The 10 most valuable online colleges nov 2017

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Western Illinois University The Right Choice for Your Success

Editorial

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cclimating to the changing needs of its students, one could say that digitalisation in education has find the key to the access problem.

As the world’s top and renowned universities embarks on its first foray into offering such online courses for credit on a large scale, it’s intriguing to think about virtual classrooms and the opportunities they present. Online courses could make a fine education possible even for students who cannot travel to a campus easily or attend class at a specific time. They could allow a professor to reach many more students with each lecture.

Educate for Adaption and Change

Not surprisingly, technological advances are playing a greater role for online learning, with such distant learning better, more accessible and affordable for many. Whether it’s taking just a couple of courses or using this approach to get a degree, college online programs have grown in numbers and scope. And clearly there are demands, as institutes of higher learning move forward with their mission of providing education to a new generation. This includes the need to prepare students — both traditional and non-traditional — for the rapid changes in the types of jobs available, as well as reining in ever-increasing costs when it comes to a college education.

In “The Idea of a University”, published in 1858, John Henry Newman, an English Catholic cardinal, summarised the post-Enlightenment university as “a place for the communication and circulation of thought, by means of personal intercourse, through a wide extent of country.” This ideal still inspires in the era when the options for personal intercourse via the internet are virtually limitless. But the Cardinal had a warning: without the personal touch, education could become “an icebound, petrified, cast-iron university.” That is what the new wave of high-tech online courses should not become. But as an alternative to an overstretched, expensive model of higher education, they are more likely to prosper than fade.

Therefore, student outcomes and experiences from the pioneers who are bringing degree programmes online today will show that online degree programmes not only can provide equivalent or superior experiences, but that they also provide universities with the opportunity to scale their student population in a way that has never before been possible. The programmes enables its university partners blend live face-to-face classes, dynamic course content and real-world learning experiences which ensures every qualified student can experience the highest quality university education for the most successful outcome. The result is an educational experience that rivals any on-campus programme.

If we want to rebuild and reform the world, to make it a safer place for future generations, we must attempt raise the individual’s moral stature by forming an inclusive approach to education. Thus edified, people will rise and proceed refreshed and encouraged. T R

Debasmita Dutta

People behind this Issue EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Pooja M. Bansal SENIOR EDITOR Ariana Lawrence MANAGING EDITOR Debasmita Datta CO-EDITORS Poonam Yadav Ujal Nair Ashwini Deshmukh CONTRIBUTOR Nikita Doiphode VISUALISER David King ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR Amol Kamble CO-DESIGNER Alex Noel PICTURE EDITOR Poonam Mahajan ART EDITOR Aparna Vanzul BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Helen Jones MARKETING MANAGER Steve Smith BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE Mary, Akansha, John, Sandra RESEARCH ANALYST Jennifer CIRCULATION MANAGER Robert DATABASE MANAGEMENT Steve TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT Swapnil Patil

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C O V E R S T O R Y

Western Illinois University:

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The Right Choice for Your Success

26 Insight from Insiders Big Data and Analytics in Higher Education

20 American Business & Technology University: Offering an Engaging and Affordable E-learning Platform

22 34

Trending Now Younger Students Increasingly Drawn to Online Learning

Planned Foresight The Future of College is Online

C O N T E N T S 24 Eastern New Mexico University: Enlightening the Career Path through a Digital Medium

30 Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School: A Knowledge hub on Web for Future Leaders in Addiction Counseling

32 Holy Apostles College & Seminary: Faithful and Affordable Online Catholic Education

38 Sessions College for Professional Design: The Pioneer believes in Quality and Affordable Education

40 Soď€ a University: Moving Humanity Forward

42 Southern New Hampshire University: A Leader in Online Education Reinventing the System

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10 Most Valuable Online Colleges 2017

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ere we are giving you a glance into the future of education. In this world, students will be learning outside, armed with different devices, listening to a teacher of choice and skills will not be assessed on paper but based on their performance in the field. The thing is: Education will never disappear. It will just take up different forms. Beyond one’s imagination, automation is completely rendering the roles of educators, students and education.

As new technology is fuelling online education adoption and enabling it to be very effective, millions of students has swelled in at least one online course. This evolution from distance learning to online education is trending in the main stream population of college and university students. The focus on technology in further education specifically has intensified in the last few years. And this big shakeup to the further education system is something they'll inevitably have to do if demand continues to increase.

“10 Most Valuable Online Colleges 2017” lists out the institutions which are imparting innovation and creating the next stage of digital learning with the integration of tech solutions in schools.

The cover of the magazine features one such prominent institution for providing online education, the Western Illinois University. Recognized as a “Best Midwestern College” by the Princeton Review and as one of 37 public universities ranked a “Best Midwestern University” by U.S. News & World Report, Western Illinois University serves nearly 10,000 students at its traditional residential campus in Macomb and its metropolitan, non-residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois.

We have enlisted American Business and Technology University which provides one of the most interactive distance education models in the industry while being among the most affordable ones. We have, Eastern New Mexico University, which combines a traditional learning environment with 21st century technology to provide a rich educational experience. Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies aims to educate future leaders in addiction counselling who provide evidence-based integrated care for substance use and co-occurring disorders. We have also listed Holy Apostles College and Seminary, which cultivates to lay, consecrated and ordained Catholic leaders for the purpose of evangelization. Sessions College for Professional Design finds its place in the list as it missions to prepare art and design professionals by providing the highest quality of online arts education. The list also includes, Sofia University, internationally recognized as a leader in transformational research and teaching and Southern New Hampshire University, which transforms the lives of students by creating high quality, affordable and innovative pathways to meet the unique needs of each and every student. The listing also includes University of Tennessee Knoxville and University of Massachusetts Online.

Dr. Marcus D. Childress, the Dean of the School of Education at Baker University, has a valuable contribution for the article, “Big Data and Analytics in Higher Education”. The Editorial Desk of Knowledge Review has also delivered some erudite articles under Planned Foresight which goes by the title, “The Future of College is Online” and Trending Now with the title, “Younger Students Increasingly Drawn to Online Learning.”

So flip through the folios and enlighten yourself for the Future! T R

Western Illinois

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Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world

University: The Right Choice for Your Success

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ecognized as a “Best Midwestern College by the Princeton Review and as one of 37 public universities ranked a “Best Midwestern University” by U.S. News & World Report, Western Illinois University serves nearly 10,000 students at its traditional residential campus in Macomb and its metropolitan, non-residential branch campus in Moline, Illinois.

