Category Archives: Education

Thinking Of Enrolling In The Postgraduate Course? Find The Right One To Boost Your Career

Postgraduate course provides edge to those who are about to start or in the middle of their career. It helps to advance the career by improving the skills and knowledge and provides advantage to earn the opportunity in the job market. Since the competition is so intense, people are taking postgraduate courses to increase their chances to impress the employer. This course is in demand across the industries where organisation value postgraduate diploma qualifications.

Diploma

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The postgraduate learning improves ones employability prospects and also enhances career prospects. For the Companies, skills obtained from the course learning have immense value.

Postgraduate study presents the perfect scope to start a new career. There are number of postgraduate courses that are offered even via online, which is one important benefit for the learners. Online courses offer tremendous flexibility which allow one to take learning amid commitments.

What data shows?

Reports published by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) shows that the rate of success is 51% for graduates of 2013 whereas in the mid-2014 undergraduates had employment. However, within the same period of time, the rate of success for the securing job at postgraduate level was 73%.

HEA has also conducted a survey on the salaries for graduates of 2013. The research revealed that 52% of the graduated with the honours bachelors degree have to earn less income than €25,000 per year. However, some earn 3% more with €45,000 annually. Graduated with Ph.D. earn €25,000 or less whereas 28% income more than €45,000.

Extensive scope of learning with postgraduate courses

Postgraduate diploma study offers the vast range of course programmes. One can take the online postgraduate ATHE diploma or can choose the traditional format to enhance their knowledge and skill.

But before enroling to any course students should check whether the course has validity in the job market.

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It’s essential for the students to decide what they desire to learn. They should figure out what course they want to study. The postgraduate courses are two type that is- Taught programmes and Research based. Both has it’s own significance in the job market.
Full time taught courses takes one year to complete the study whereas the part time study takes two year to culminate the programme. Taught postgraduate courses can be studied absolutely in the new field or can be the extension of undergraduate learning.

According to Prof Lisa Looney, Dean of Graduate Studies at Dublin City University, “Students choosing a taught master’s programme tend to fall into one of three categories: those who are specialising in a certain discipline to target specific job opportunities; those returning to education to build on experience gained in the workplace; and those seeking a programme following a broad-based undergraduate programme who wish to side-step in a certain direction.” She also says, “The most important question for any applicant to ask is – what is this degree doing for me? It is a very big investment in your career and you should be strategic in your decision-making with an eye to emerging job trends, looking for opportunities to challenge and stretch yourself.”

Research bases postgraduate courses- master’s, including Mitt can take one year three months to four years time. It depends on the learner what they select the mode of study i.e full time or part time.

While selecting the research course one should carefully choose the area and standard of assistance and evaluation rendered.

The Online factor

It’s evident from the figures and reports that these courses have a definite value across the industries. Before concluding, I would additionally like mention about online postgraduate diploma courses. The e-learning mode of education offers the tremendous flexibility of learning. Students can access to quality education at much lower cost than from the traditional format. Another thing about online learning is that courses are valued and accepted by the employers and universities, so why not use the technology enabled learning to learn at any time from anywhere?

What do you feel is the necessary step to repair the public education? Share your thoughts in your comments.

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Repairing Public Education is a Matter of National Importance

Public education is necessity for any country. It is the only way to strengthen a society and country. Continuous betterment of public education is necessary too. Take a look of the article to know more.

Education is one of the basic human needs today. Those days are long gone when education used to be considered as a secondary need. We live in an era where one needs to be independent and self sufficient enough to be capable of leading a good and productive life. It is only the right and proper education that can make someone like that.

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The need of education is not just a self realisation any more. Now, a modern society also recognizes the need of education. It would not be an exaggeration if I put it this way that education is the base of a strong nation and a cultured and sensitive society. Imbalance in education or the lack of it can cause tremendous problems for any nation.

The Relation of Education and Nation

Through all these ages social activists are working hard to bring forth the true picture of nations and the scenarios. They are also focusing on the explanation of the need of public education. According to study, education plays important roles in various factors to shape up a better future of a nation. Nations all over the world have recognized the fact and they are investing in public education now. Only it is the well educated citizens who can maintain social mobility, create a productive work force to take forward the country and its work, lessen the crime rate and above all represent the democracy.

