and shares a healthy rapport with them. Of course this completely depends on the senior citizen's attitude and willingness to be a team player. Since most teachers and administrators on campus are almost of the same age, older students hardly feel as if they do not belong.

For those who are not willing to face the rigors of going to class everyday or are not fit enough to do so, there are a number of courses offered online. Some also offer what are known telecourses. Classes offered online are as well designed as physical ones, with all possible kinds of support, like study material, online tutors, exchange forums and help with assignments. While the student has to live without the benefit of personal interaction with his fellow students and teachers, he has the advantage of studying at his own pace.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4321331

Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Enrolling in an online criminal justice degree program can get you started in a career that is exciting and meaningful.

Criminal Justice Careers

The criminal justice field offers a wide variety of careers- from local level law enforcement to State and Federal agencies and private sector law enforcement. A career in law enforcement will allow you to make a difference whether you are a youth probation officer or an FBI agent.

One of the things that attract people to online criminal justice programs is their desire to help people. Often criminal justice is a second career for those who have found their first career to be unsatisfying. Entering the criminal justice field is an important step. An online degree program in criminal justice can get you there.

Some of the more common criminal justice occupations are described in short below. The usual educational requirements needed for each job is listed. For further information you may want to refer to the U.S. Department of Labor website and check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook for specific jobs.

Corrections Officer- Corrections officers work in jails, penitentiaries, and prisons with persons convicted of crimes or who have been arrested and are awaiting trial. Most work in State and Federal facilities with inmates. Prison workers in most State and all Federal prisons must attend college (States 2-4 years, Federal 4 years) and have previous related job experience to be considered for employment. Localities may or may not require any college. There are many criminal justice degree programs online.

Crime Scene Investigator- A crime scene investigator gathers and analyzes evidence at crime scenes. They must be trained in investigative procedures including finding, handling and preserving crime evidence. Some investigators are trained in forensic science and some are sworn police officers. Most crime scene investigators are graduates of 4 year criminal justice programs. There are also associates degree programs. Both are offered online.

ATF Agent- An Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Special Agent works for the Federal agency ATF to investigate criminal violations relating to explosives, firearms, arson, alcohol and tobacco. These agents are also involved in preventing and fighting terrorism and investigate unexplained explosions and bombings. Qualifications are very stringent regarding physical and mental fitness and character. There are several grades of special agents, requiring from 4 years of college at the least to a masters degree. Previous investigative experience is also required.

Court Reporter- Court reporters are responsible for the word for word transcript of court and other legal proceedings. There are several accepted means of recording, each which require specialized training. Education required is 1 to 2 years, depending on recording method. Court reporters must have attended programs that have been approved by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). There are several online programs approved by the NCRA.

Probation Officer- A probation officer and the related occupation parole officer supervise and monitor the activities of offenders who have been placed on probation or parole. Both work with offenders to create probation or post release plans and then evaluate their progress. Both have the goal of rehabilitating an offender and returning the offender to society. Probation and parole officers need a 4-year college degree at the minimum. There are online programs that will fulfill this requirement.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1132257

What Are the Schools With Online Degree Programs

Interested to know what are the schools with online degree programs? Are you thinking of earning a degree online?

Now that you have decided to earn a degree, an online one as a matter of fact, you will need to know what schools offer these online degrees. To get a listing of online colleges, you just have to type in the keyword in the search engine of your browser and then you will have a list of different schools that offer online degrees.

That does not stop there though you can go in the websites of the top colleges and universities to check if they offer online courses. As online schools are gaining popularity, the tops traditional schools and universities are now offering online courses.

If you already have an online college in mind that you want to enroll at, it is imperative that you check out the credentials of the prospective online college that you have set your heart on. Make sure that they follow the standards set by the accrediting agency.

There are a lot of online colleges offering online degree programs, only a few are accredited. You must thoroughly check if the online college you want to enroll in is truly accredited. After all it will be your name, money and efforts that will be at stake here.

It will be such a waste to find out in the end that the online college you choose to register with is a false one. Such a disappointment that you will find this out and then you knew that you could have avoided it because information about accredited online colleges is very public.

Start with an online degree program today. Boost your career and have a better life. Finding out what schools offer online courses have never been this easy.

Thirsting for more information about what are the schools with online degree programs?

Access a proven method to improve your career opportunities the easy way. You're invited to benefit from help to find the right online degrees and career education. I've recently opened up free access to the highly sought after resources AS SEEN ON CareerEducation



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4025879

10 Online College Degrees Requiring the Least Amount of Homework

If you are working and need to pursue an online college degree, you definitely would need to manage your time better. Homework is a part of every course and can add to the burden of a busy schedule. Let see which online degrees require the least amount of homework.

Dietician

This interesting and easy to complete an online degree course requires the least amount of homework, giving you the time to manage work and study. Many Dietician degree courses offer small lessons that can be downloaded on your personal computer and you can go through it according to your convenience.

Cosmetology

If you have always been interested in beauty and styling, online college degree in cosmetology can make your dreams come true. Once you manage to earn a reputed Cosmetology degree in cosmetology, you will get a competitive edge in this field. In this online course, you can have the flexibility to make your own schedules. The salon hours can be accumulated and used to learn at night on the Internet.