Academics and Programs Offered Whether expanding their current skill set, or looking to complete a degree, Western Illinois University is committed to helping students achieve their educational objectives.

From offering a bachelor’s degrees in forensic chemistry to housing one of the largest law enforcement programs of its kind in the nation, as well as the first Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program of its kind at an Illinois public institution, Western offers a number of standout programs, including a Sports Broadcasting program, which provides hands-on experience from day one. These signature academic programs are distinguished for their size, unique area of concentration for undergraduate students, or accessibility. WIU provides an outstanding academic experience, providing a vast array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Western offers 66 baccalaureate degrees, 12 of which are considered signature programs; 19 post-baccalaureate certificates; 38 master's degrees, two undergraduate certificates; eight pre-professional

COVER STORY

programs, and two doctoral degrees.

Western also offers a variety of options for students who want to continue their education through an online learning environment. The degrees offered online include the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science Instructional Design & Technology, Master of Science in Education – Elementary Education, and many more.

WIU offers 463 online classes (320 undergraduate; 143 graduates) and seven undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the longstanding Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (BGS) and an online major in Anthropology, which is the first anthropology program in the state, and one of only a few online majors in the nation.

Online Success Western Illinois University is the only Illinois public university to be ranked in the top 15 among 50 of the most affordable online master’s programs in the nation by College Choice. WIU, ranked 11th, is one of two Illinois public universities appearing in the 2017-2018 College Choice rankings.

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WIU’s School of Nursing has also been recognized as a 2017 Best Online RN to BSN Degree Program. Western was among two Illinois public university nursing programs ranked in the top 50 in the nation, and the University has been ranked as a 2017 Best Online College in Illinois and among the Top 20 Best Online Accredited Colleges in Illinois.

Meet President Thomas Dr. Jack Thomas was named the 11th President of Western Illinois University (WIU) in 2011. Under his leadership, Western Illinois University continues to be ranked as a “Best Midwestern College” and as a “Best Regional University” by The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report, respectively. Western Illinois University also continues to be named a “Military Friendly School” by GI Jobs Magazine. During Dr. Thomas’ tenure, numerous programs and initiatives have been established and improved, including increased partnerships with international universities and embassies, additional scholarship funding, the Western Commitment Scholarship and the Centennial Honors College Scholarship programs, a mentoring program designed to improve retention, and an enhanced Honors College.

Dr. Jack Thomas

“

In the nal analysis, what we are communicates more eloquently than what we say or what we do

Previously, Dr. Thomas served as WIU’s Provost and Academic Vice President. While serving at the academic helm, the University established new degree programs in: nursing, engineering, museum studies, anthropology, and religious studies. As strong proponent of mentoring young faculty from diverse backgrounds, Dr. Thomas established under-represented dissertation and post-doctorate fellowships, visiting professorships, young scholar initiatives, and other programs that support their professional development.

His love for education and his belief that the “sky is the limit” has made him a noted scholar and lecturer, appearing as a keynote speaker and presenting his research and inspirational messages locally, nationally, and internationally. Thomas is also known for his numerous publications and professional presentations.

University Organizations and Activities for Students Western offers nearly 250 student organizations, including national fraternities and sororities; athletics and intramural and club sports; academic honoraries; service clubs; specific interest clubs, and more.

Service Learning Two of WIU’s four core values are social responsibility and personal growth.

Within that context, many organizations, departments and programs center a variety of activities around service learning and volunteerism, and faculty from numerous academic programs often include a service learning

component into coursework.

During the 2016-17 academic years, the Office of Student Activities Greek Life division dedicated nearly 2,900 hours of community service and donated nearly $25,000 to charities and philanthropic efforts. In addition to Make a Difference Day, which was held Oct. 28, and National Volunteer Week, WAVE conducts weekly service projects, completing more than 1,000 service hours in 2016-2017, and sponsors the annual Angel Tree project to collect holiday gifts for area children in need. Last year, our student-athletes completed 3,295 hours of community service, raised over $1,300 for local and national organizations, and donated 1,000 pounds of canned goods to the Western Illinois Regional Council food bank through the Summit League Food Fight competition. Our athletes also spend time in local classrooms, serving as positive role models to elementary school children.

Study Abroad Western’s Study Abroad Programs, which is part of the Center for International Studies, offers a wide variety of study abroad and exchange program options for WIU students. Group programs lasting a week to a semester (or summer-long) options are led by a WIU professor, while exchange programs are direct relationships between Western and participating overseas institutions. Western also participates in select affiliate programs which are provided by WIU-approved study abroad providers.

Cost Guarantee & Scholarships Western offers automatic scholarships to qualified students, and Western was the first university in the state to offer an exclusive Cost Guarantee that includes fixed tuition, fees, room and meal, and remains the only Illinois public university to include fees, room and meal plan in its Cost Guarantee.

Simply put, what students pay their first year is what they will pay during each of their years of continuous enrollment.

In-state tuition is offered to ALL domestic undergraduate and graduate students, whether they’re from Alaska, Hawaii and all states in-between.

Student Employment Western Illinois University provides on campus employment that allow students to develop skills, refine career goals, finance education, and integrate work experience with classroom learning.

The WIU Office of Financial Aid Student Employment Division administers employment programs through regular employment and Federal Work-Study

“ Hold

yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you

Campus

(FWS). With approximately 2,300 regular student employees and almost 250 Federal Work-Study Employees working on campus, student employees play a significant role in Western’s day-to-day operations. Student employees perform a wide range of duties from general office assistance to those duties requiring highly specialized training in such areas as computer programming and accounting.

Accreditations Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. In addition, many of its departments and schools are accredited by professional agencies, including American Dietetic Association, American Speech-Language-Hearing, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Council on Social Work Education, National Association of Schools of Art and Design, National Association of Schools of Music, National Association of Schools of Theatre, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and National Recreation and Park Association.

Career Success Western has been ranked by The Economist, a weekly international newspaper owned by the Economist Group, third out of 11 public schools in Illinois that were ranked, and ninth of 50 Illinois schools for the economic value of that university being equal to the gap between how much money its students subsequently earn, and how much they might have made had they studied elsewhere. WIU does better than three out of four schools in the country (public and private) at increasing the earning potential of graduates. When predicting earnings outcomes of alumni based on institutional characteristics, our alumni outperform the predicted earnings by more than five percent.