Investing in public education does not only mean to help the citizens to find a meaningful existence but also contributes to the increased rate of national income and GDP.

Lets take a look at the relation of education with various factors of a country.

Education and Economics

Education and economics are interrelated, on both individual and national level. On one hand when an individual citizen is provided with quality education it creates chances for one to lead a happy and better life. Proper education makes one eligible for employment and contributes to increased income. It obviously results in a better level of lifestyle.

On the other hand a properly educated citizen also contributes to the betterment of society and thus the nation. It is important for a nation to remain competitive and productive globally so that it does not remain behind from other countries. Education plays the vital role of taking a nation ahead. So, there is no point of keeping an education system intact that only a few can afford. It is necessary for all to afford the education. Only then a nation will be able to move forward and ensure a better life of its citizens.

Education and Health

The link between education and health is well established now. It is a proven fact that it is an educated man who is capable of maintaining a balanced health and well being of his and his family. Education makes one conscious about various health and hygiene issues. That results in increasing awareness. Research has shown that a well informed and educated man suffers less from minor health issues than the people who are deprived of education.

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A well educated population makes better decision regarding personal health and the collective health issues. As a result they spend less money, time and energy on the minor health issues. It lets the health professionals to focus on serious issues on health and well being. It redirects resources and reduces financial budget of a nation.

Education and Social Responsibility

As we all are global citizen it is important for all of us to remain faithful towards our social irresponsibilities too. The basic need of all global citizen is to safeguard the dignity and the human rights of themselves and their fellow citizens. Proper education enables citizens to understand their place in the world and get a clear perception of the contribution towards a sustainable society. In a nutshell well educated people tend to understand the need of work and the benefits that it offers towards the society.

Public education is the vehicle that not only enhances an individual and his personality and perspective but also it is necessary for the elevation of humanity, social justice and responsibilities.

How to Repair the Public Education System

As Huffington Post recognizes, to build a great society one needs to understand that education should be accessible for all, irrespective of creed, class and zip code. It is important to bring out education from the access of only the wealthy class and make it accessible for each and every children in a society. When election is nearing in the USA, this has become a national issue that all citizens in the USA are pondering over.

In such a situation here are some ways that can be really helpful to repair the public education system. Take a look.

  • Your pupils are not just numbers. A school needs to have adequate numbers so that the need of every students can be taken care of.
  • Concentrating on the common core is the most effective way to ensure that the education is directed towards the right way. There is no need of investing in different curricula every year and thus negating all the old ways. Instead of spending time of these lists education needs proper understanding of the core.
  • System of home work is necessary as this is the only way to evaluate daily what a student is learning today.
  • The field of education needs the teachers who love the profession. Lack of love and respect towards the profession can harm and pollute the classroom. It is not the degree but the sense of responsibilities that makes one a ideal teacher.
  • Often students leave education after passing the high school and start working in order to provide themselves. During this phase they go through a really hard time as they often falter to choose the right career. That is why it is necessary to introduce the trade school during hight school. It will enable students to choose the right option.
  • One standardized test a year is enough to evaluate a student’s progress. These days schools and institutes are introducing various tests which is unnecessary.
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The utmost necessity right now is to get rid of all politics that is affecting education and give the power of education back to the people. Right teachers and individuals are necessary for the job so that the nation can walk on the right direction of development.

What do you feel is the necessary step to repair the public education? Share your thoughts in your comments.

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5 Awesome Tips To Help You Become A Successful Entrepreneur

Are you unhappy with your career? Tired of being unemployed or underemployed? Then I am sure you have wondered about starting your own business at some point. It’s true that becoming an entrepreneur can help you build a lucrative career, especially today when the global job market has become even more competitive.

Entrepreneur

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However, achieving success on your business might harder than you imagine as most of the new businesses barely manage to survive the initial few years. But if you are determined to start your own venture, then you need to focus on certain aspects that can boost your chances for success.