Child Day Care

A quality online college program in child day care can easily help you start a full service pre-school, play group or even a small home based child care center. Such Child Day Care degrees allow you learn about the growth and behavior patterns of children, ways of nurturing, educational games and activities. Learning material is offered in parts that you can download.

Jewelry Design

An online college degree in this field is the ideal approach towards learning the basics of jeweler's machines and tools and how to make and repair jewelry. You can also opt for online lessons in casting, setting and designing.

Bridal Consultant

A reputed online bridal consultant degree course will teach you everything from managing the wedding date to the entire co-ordination of the ceremony. You can manage your own schedule and without much homework, learn the techniques of this profession within the comfort of your house through an online college degree program.

Culinary

You can easily learn the theoretical course including topics like food, hygiene and safety on the Internet. Whenever you get time, you can attend practical class work to get cooking skills. This online degree is quite useful when you want to get a degree as a chef and enhance your career growth.

Nutritionist

You can easily obtain quality an online college program in this field with a scientific approach. You can manage your schedule and learn everything about wellness, digestive system, diet planning and so on.

Travel Specialist

An online tourism and travel degree will not only provide you schedule flexibility but it will also help you prepare for a bright career. Your online Travel Specialist degree program will also prepare you for using the computer to research travel destinations and packages.

Fitness Specialist

Obtaining a degree online as a fitness specialist can help you kick start a promising career. Such online Fitness Specialist degree courses will teach you about the techniques used by fitness experts to stay in shape and keep others fit too.

Pet Groomer

An online college degree in pet grooming can give a career you always dreamed of. As per your convenience you can use various online lessons and aids to learn the basics of pet grooming.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2081496

Accelerated Online Degree Programs - The Fastest Way To Get Your Degree

"Technology can be powerful and should be used in a good way." With the advent of technology these days some things can now be done is a quicker and convenient way. Even obtaining a degree can now be done in just a matter of a few years. Imagine being able to complete your nursing degree in just 2 years...this is possible with online degree program. You do not have to spend 4 years in college rather you can spend a certain number of hours per day doing your study at the comfort of your home.

Accelerated college programs provide students the opportunity to study and work simultaneously. This is very beneficial especially to individuals who have to work hard in order to support their studies. Another benefit of enrolling in an accelerated online degree program is that one can choose any school or program course wherever you may be located. Imagine being able to enroll to a prestigious online degree program offered by a school in London. Distance is never a problem with regards to online college degrees.

Long ago accelerated programs were only offered in universities or colleges but nowadays one can now study even at the comfort of his home or in his office. One of the things that made accelerated online degree programs become popular is the fact that a degree can be successfully obtained within a certain time frame that is quicker than taking it in a conventional way. However, if you plan to take an online degree program you have to be sure that your mindset is focused in achieving your educational goals. There are many students who fail to obtain their diploma in accelerated online programs simply because they lack self-discipline. Students who are too relaxed in their studies will never succeed in distance learning.

When deciding which school or which online program to take it is necessary that you conduct a thorough research in order to know if the online program is accredited or not. Also, it is necessary that you do a comparison between 2-4 schools in order to check the cost of the program. Some programs may be a bit more expensive compared to the others.

If you are working either full-time or part-time then online accelerated program is definitely perfect for you. Distance learning allows students to study according to their schedule, budget and time frame. On the other hand, enrolling as a full-time student would help you obtain your diploma in a quick manner.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6934276

Online College Degree Program - Why Opt For One?

As this millennium's computer age progresses, more and more people the world over continue to turn to computers and digital media for work, communication, socialization, and fun. Education is no exception. An online college degree program is an excellent way to obtain a degree in a wide range of possible areas of study, as well as the various levels of study including Bachelors, Masters and even PhD programs. An online college degree program has many benefits.

One of the benefits of an online program is that it is often more cost efficient. Many programs are cheaper than traditional college programs in terms of tuition fees. Also, because the courses are conducted and completed over the Internet, you do not have to worry about other expenses that are often associated with college, such as relocation to or in proximity of a college's campus.

Another advantage is that many of the available programs are offered by accredited institutions, some of which are entirely online, and others are traditional colleges or universities that also have an online school that offers distance education programs. Such programs often allow for flexibility in terms of course load as well as time, as the classes or lectures can be listened to during a time that is convenient for the student.

One may think that these types of programs do not allow for interaction between the student and professors, as well as interaction amongst students, but this is not true, as many of the courses require coursework and participation through forums as well as group work. Also, many people may think that such programs may not be challenging enough or may be dull, but with the advancement in technology and online communications, there is plenty of variety including online tests and interactive exercises.

These programs are ideal for anyone who is interested in acquiring a degree but who also has other time commitments such as work or children. It is also a good option to consider for people who would like to enhance their skills and education for professional advancement, or those who are interested in changing career paths.

However, an online program is also a good option for students who have recently completed high school and students who are typically college aged, as the programs have come a long way and many people prefer and enjoy the advantages that come with opting for an online college degree program.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5000722