“

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The great teacher demonstrates.

The superior teacher inspires.

A recent survey of Western Illinois University alumni revealed that over 90 percent of the WIU Class of 2015 respondents indicated they were employed or enrolled in graduate studies since earning their baccalaureate degrees.

Additional results reveal that 84 percent of the respondents who are employed, held or secured a job within nine months of receiving their degree, and 90 percent of the alumni who responded reported satisfaction with their current job. Ninety percent also expressed a “positive” attitude toward Western Illinois University and 88 percent believe that Western represented a “good value for the investment that was made.”

Alumni Western’s alumni are the outstanding ambassadors for the University. The WIU Alumni Association develops and sustains lifelong relationships with students, alumni and friends to advance the University and its mission.

Whether it is organizing a reunion, planning Homecoming activities, informing alumni of what’s happening at WIU, or spreading goodwill, the WIU Alumni Association plays a crucial role in continuing the partnership between the University and its nearly 130,000 alumni and friends.

Everyone who graduates from the University is an automatic member of the Alumni Association. There are no dues or fees, and each year more than 50 alumni events are hosted in a variety of locations throughout the United States. T R

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Name of the Institution

URL

American Business and Technology University

abtu.edu

1018 W St Maartens Dr, St Joseph, MO 64506, USA

Eastern New Mexico University

enmu.edu

1500 S Avenue K, Portales, NM 88130, USA

Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies

hazeldenbettyford.org

15251 Pleasant Valley Rd, Center City, MN 55012, USA

Holy Apostles College and Seminary

holyapostles.edu

33 Prospect Hill Rd, Cromwell, CT 06416, USA Punjab 140 401

Sessions College for Professional Design

sessions.edu

51 W 3rd St Suite E-301, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

Soa University

soa.edu

1069 E Meadow Cir, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA

Southern New Hampshire University

snhu.edu

2500 N River Rd, Hooksett, NH 03106, USA

University of Massachusetts Online

umassonline.net

Amherst, MA 01003, USA

University of Tennessee Knoxville

utk.edu

Knoxville, TN 37996, USA

Western Illinois University

wiu.edu

1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455, USA

Location of the Institution

American Business & Technology University: Offering an Engaging and Affordable E-learning Platform

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merican Business & Technology University (ABTU) is one of the rarest and the most valuable institutions in distance education today. ABTU delivers undoubtedly the most effective e-learning platform by offering students the best of traditional teaching methods while integrating modern techniques and flexible program structure.

Additionally, writing skills and online communication skills are introduced on day one and reinforced in every course as students are guided through the writing of their LinkedIn profile, instructed to create and revise their resume, involved in discussions, and reflect upon how each course will help them achieve their professional goals.

To continuously improve their programs, ABTU regularly collects and

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implements feedback from program advisory councils and industry experts.

Accreditations and Accolades ABTU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). ABTU is also approved to operate by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and is Missouri’s first accredited online institution.

Additionally, ABTU has been granted approval to participate in Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Title IV Federal Student Aid. ABTU was named as the Best Value School in 2016 and 2017 by University Research & Review and is a Military Friendly School since 2010. Moreover, it was recently named as an approved Service Member Opportunity College in 2017.

Offering Unique Programs and Services Grounded in its roots as a technical college, ABTU offers programs in the areas of growth and employability to allow graduates the opportunity to be successful. Programs are offered at the undergraduate, graduate, non-degree certificate, and vocational levels in the areas of Business, Healthcare, and Information Technology.

ABTU has always ventured to deliver an educational experience superior to that of a traditional classroom utilizing the latest audio/video streaming communication technology. By doing so ABTU keeps the lines of communication open with students through weekly live class sessions, instructor office hours, and consistent advising calls.

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American Business & Technology University (ABTU) provides one of the most interactive distance education models in the industry while being among the most affordable ones. ABTU emphasizes on delivering an online learning experience which is at par with that of a traditional classroom and no less.

ABTU’s flexible program structure allows students to assemble credits in their area of study while earning their degree without wasting time, money, elective courses, or transfer credits. As students begin their program, they first earn a Certificate (after 9 months), then gain a Technical Certificate (after 1 year), followed by an Associate’s degree (after 2 years), and then a Bachelor’s degree (after 4 years).

Students can also personalize their program by selecting specific skill concentrations or completing any one credential level which meets their goal.

ABTU is unrivaled in responsiveness to student feedback.

Feedback is consistently used to improve the processes in every facet of the institution including: course design, course development, student advising, content delivery, teaching, reporting, and support. Often, student recommendations are implemented immediately to improve the student experience, and quality of the course.

A Solemn Undertaking American Business & Technology University is committed to providing quality, affordable, relevant, and interactive distance learning opportunities. The University’s programs focus on the knowledge and skills necessary to help our students enhance their professional development, advancement, and personal lives.

To accomplish this ABTU recruits experts in respective field from all over the U.S, evaluates them through a rigorous hiring process, trains them through an interactive course, and holds them to incredibly high standards through a teaching evaluation program unlike any other. The result is a collaborative team of industry experts transformed into skilled online educators who are not bogged down with research obligations, but instead are held accountable for the quality of the student experience they deliver. T R

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Marvelous Mentors Founded by their father in 2001, ABTU is now led by Lute & Ramsey Atieh in their hometown of Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Lute Atieh joined the university in 2008 and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Lute developed early models of ABTU’s virtual classroom, building a platform for the student experience which is continuously improved upon today. Pioneering low-cost Lute Atieh initiatives has allowed over 95% of students to attend ABTU without opting for student loans in recent years; an accomplishment unprecedented in ABTU’s history and practically unheard of in online higher education.

Ramsey Atieh joined the family efforts in 2010 and currently serves as the University President.

Ramsey is primarily focused on upgrading the university’s information systems, and learning management systems to The President of better engage and retain Sessions College of Ramsey Atieh learners. Recently leading Professional Design is the redesign of ABTU’s Gordon Drummond. programs, introduced a flexible program structure Gordonhe always focuses at academic excellence, allowing students elasticity throughout their program. program growth, institutional improvement and Increasing the student’s ability to specialize in regulatory compliance in an increasingly their skills andcompetitive earn valuable credentials along the way Gordon to their online arts education space. degree.