Here are a few ways you can prepare yourself as an entrepreneur before starting your own business –

Define Your Goals

Goal

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Until and unless you clearly know where you want to go, you will not be able to decide which path to take to get there. After you successfully define and analyse your goal, you will be better able to decide if your chosen path is the most effective way of achieving your set goals. You need start by asking yourself some difficult questions regarding why you want to be an entrepreneur and what you want to achieve by starting your business. This will give you a clearer idea about your business goals, responsibilities and roles.

Save Some Money

Let’s face it, you will need to have some capital to start, operate and sustain your business. Although in this modern era, the cost of managing a start-up has become more affordable, yet you will need to save some cash to get you through the initial years before your business can build a solid foundation. In case you don’t have adequate money on yourself, then you need to look for reliable investors who can provide you the required capital.

Gather Relevant Experience

Experience

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Before you start your business you need gather adequate managerial, leadership, administrative and negotiations skills. Moreover, you also need to develop a thorough understanding of your industry and stay updated on latest trends. You also need to gain a working knowledge about various business aspects like accounting, marketing, personnel management etc. Hence, irt is imperative that you work for a company in your preferred industry and gain the required experience.

Learn The Right Skills

Apart from gaining experience, you also need to acquire the necessary business skills and knowledge that will make you a better manager and entrepreneur. If you ask me, one of the best ways to gain these skills is to pursue an online undergraduate in management diploma. When you study online you will be able to work on your business and study simultaneously. As these courses are highly flexible and affordable, you can easily learn management skill and gain work experience without taking out a student loan.

Develop A Strong Network

Network

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Building a successful business is not only about knowing how to run your company, but also about knowing the right people. By creating effective connections you can get helpful advice, financial professional support, industry information, beneficial terms and other services. Your online management diploma can prove to be highly helpful in this area as you will meet aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders during your course.

By following these tips, you will be able to prepare yourself to face the challenges of the business world and guide your start-up towards success.

What do you think? Add to the discussion by sharing your own opinions and ideas below.

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Idea Challenge 2015 – Offering A Great Opportunity For Aspiring Nigerian Entrepreneurs

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Nigeria is presently experiencing numerous severe challenges that range from high levels of illiteracy, unemployment, high poverty, limited economic development, terrorist threats to poor infrastructure facilities. However, Nigerians can still successfully counter all the difficulties by equipping the youth with effective entrepreneurship education which will empower them to become self-reliant and build more jobs.

Need For Entrepreneurship Training

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However, in order to become a successful entrepreneur, our students will need to learn specific knowledge and develop certain skills, practices and attitudes. Furthermore, our youths will need to develop a comprehensive understanding of the global market and different industries which will enable them to recognise new business opportunities and take risks. Quality entrepreneurship education helps to entice entrepreneurial thinking and create entrepreneurs who can efficiently contribute towards economic and social development.

Entrepreneurship has gained a lot of importance in Nigeria in the last few years as there is a dearth employment opportunities and rising socio-economic challenges across the nation. This is perhaps the reason why more and more Nigerian youths are participating in international entrepreneurship learning opportunities.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities In Nigeria

Recently, 10 youths from Nigeria took part in the 2015 edition of University of Sussex-AIESEC Nigeria entrepreneurship challenge, where they will be competing for the 3 positions that are still available. The aim of the challenge is to award the participants with the best ideas and proposals to solve education and unemployment challenges in Nigeria. The competition is popularly known as Idea Challenge 2015. According to a statement released jointly by Branda Ng’ang’a, AIESEC Nigeria representative and Tosin Adebisi, Senior International Officer at University of Sussex, the 3 challengers will be announced as prominent winners at the Nigeria Youth to Business Forum event in Benin City, Edo State.
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The statement noted,

“The best three ideas have the opportunity to win an all expense paid training to University of Sussex Innovation Centre in the UK for their spin-off project or business idea development as well as discount in admission fee for an AIESEC internship and mentoring from experts and corporate partners of AIESEC in Nigeria. The partners include, PWC, Impact Your World, among others.”

Focus On Education & Unemployment 

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Moreover, it also described that applications had been sorted in 2 main categories of the competition, namely unemployment & education. The statement added,

“Five best ideas in each of the categories, making a total of 10 were subsequently selected. The 10 participants are expected to pitch in English in front of a jury of experts and partner organisation for the event taking place on Tuesday June 2, 2015 in Benin City.”

It was also mentioned that all of the received submissions will get “evaluated by at least two thematic (Education and Unemployment) experts and experienced Business Developers from AIESEC in Nigeria partner organizations network.” The statement by Branda Ng’ang’a and Tosin Adebisi, further explained “We will especially look at the novelty and uniqueness of the idea, the market and social business potential as well as the rights to intellectual property (designs, creators, business plans, among others) claimed by applicants.”

What do you think about entrepreneurship education in Nigeria? Want to add to the discussion? Then feel free to comment below.

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Making Ways For African Disabled Students

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Deprived of education, Africa’s young disabled students are at a disadvantage for life and often end up among the poorest of the poor. In Africa, many impoverished, disabled students drop out of school and pay the economic consequences for life. Simple changes in teaching procedures, coupled with new, locally produced teaching materials and refined school design can open the doors of education to all students regardless of physical disability.

However, a recent survey suggests that in the recent years an estimated of 2,00,000 ‘special’ children and adolescents has been rising at a fast rate in Africa due to the increasing penury, high population growth, armed conflict, AIDS and HIV, poor child labor practices and domestic violence. The African governments as well as international donors should make this a priority and even though for most white disabled children, the school gates are open but the same was not for the black disabled students.

According to a 2014 report by Uganda’s Ministry of Gender and Social Development, only 9% kids with disabilities of school age attend primary school, compared with a national average of 92 percent, and only 6 percent of these continue studying in secondary schools.

Why The School Gates Are Partly Closed For Such Special Students?

Why the rate of educated special children in Africa has not been elevated? Well one of the main reasons is that the teachers lack the expertise required to train and teach the disabled students and even if training was held, it was not held in the respective schools. Teachers leave their campuses, are given lectures by the experts and then return to their respective posts, maybe because after the training they will execute their new knowledge and skills in the classroom. The other reasons are as follows:

  • Not sufficient space in the classrooms, especially where the students use wheelchairs.
  • Inadequate number of teacher assistants, particularly to assist those students who are called as ‘special children.’
  • Much difficulty for the teachers in giving special attention to those struggling students as they felt that their classrooms were fully occupied.
  • Challenges of the school ambiance made it difficult and stressful for the teachers to believe that more workshops would solve this major problem. Instead what they did was that they suggested to take up learning support specialists to help in covering the fast- moving school’s curriculum to meet their students’ vast requirements.

School Instruction Is Also A Formidable Barrier

In many African countries, the student and teacher ratio is 50:1(very high). So, the teachers lecture from the head of the class and use a blackboard, no matter whether some students are having vision or hearing problems or physical problems in taking down class notes.

4 Ways In Imparting Education To These Disabled Students

  • High quality well- delivered courses and workshops are required for the disabled student’s own learning as well as for an effective teacher’s professional development.
  • A large-sized card carved with basic geometric shapes can help students who have vision problems to understand spatial relationships.
  • Basic teacher training and workshops can be of help to them.
  • A simple abacus, constructed out of poles set into a plywood box with rubber rings for counters, can bring basic math alive for students who cannot use a pen.
  • School libraries should be easily accessible for reading books and borrowing books.

So what do you think about the issue of educating special students in Africa? Share your valuable insights with me.

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Government Employees Taking Up Online MBA Courses In Its Newest Trend

                               Source – bit.ly/1P5wo02

Online education

Online courses in general are getting popular day-by-day, which is a version of education in correspondence. It is cost effective, as it provides provisional study material in electronic, encrypted version which is much cheaper in production, recreation and distribution, for being in virtual softcopy, instead of being in printed hardcopy which are much costlier to produce and manage.

Provision for government employees

Government employees are choosing such courses for many reasons. Government employees are relatively relaxed and less burdened in their work pressure than their private counter-parts who have to fulfil a target all the time, to find time to go for such online courses .. as to choose a separate path, some liberty has to be there.