Drummond joined Sessions College in February 2001, where he served as a Director of Curriculum Latest and Endeavors Chief Academic Officer before becoming Meeting adultOutside learners’ofneeds withCollege, high quality, interactive President.

Sessions Gordon has teaching and training willincontinue to be the focus of extensive experience school accreditation.

Since ABTU launching new programs in 2007ashethey hascharge servedforward on the Middle States areas of economic and employment growth.

Recently Association Commission on Secondary Schools, launched certificate Chair and vocational training where short-term he was Commission from 2013-15 and programs adultBoard learners opportunity to train for served provide on the MSA of the Trustees.

Since June a specific employment andboard prepare forDistance an industry 2017, he has served area on the of the EducationinAccreditation Commission certification less than a year.

These new(DEAC). programs offer Gordon has presented seminars on as online education training in healthcare specialties such billing and at conferences Macworld, DEAC, CCA, coding, electronic including health records, medical administrative Angel as Learning, and theinformation Graphic Artist’s assisting; well as Surtex, business, and technology Guild. He holds an MAmanagement, in English Literature from specialties such as project human resources, the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. accounting, network administration, and server configuration. All of which aligns with industry “Sessions offered Collegeby has always had a missionProject to certifications Microsoft, CompTIA, provide quality, career-focused online design Management Institute, QuickBooks, National Healthcareer education.American In recent Medical years weCertification have dramatically Association, Association our degree certificateManagement programs as a andexpanded the American Healthand Information Title IV eligible institution,” stated Mr. Drummond.

Association.

“As President, it’s my goal to help us reach more students, improve and expand our educational

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Younger Students Increasingly Drawn to

Online Learning Report Highlights:

Research and the Learning House, a company that helps colleges and universities improve their online degree programs. The report, in its fourth year, surveyed about 1,500 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled, recently enrolled or about to be enrolled in online programs in spring 2015.

Generally, prospective online students didn’t care much whether their program was for-profit or nonprofit. Sixty-two percent of respondents said the status didn’t matter; 16 percent said they didn’t know the difference. Ÿ Business administration continues to be the most popular discipline for both undergraduate and graduate students. Nursing was the second-most popular subject among all students, followed by the field of computer science and engineering. Ÿ When asked about their online learning concerns, the highest percentages of students reported their ability to self-motivate during their online program (27 percent), perceptions about the quality of online study (27 percent) and the price of online study (26 percent).

Among the most surprising findings in the report, authors say, is the shifting age of online students. While distance education students are often assumed to be older, the report found the popularity of online undergraduate programs is growing among those under 25. Thirty-four percent of undergraduate online students were under the age of 25 this spring, up from 25 percent in 2012, according to the report. The percentage of online graduate students under 25 also grew, jumping from 13 percent in 2012 to 19 percent this year. Authors say these changes could be due to two factors: the economic pressure to work while going to school and increasing familiarity with online courses.

From chalkboards to iPads, innovative technology has been an essential part of the classroom for centuries.

Prospective online students are skewing younger, tend to enrol in local institutions and put a program’s cost and reputation at the top of their priority list, according to a recent survey. Those and other findings are outlined in “Online College Students,” a July report by Aslanian arket

Students “have had online courses in their background because many high schools now require an online course,” says study author Carol Aslanian, senior vice president of Aslanian Market Research. “If they have started college and are going back, many colleges have them. They are going to be groomed to appreciate it.”

While online students can in theory enrol in any institution, most are drawn to local programs offered by schools they know. Half of online students live within 50

Ÿ

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TrendingForesight Now Planned But more women are in higher education in general, Aslanian says. Women represented 56 percent of undergraduates in fall 2013 and 59 percent of graduate students, according to a May 2015 report by the National Centre for Education Statistics. The percentage of female online students could also be the result of the kind of careers women pursue, Aslanian says. “A lot of the professions for which you need further education – health, social services, education – they are dominated by women,” she says. “Many men may go into business and on their own. The women-oriented employment fields require more education.”

miles of their campus and 65 percent live within 100 miles, the report found. That’s not too surprising to Joel Hartman, vice provost for information technologies and resources at the University of Central Florida, who says most universities successfully recruit online students within the geographic areas they serve.

“We do very well,” says Hartman, who also serves as chief information officer. “It’s how we got to have 38 percent of our credit hours generated online.” When it comes to choosing an online program, the report found that prospective students put cost at the top of their priority list. Forty-five percent of respondents said they selected the most inexpensive institution out of their options, up from 30 percent the year before. Two-thirds of students did not receive a scholarship when they enrolled in their online program. “Cost seems to be an increasing concern” says Dave Clinefelter, report author and chief academic officer at Learning House.

Reputation was the second most important decisionmaking factor after cost, although a significant percentage of students also considered whether the institution was recognized as high quality, the numbers of hours required for study each week and whether there were set class meeting times. Once again, the report found women to be more highly represented in online programs than men. At the undergraduate level, 70 percent of students were women. Among graduate students, 72 percent of students were female.

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While the report highlights various trends in student preferences, Clinefelter is quick to point out that online students are split on many issues, from how often they would like to engage with a faculty member to their tolerance for synchronous, or live, courses. While it's easy to stereotype, he says, “these students are not all alike in a variety of ways.”

Today’s ever-evolving technology continues to reinvent the way students learn from preschool to the doctorate level. The advancement of artificial intelligence-equipped tools has made it possible for nearly anyone, anywhere to connect to and utilize the global network of information. The future of online schooling is exploding.

Traditional learning is far-reaching but definitely within the realm of possibility, one would think, in regards to the future of online/distance learning systems. But, one thing you can definitely rely on is that schools, private and public, are keeping up with the technology as it becomes available as they all wish to stay ahead of the curve in order to stay competitive.