Motivation behind taking up online higher education

As per past tradition, government employees were not required to be highly qualified, as they worked as executives following strict and fixed orders from superiors. There was little scope of improvisation like private employees who are always on the lookout for greater profit for the company and greater commission for the individual, accordingly. In this age of increasingly mixed economy, the government sector is catching up with the private ideal as it’s competing to grab the market. Petronised by private capitalists, the constant search for continuous quality enhancement and customer satisfaction is affecting the government competitors as well. Government employees finding an urge to enhance knowledge and implementation in work to improve quality, not remaining within strict order-abiding role of a subordinate executive.

Facility in online courses

Online courses are very flexible in their nature, the student can write in his own understanding in the exam which is at par with mature learning and greater autonomy motivated by which the government employees are coming to join courses. It’s a win-win situation. In online courses, one increasingly becomes his or her own teacher. There is no better learning than learning by oneself. Though, a course always constitutes a syllabus, given working-knowledge of practical life .. common wisdom (thumb’s rule) instead of analytic novelty and ingenuity, still courses in correspondence, apart from rigidity of institutional classes on regular basis, especially online, gives some fresh air to breathe at least, even within suggestive education, as one doesn’t have to move physically to restrictive environment(s), to earn degree.

Choosing MBA specifically

MBA is very much required, as it teaches managerial skills which is a must, as one goes up the ladder in official ranks. No matter what field one is in, as one proceeds to the rank of senior bosses, administrative troubleshooting becomes much more important than academic problem-solving.

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Is South Africa Capable Of Offering Quality Education & Equal Opportunity To Children?

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 Education has always been a challenge for Africa and the scenario is no different in South Africa as only 1% of native African children are successful in completing the South African education process and actually graduate from any university. The scenario is very much visible in all schools as most teachers across institutes in townships appear either exhausted or fast asleep.

 Challenge And Inspiration

Mike Feinberg, co-founder of the reputed US charter school network KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), wrote in a recent blog, “Inspiration and tragedy. Those are the two words I wrestled with over the Atlantic Ocean this past weekend as I flew home to the US from South Africa.”

However, for Feinberg it was even more tragic to find out that there was notable lack of action and belief among educators, which was not present in students. Most learners had an intense hunger to learn, acquire good scores on their matric, pursue higher education in universities and create a better life for themselves and their families. This is what he considers to be the inspiration of education in South Africa. He wrote “And that’s where the inspiration began. The children. Wow! The children have fire in their bellies and songs in their hearts. Children have proven to us over the past 19 years of KIPP just how resilient they are, and this US lesson has the potential to play out the same way in South Africa. ”

Creating Equal Opportunity

Equal opportunity is one of the most prevalent dreams across South Africa that can create a meaning future for all children in the region. Feinberg added “There is a dream that is alive and well in South Africa. From the rural village boy who walked to the nearest town that had internet to learn about universities and is now studying at University of Cape Town (UCT) to the kids from Khayelitsha who dream of becoming astronauts, accountants, doctors and lawyers to the UCT girl from Alexandra Township who goes hungry because she sends her meal subsidy home to help her family eat, I could see it.”

However, this dream appears to be at crossroads now as adults need to look for effective ways to encourage and support children to accomplish their goals and aspirations. “…then the sky is the limit for South Africa,” he added.

                          Source – bit.ly/1yLmgCi

Schools Need To Be Impactful  

If we are to take this type of direct action to help our children then schools are undoubtedly the obvious focal point, specifically the public education system that is expected to help the kids in the first place. You cannot actually deny this point. However, if you take a close look at the policies, regulations, rules and laws that are practiced in South Africa, you will ponder whether the system was at all developed to help our children or is it simply a career programme for adults.

KIPP co-founder Mike Feinberg further wrote “This is not to say caring, skilled adults aren’t critically important in the school  system; children do not reach their educational potential without helpful adults. The larger question, however, is whether the system itself sets up learners, teachers and principals for success- or whether it makes failure the norm and success the exception.”

Empowering Educators

He believes that the government is to be held accountable and responsible for the condition of the education system in South Africa. He claims that it has been observed in other academic systems that if the government provides autonomy to skilled educators and qualified operators to execute their own developmental ideas regarding what students need to enhance outcomes, then we can effectively improve performance and reach new heights of excellence.