The future of online schools is not only exciting, but necessary. Achieving an education, no matter at what level, via an online option removes barriers, redefines learning, allows for faster results, and, many times, can be obtained free of charge. Virtual and augmented reality are already taking the foundation of our educational systems by storm, but where will up-and-coming enhancements in the realm of portable, wearable, and implantable tech take us? To infinity and beyond. T R

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Eastern New Mexico University: Enlightening the Career Path through a Digital Medium

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astern New Mexico University (ENMU) has been a respected center of learning for the region and the state since 1934 and continues to build on a rich heritage. The University is based on the concept of student success and the people of the University provide student-centered academic and extracurricular programs to fulďŹ ll this mission. The state institution is focusing to prepare students for careers and advanced study, imparting citizenship and leadership skills and values, supporting and expanding the role of education along with excellent teaching at all levels and also enables citizens to respond to a rapidly changing world.

Online degrees at ENMU are supported by the OďŹƒce of Distance Education and Outreach, and are available to all accepted students. With the help of

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technology, ENMU has provided a global student body, the access to their top-notch educators. It also enables new programs, creates partnerships and sparks connections to the community.

With over 30 available online degree options, you can learn from the best in everything from business and education to nursing and information systems. There are very strong programs in Business Administration, Nursing, Music, Communication, and Communicative Disorders. Their programs are designed to prepare you with the skills and experience you need to succeed in your chosen professional environment. ENMU has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1947 and delivers online education programs and courses throughout the United States and abroad.

Online Library Services ENMU has a variety of online and on-site resources available to students taking online courses. Golden Library provides full library services to distance education students to support their research needs in a manner as equivalent as possible to those of on-campus students. A candidate can contact the Distance Education Librarian to request a Passport to use the academic libraries; which include, UNM, NMHU, NMSU and WNMU. The Passport enables you to check out material and use resources in other libraries, but it does not permit online access from a distance.

Campus Bookstore Services The ENMU Campus Bookstore provides online access to a listing of textbooks required for all ENMUPortales classes.

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Eastern New Mexico University combines a traditional learning environment with 21st century technology to provide a rich educational experience. Eastern emphasizes liberal learning, freedom of inquiry, cultural diversity and a wholesome student life. Excellent teaching and active learning define campus relationships.

Scholarship, both primary and applied, cultural enrichment, and professional service are also important contributions of the University community.

Additional Resources A distinguished facility for online aspirants at ENMU is the Online Writing Center (OWL), which assists the students to write college papers. The OWL is an exclusive facility, particularly for online students. Other facilities include Online Counseling Program, Blackboard Information and Help, Mediasite Information and Help, Class Schedule etc.

ENMU's strategic plan sets forth goals and strategies that will enable the University to progress toward its aspiration of becoming one of the nation’s leading land-grant universities, preeminent in research and discovery, teaching, and engagement.

Some Notable Alumni from ENMU Eastern New Mexico University graduates have been successful in almost every field. ENMU proudly exemplifies the achievements of its various alumni from different backgrounds.

In athletics, Steve Loy, President of Lagardère Unlimited Golf, served as coach, agent, and manager for Phil Mickelson. Mike Boit is an Olympic bronze medalist in the 800 meters for Kenya. And in politics, Juan Babauta served as the sixth elected Governor of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Steve Pearce is currently the U.S. Representative for New Mexico’s 2nd congressional district.

Some prominent ones in arts and literature include actor Ronny Cox. His best-known films include Deliverance, Apple’s Way, Beverly Hills Cop, RoboCop and Total Recall; Diana Lynn Ossana collaborated on writing screenplays, teleplays, and novels with author Larry McMurtry. She won a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar or Academy Award, a Writers’ Guild of America Award, a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award for her screenplay of Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, along with McMurtry; and Jack Williamson, a science fiction writer, who was often called the “Dean of Science Fiction” after the death of Robert Heinlein in 1988.

ENMU believes that their personal touch, caring faculty and staff and focus on student success are the drivers of their success and growth.T R

An Intuitive and Compassionate Educator With esteemed focus to improve the quality of distance education course offerings, Ryan Roark joined the Eastern New Mexico University in the role of the Director of Distance Education and Outreach. Ryan is an accomplished leader with a comprehensive management background in e-learning, training Ryan Roark and development. He has consistently exemplified strong leadership abilities in managing academic and training programs, supervising personnel such as associate directors, and overseeing extensive budgets. Ryan has a vast experience of over 11 years in leadership roles such as Director of Academic Affairs, Director of Distance Learning, Program Manager, and Faculty Mentor. He is an expert in formulating and implementing strategies to optimize processes and mentoring faculty and students to attain exemplary success rates.

President Dr. Jeff Elwell joined ENMU as the 10th President on July 1, 2017. Prior to coming to ENMU, Dr. Elwell served as Dean of Arts and Sciences at UT Chattanooga Dr. Jeff Elwell The President of Sessions from 2012-2017. During his College of Professional tenure there, he substantially increased annual fundraising Design is Gordon Drummond. Gordon always for the college and external grant funding. Under his focuses at academic excellence, program growth, leadership, online enrollment also increased dramatically institutional improvement and regulatory and he oversaw the renovation of a major instructional compliance in an increasingly competitive online building.

He also found time to teach undergraduate arts education space.

Gordon Drummond joinedand graduate courses in playwriting.

Sessions College in February 2001, where he served as a Director of Curriculum and Chief Dr. Elwell holdsOfficer a Ph.D.before in Speech Communication/Theater Academic becoming President. from Outside SouthernofIllinois University, a master’s in Sessions College, Gordon hasdegree extensive communication/theatre from the University of 2007 Southwestern experience in school accreditation.

Since he Louisiana, and aon bachelor’s in English from California State has served the Middle States Association University-Bakersfield.

Commission on Secondary Schools, where he was Commission Chair from 2013-15 and served on the Financial and Services MSAAid Board ofEnrollment Trustees. Since June 2017, he has ENMU recognizes that the student’s potential is based on served on the board of the Distance Education moreAccreditation than just numbers, and they look at each individual Commission (DEAC). Gordon has for a range of qualities – from intellect, imagination, presented seminars on online education at compassion, respect, generosity and decency, diversity of conferences including Macworld, DEAC,toCCA, background and experience, strength of character, and Angel Learning, Surtex, and the Graphic Artist’s determination to conquer challenges.

Students thrive to be a Guild. He holds an MA in English Literature from member of their learning community which includes the the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. very best students from New Mexico, the other 49 states, and more than 100 countries aroundhad the aworld.

“Sessions College has always mission to provide quality, career-focused online design For information about admission, aid, scholarships education. In recent years wefinancial have dramatically or about becoming an ENMU student, find out moreas about expanded our degree and certificate programs a their Title admission process by emailing IV eligible institution,” stated Mr. Drummond. enrollment.services@enmu.edu.

“As President, it’s my goal to help us reach more students, improve and expand our educational programs, and deliver more efficient, high-quality

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Big Data & Analytics in Higher Education “Big data is BIG!”

Dr. Marcus D. Childress

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Insight from Insiders

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he interest in big data and learning analytics revealed itself in the responses I received to the tweet “Big Data is BIG!” that I sent earlier this year. On my way to a smart education conference in China and in an attempt at humor, I hit send on this tweet, and almost immediately, the likes and retweets started pouring in. This exchange illustrated the popularity of big data—and learning analytics—among my few and newly found followers.

A quick Google search for images related to big data and learning analytics also illustrates the currency of these terms; the results page is a colorful myriad of infographic after infographic. The use of big data and learning analytics has the opportunity to transform the field of education. The same has been said about blackboards, filmstrips, overhead projectors, radio, television, and, yes, even computers.

Education researchers have been conducting media studies for decades, comparing television instruction to teachers, teachers to computers, and most recently online instruction to face-to-face instruction. For the most part, the conclusion has been the same: When it comes to media impact on learning, there is no significant difference. In the ever-evolving world of technology, it’s imperative that education professionals stay conversant on the current trends.

There’s a lot of data out there. Forbes magazine states that more data has been created in the past two years than in the entire history of the human race. Virtually everything we do in our modern society generates some form of data. We produce data on social media and networks. Scientific instruments collect all sorts of data. Mobile devices ubiquitously track all information, all the time. Sensor technologies and networks constantly measure an assortment of data.

Data are collected through the Web through searches, game consoles, entertainment networks, e-commerce, purchases at department and grocery stores, bank and credit card transactions, social networks, and yes, even colleges and universities.

Data in Education Student data generated through the education system can be sorted into two broad categories: institutional data and instructional data.

Institutional data include admissions statistics (high school class rank, admissions test scores), instructional records (past grades, program information), and accessed support services (library, help desk, counseling). Instructional data, on the other hand, consists of information related to grading (quizzes, assignments, participation and attendance) and learning management system and engagement (online discussions, content viewed, interaction with students and instructors, time spent online). Both categories of student-generated data can be processed via analytics. To harness this data and properly use it in teaching and learning, educators must understand learning analytics.

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About the Author Dr. Marcus D. Childress is dean of the School of Education at Baker University (Kansas, USA). He earned his Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology from Virginia Tech. Dr. Childress’ research interests include instructional design, online learning, using virtual worlds for training and education, and the future of learning technologies.

His research has been documented in publications such as Distance Education, Journal of Research on Computers in Education, International Journal of Educational Telecommunications, EDUCAUSE Quarterly, and Academic Leadership Journal.

He is co-editor of the AECT/Springer online major reference work Learning, Design, and Technology: An International Compendium of Theory, Research, Practice and Policy, with J. Michael Spector and Barbara J. Lockee.

In addition to his higher education experience, Dr. Childress’ training involvement includes consulting with the Intel Corporation (senior trainer, Intel Teach to the Future); the People’s Bank of China Training Center; Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center; and the United States Joint Training Analysis and Simulation Center. He is a past-president (2012-2013) of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) and has served on the AECT executive committee and board of directors.

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Learning analytics focuses on students and their behaviors, with the primary audience being learners and instructors. Learning analytics support learning goals by targeting instructional, curricular, and support resources. EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing higher education through information technology, defines learning analytics as “the use of data and models to predict student progress and performance, and the ability to act on that information.”

Learning analytics has the potential to help answer the following questions: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

What assessments (quizzes, tests) in a course are the most important predictors of a student's success?

When is a student at risk of failing a course?

What prerequisite courses are most critical to a student’s success in a course?

When should a student receive tutoring or counseling?

How many times should a student access an online course during the week?

What are the not-to-be-missed activities in a course that predict student success or failure?

Being able to answer these questions drives me to make my bold statement: Learning analytics is a true gamechanger. Online learning and improved processing power have provided an opportunity to gather and analyze student data like never before.

Ethical Concerns There are, however, some ethical concerns, because using student data for learning analytics raises important issues about student data privacy and how colleges and universities use and share that data. In addition, how a college or university acts on these findings may come under scrutiny. What happens when learning algorithms go awry and unintentionally steer students in the wrong direction? What about students who do not “fit” into the algorithm? Will their academic future be jeopardized? As promising as learning analytics appears to be, it would be smart for colleges and universities to think deeper and create policies and procedures that prioritize students’ best interests. Numerous other concerns will surely arise as we make our learning analytics journey.

Conclusion Will learning analytics transform education or will it find itself relegated to the dusty shelf with the audienceresponse systems—both underused and oversold? Time will tell. If I were a betting man, however, I would go all-in on learning analytics because I believe it truly is a game-changer in the world of teaching and learning.

And here is one final bold prediction: The ease with which we can gather data and analytics through online instruction and our ability to take action to support student learning may soon make online instruction superior to face-to-face instruction, at least until we discover how to collect such data in a face-to-face instructional environment. Alas, that is a debate for another time and place. T R

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Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School: A Knowledge Hub on the Web for Future Leaders in Addiction Counseling

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he Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School (HBFGS) for more than 50 years has primed addiction counselors who help individuals and families reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction.

They are the longest continuous provider of addiction counselor training in the United States. Educational quality has always been HBFGS’s top priority. Their online program was developed using the “Online Learning Consortium’s Quality Scorecard” as a standard. They have built their program from the ground up based on the scorecard and continue to conduct a thorough annual appraisal to make sure rigorous standards are met.

All individual courses are designed to meet ‘Quality Matters’ standards.

These benchmarks keep the learning

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experience of students a top priority.

HBFGS also ensures that the students are prepared to succeed in an online graduate environment. Each student in the online program is required to enroll in a four-week orientation course, led

by HBFGS’s Director of Online Education. This orientation utilizes all the online program’s core technologies so students can begin their coursework ready to learn and are able to focus on engaging in the course content.

Outstanding Academic Initiatives Accredited by ‘The Higher Learning Commission’, HBFGS offers the “Master of Arts in Addiction Studies: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders” as their online degree. To keep the students motivated, HBFGS helps in building a strong community of learning with each other and with

their teaching faculty.