Feinberg concluded by writing “Children are our greatest resource. Children are our greatest hope. Children are our dream. It’s time to wake up and help our dream become reality.”

What do you think? Add to the discussion by commenting in the box below. We would love to hear from you.

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Does Online Education Necessarily Mean Affordable Learning Solutions?

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Online learning has gained immense popularity amongst students, educators and employers in the past few years. With further technological progress and the spread of internet, more and more aspiring learning are now pursuing online higher education programmes to earn accredited qualifications and advance their careers. One of the biggest advantages of studying an online programme is that they are more affordable than college degree programmes and hence you can avoid taking out heavy students loans for getting a degree. But is online education actually affordable? Or does it cost you more than you think? Let’s find out….

Finding The Cost Of Studying Online

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As a student you would want to consider the total cost of an online programme when to start to decode and analyse its actual cost. Hence you need to count the total amount of money you will have to pay if you pursued all the necessary courses at the institute. However, the amount is not easy to determine as several online programmes choose to publicise the per-credit cost only, according to the Online College Students 2014 study, conducted by Aslanian Market Research and The Learning House. This approach might appear meaningful as most online learners begin with some credits that have been already implemented to their degree or diploma.

Online Education Is Not Cheap

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If you are able to discover the sum total cost of online bachelor’s degree programme, then you just might get amazed by the results. Although. Most learners and professionals tend to believe that online learning is an affordable and economical option; it is not the case all the time.

For instance, in 2014-2015 the total cost of programme is over $91,000 at the 10 public schools which had the most expensive bachelor’s degree programmes for out-of-state learners. Although the amount is much less than pursuing a 4 year programme at the priciest brick-and-mortar colleges and universities in the country, but you can find cheaper alternatives in community colleges. Apart from Ohio State, the other priciest public online bachelor’s programmes for out-of-state students include Central Washington University ($677 per credit and total programme cost $121,860); West Virginia University ($927per credit and total programme cost $111,240); University of Georgia ($893 per credit and total programme cost $107,160); and New Mexico State University ($796 per credit and total programme cost $101,888).

According to recent data in an annual U.S. News survey, which ranked 126 public online bachelor’s degree programmes, Ohio State University has the costliest public bachelor’s programme for students for outside the state. Out-of-state students studying online at Ohio State pay $1,070 each credit and almost $128,400 for the complete bachelor’s programme, when they pursue all courses at the institute. However, if you have previous credits then you will not be required to pay the full amount.

Availability Of Affordable Options

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According to the survey, the average total cost is around $52,830 for the 126 ranked programmes. Valley City State University in North Dakota offers the most affordable online bachelor’s degrees for out-of-state learners. The cost per credit is $168 and the total programme cost is around $20,160. The report did not consider many schools and they were not ranked as those institutes failed to meet specific criteria needed by U.S. News

What do you think about online education? Want to add to this discussion? Then feel free to share your experiences, thoughts and views with us by commenting below.

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Strong Internet Support Boosts the Education System throughout Africa

open distance learning

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Are you aware of the fact that Africa, the world’s 2nd largest continent, is no more devoid of technological support in making people obtain quality education? Reports from World Bank say that Nigeria, which is one of the most developed nations of the continent, has recorded 32.9% people to become dependent on technology. Gone are those days of dependence on high-speed internet and Broadband when Nigeria considered them to be the only sources of technological support. Now, this nation takes pride in acquiring the 8th position out of 212 member nations of UN in terms of the number of internet users.