In their first term, students attend a week-long residency on campus which builds a conference model to let the students learn from many faculty members. Along with this, they return to the campus during their last semester for additional residency experience and interact with more seasoned students who pass on the insights and inspire them to complete the program.

Most students in the program also participate in internships, during which they meet weekly with a faculty member and discuss what they are learning and how they are growing as clinicians. These meetings make the learning practical. Also, during this the Grad School also keeps in close

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The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School aims to educate future leaders in addiction counseling who provide evidence-based integrated care for substance use and co-occurring disorders. They focus on training students in the use of the most up-to-date evidence-based practices and foster a scientific and open environment for inquiry and learning anchored in academic freedom and scholarship. contact with the students throughout their program.

Unique Approaches to make e-Learning more Effective In an increasingly technology-integrated culture, learning to use new technologies is natural to some and intimidating to others. For all however, growing in this area is a real professional asset.

One gift of online learning is the way it emphasizes the development of communication skills. Most online programs rely heavily on written discussions to facilitate interaction between students and their instructors and engagement with the educational content. This multifaceted approach helps students develop written communication skills that will be vital after they graduate and enter their professional lives.

Reliance on asynchronous discussions, however, is not the only aspect of creating effective communicators. HBFGS also utilize synchronous video conferences, which challenge students to develop 21st century communication skills – using technology to communicate visually in real time. Using such tools, online students develop communication skills that serve them both personally and professionally.

Effective online learning requires leveraging the communication tools readily available and wisely incorporating new tools, not to embrace a fad, but in service of student learning. Efficient online learning also requires meaningful engagement throughout the learning community (among students and faculty) around the core concepts in the program. To do this well, HBFGS strives to provide continuity between courses so that students know how to dig in and participate quickly as they transition to each next course. In addition, at the same time, they provide some degree of flexibility and variety so that courses do not feel like stale, “cookie cutter” molds of one another.

Striking the right balance is crucial to the engagement of learning community.T R

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An Accomplished Advisor Kristin Anderson, the Director of Online Education at HBFGS has more than 20 years of experience working with online graduate education (going back to the days of dial-up modems). She is committed to ongoing innovation and collaboration with her colleagues so that the latest technology is used in to facilitate, student learning and meaningful human connections. Her creativity and imagination is coupled with her strategic thinking so that new ideas are closely integrated into the The President of Sessions College of Professional overall is program. provides students Design GordonThis Drummond.

Gordon with always continuity and faculty with flexibility. focuses at academic excellence, program growth, institutional improvement and regulatory compliance in an competitive online Kristin’s focus is increasingly consistently on the success of her arts education space.

Gordon Drummond joined students – both in terms of academic achievement Sessions College in February 2001, where he and personal well-being.

For students to succeed, served as a Director of Curriculum and Chief Kristin recognizes that faculty needs to be equipped Academic Officer before becoming President. and empowered to lead their courses, and not just Outside of Sessions College, Gordon has extensive facilitate them.

They accreditation. need freedom Since to teach in ahe experience in school 2007 manner thatonresonates with theirAssociation deepest has served the Middle States educational values.

She helps them use technology Commission on Secondary Schools, where he was appropriatelyChair and find ways to bring presence Commission from 2013-15 andtheir served on the into the online MSA Board of learning Trustees.environment.

Since June 2017, he has served on the board of the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC). Gordon has Future Aspects of the Students presented seminars on online education at As addiction increases in severity and complexity conferences including Macworld, DEAC, CCA,will in our society, the future of addiction treatment Angel Learning, Surtex, and the Graphic Artist’s increasingly demand well-trained counselors who Guild. He holds an MA in English Literature from are equipped to work within integrated healthcare the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. teams as they treat individuals with co-occurring disorders. College The students of Hazelden Ford “Sessions has always had a Betty mission to Graduatequality, School, having studiedonline the relationship of provide career-focused design addiction toInmental conditions from the start education. recent health years we have dramatically are ready to actively involved in bringing expanded ourbedegree and certificate programshope as a Title IV eligible institution,” stated Mr. Drummond. and healing to people impacted by addiction and “As President,disorders, it’s my goal us reach more co-occurring and to to help be leaders in the students, improve and expand our educational field. programs, and deliver more efficient, high-quality student services.”

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Holy Apostles College & Seminary: Faithful and Affordable Online Catholic Education

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oly Apostles College & Seminary believes that all around development is a vital aspect for overcoming future challenges.

Each of its courses, therefore, is crafted to foster the spiritual, emotional and psychological development of the student and provide intellectual formation to the Catholic faith. The school’s goals are simple and few: Ÿ

To deliver top-notch teaching, research and service through Liberal Arts, Philosophy and Theology courses.

Ÿ

To mentor students to integrate their search for truth with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Fountain of Truth.

Ÿ

To assist students in articulating a Catholic worldview based on faith and reason.

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A Celebrated Institute for the Liberal Arts Holy Apostles College & Seminary is a vibrant Catholic liberal arts school established in the mid-1950s with the sole aim of nurturing future priests and lay leaders for the Catholic community.

It has earned a prominent status in online education with online discussion forums, video chats, audio lectures, written lectures, etc. The programs allow students to participate in a vibrant learning community while studying at their own pace, anywhere and at any time.

Accreditation Status of Holy Apostles Holy Apostles College and Seminary is accredited by both The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and The Commission on

Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools.

Academic Programs Offered by Holy Apostles A robust curriculum with a pedagogically sound teaching methodology is the foundation on which rests the excellence of Holy Apostles’ degree programs. Holy Apostles currently offers diverse degree programs to about 200 undergraduate students and 350 graduate students. The institute places significant weight on the academic disciplines of Philosophy and Theology within the context of the Catholic honors liberal arts curriculum, offering courses in fields of theology, philosophy, English in the Humanities, History in the Social Sciences and Sacred Art.