The Internet World stats said:

  • There were around 55.9 million internet users
  • Accordingly, it represented 32.9% of the population in Nigeria in 2012
  • 6.6 million Facebook users were recorded from Nigeria, which showed that this was one of the most popular activities by the Nigerians

The World Economic Forum said:

Out of every 100 urban Nigerians

o   50 use the internet on a monthly basis

o   58 use mobile phones supported by internet

o   21 use smartphones

As far as the contribution of internet to GDP is concerned:

  • Nigeria has a 0.8% GDP which is quite close to that of South Africa that has 1.4%
  • Kenya and Senegal are ahead in terms of GDP

This clearly shows that the opportunities of strengthening digital education with time in Nigeria are rising. Moreover, internet has brought a massive impact on several sectors here in the past few years. Some of them are:

  • Health – Owing to internet support, a platform has been set up in Nigeria through which patients and also clinicians can send messages along with the information related to drug identification. In response, they would receive a verified message in regard to the authenticity of the medicine.
  • Education – Although a lot had been said earlier in the opening paragraphs, it’s once again worth mentioning that digitisation is a big thing that has made immense progress in open distance learning. After the National Open University of Nigeria contributed well towards improving digital education, the country’s education system acquired a different scenario. Moreover, the introduction of mobile technology has eased over thousands of lives in these years.
  • Retail – E-commerce is another thriving sector in Nigeria that has given rise to a number of big companies in the last few years. As per the Euromonitor International research team, Nigeria generated N3 billion which was their online sales figure.
open education

Source: bit.ly/1opaJCV

So, where Nigeria has done a tremendous job in bringing massive growth in several sectors especially education, career seekers there wouldn’t have to wait to relocate abroad for better opportunities. Talking about the education sector, the demand of distance education programmes is already on the rise and students there have now started using smartphones and kindles to complete higher studies instead of taking pains to attend classrooms. Other sectors would also bring good turnovers as long as internet would be supporting these nations.

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Many Recommendations Passed on to the Government for Improvement of Education System in Nigeria

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In order to enable Nigeria comply with global standards, education system in the country must be fixed, says Foluso Phillips, the Chairman of the 20th Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

Mr Foluso Phillips chaired the summit that aims to revamp, rebuild and re-enforce the education sector to boost the future prospects of the country.

He said that the economy of Nigeria is not looking healthy and that is the main reason for lots of hue and cries about unemployment.

Mr Phillips pointed out, “Over the last 20 -30 years Nigeria’s level of industrialisation has gone down, which makes the reduction in creative skills,”

Speaking to the breakfast programme of Channels Television ‘Sunrise Daily’, Mr. Phillips persisted with his views on need for a change in planning to prompt huge demand of skill and labour to decrease the unemployment rate in Nigeria.

He called on the federal government to provide attention on the Nigeria’s education system and look into the curriculum and teachers training programmes.

At the just concluded Nigerian Economic Summit, a number of recommendations were made. Ifechukwu Nnatuanya, Co-Founder of Every Nigerian Child Project, has shown confidence that recommendations would surely be implemented by the federal government.

In conversation on Channels Television, Mr. Nnatuanya said, “If anyone thinks it’s going to be business as usual, they’re going to be wrong.”

There were several recommendations and plenty of initiatives that are in progress. He said that calling the general quality of Nigerian graduates as low is a comprehensive statement. According to him, measuring and maintaining these statistics is tough and the available records are nothing more than estimates.

In an attempt to prove that there are exceptions when one talks about the quality of Nigerian schools graduates, Nnatuanya mentioned about the public school students who have demonstrated great intellectual capacity in comparison to the private school students.

However, there are doubts that when the recommendations of the summit be given to the Federal Executive Council, they may set up review committees, which may cause delay in their implementation.

A lot of issues have been brought to the knowledge of public through discussions at the summit. What Nigerian people need is to follow up on the Government’s activities in regard to the implementation of the issues.

The Citizen-led assessment programme is something that Nnatuanya’s group has extensively been working on. The system is designed to ensure involvement of more Nigerians into improvement of educational standard of their own country.

The project was at first introduced in Pakistan, where it worked well. After the success in Pakistan, it was subsequently exported to many other countries, including African nations.

There is a need to improve the Nigerian curriculum, which can only be done if the universities are given 70 percent autonomy to develop their own courses. By doing so, some universities would put focus on the Science and Technology, while some would be able to come up with great social science curriculum.

Undoubtedly, it would be lot easier for Nigerian schools to teach the courses which they have designed themselves. Change can be tough, but by looking at the enthusiasm and honest efforts of the Nigerians, it is certain that Nigeria would one day achieve their objective.

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