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The mission of Holy Apostles College & Seminary is to cultivate lay, consecrated and ordained Catholic leaders for the purpose of evangelization. The school is committed to provide a faithful and affordable education to young men and women while forming spirit-filled and moral leaders who know and love God. Degrees and Certificate Courses The undergraduate degree programs offered by Holy Apostles include Associate of Arts degrees in the Liberal Arts, Theology, and Religious Studies, and Bachelor of Arts Degrees in English in the Humanities, History in the Social Studies, Philosophy, Theology, and Sacred Art. The Graduate Degrees offered are the Master of Divinity (for priestly formation candidates only), Master of Arts (Theology), Master of Arts (Philosophy) and Master of Arts (Pastoral Studies).

Apart from these degrees, Holy Apostles also provides graduate certificate courses in many subjects. A leading one is the Graduate Professional Certificate in Catholic Pastoral Counseling for Mental Health Professionals.

Career Prospects The robust curriculum and advanced teaching and learning methodology of Holy Apostles prepare students for any respectable job opportunity and challenge in the real world.

Pastoral Counselors, Professors, Authors, Youth Ministers, Directors of Religious Education and Life Coaches are some of the celebrated professions in which Holy Apostles graduates find their careers.

A Premier Online Institute, Acknowledged by Many Notable Societies The renowned Cardinal Newman Society has recognized Holy Apostles’ commitment of fostering a strong sense of Catholic identity among its students and has recommended it as one of the best Catholic colleges to consider for higher education.

Holy Apostles was also named in the 2010-2011 edition of the National Catholic Register’s Guide as a preferred Catholic College. In the same year, the college was mentioned in First Things magazine as one of the new, up-coming colleges to consider. The college was named in 2014 among the top third of the online undergraduate programs in the country by the U.S News and World Report. The Accredited Schools Online.org (ASO), a leading resource for online learning and college accreditation information, recognized Holy Apostles as a premier institute in Connecticut in their 2015-2016 annual rankings. T R

Fr. Brian Mullady, OP, &, Rev. Douglas Mosey, CSB are two of the most eminent persons at Holy Apostles College and Seminary.

Fr. Brian Mullady, Fr. Brian Mullady, OP whose dedication to advancing the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas has no equal, was the co-founder with Dr. Cynthia ToolinWilson, academic dean of online learning, of the online programs in 1998, and Fr. Mosey, whose passion lies in offering an affordable & faithful Catholic education, is the Rector-President.

Today, Holy Apostles has spread its wings in 30+ countries. In the United States itself, Holy Apostles has spread its educational programs among all 50 states and American territories.

Distinguished Faculty The President Holy Apostles has of a Sessions College of distinguished faculty Professional Design with history of is aGordon making an impact on Drummond. theGordon Catholicalways world and a great zeal for focuses at academic expressing the program Catholic excellence, growth, institutional faith to its students.

Theimprovement college does and this by regulatory integrating the Dr Stacy Trasancos compliance in and an human, spiritual, increasingly intellectual dimensions of Catholic education to competitive online arts education space. Gordon holistically form its students.

Drummond joined Sessions College in February A few of where the prominent faculty membersofofCurriculum Holy 2001, he served as a Director Apostles are: and Chief Academic Officer before becoming President. Outside of Sessions College, Gordon has Ÿ extensive Dr. Dawnexperience Eden Goldstein, Bestaccreditation.

Selling authorSince under in school the name Dawn Eden, lecturer, andStates blogger. She most 2007 he has served on the Middle Association Commission onof Secondary Schools, recently edited a collection essays entitled Fun is where he waswritten Commission Chair from 2013-15 Not Enough

by Fr. Francis Canavan, SJ.and served on the MSA Board of Trustees. Since June he has served onNotable the board of the Apologist Distance and Ÿ 2017, Prof. Patrick Madrid, Catholic Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC).

Radio host.

Gordon has presented seminars on online education at conferences including Macworld, DEAC, CCA, Ÿ Dr. Stacy Trasancos, a prolific writer, scientist & Angel Learning, Surtex, and the Graphic Artist’s teacher.HeShe has an written notable booksfrom and Guild. holds MA inseveral English Literature also co-founded Ignitum Today. the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

“Sessions College has always had a mission to

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The Future College is

o f

nline O

nline learning is making a big splash in higher education.

According to a study by the Sloan Consortium in 2006, it has been noted that the number of online students in America has increased between 2004 and 2005— from 2.3 million to 3.2 million. Many regionally accredited schools offer online classes exclusively.

Thousands of traditional colleges are getting into the act as well. Some offer all-online degree programs, while others incorporate online classes into traditional programs.

This is a big change in a very short time.

Here are just some of the ways a growing online education industry might change traditional college—and our world.

“Non-traditional” students will become the norm There’s a reason why “traditional” students are young adults who live on or near campus, go to school full-time, and are supported by their parents: because

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Planned Foresight

without that time and financial support, it’s very difficult to get an online degree.

Today, you can get a degree from a regionally accredited school in another city without leaving your hometown.

You can also arrange class time around work and family obligations. This makes a degree possible for millions of students who never could have found the time or made the commute before. It’s likely that as these students continue to have access to online education, they may become more common than their “traditional” counterparts.

Online education will become more accepted Respected traditional schools now offer some degree programs 100% online, while others integrate online and traditional learning in hybrid classrooms or offer partial online programs. Some schools offer online classes only, and many of these are accredited by the same agencies that accredit Ivy League schools.

Even so, many still don’t consider online education as valid as a traditional degree. But as more and more students log on each year, programs continues to improve, and top-tier universities go online, this is almost certain to change. It’s likely that in another ten years, online degrees in most fields will be just as prestigious as traditional degrees.

Even traditional classes will incorporate online components This change is happening even now. According to the Sloan Consortium study, 98% of large Midwestern universities used online learning in some way—and almost half of smaller universities did as well.

The advantages to incorporating online learning into a traditional classroom are numerous. Students have more flexibility without sacrificing face-time with the instructor. Schools can offer some classes online and others in-person to accommodate a wider variety of students. With all the benefits, it's likely that even if you attend a traditional school, you won’t be able to escape online education. Some universities such as this one are changing the classroom and offering online programs never thought such as M.S. in Nursing, Ph. D programs, research oriented degrees and many more.

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The proscribed life path will become more varied When we look at job expectations of times past, they seem hopelessly out-dated now. People don’t stay in the same job for decades, and employers can’t be depended upon to take care of us after we retire. Today, most people can expect to have dozens of jobs and a number of careers, in their lifetimes.

But life is still a bit rigid in our time Young adults are expected to go to college before getting a serious job or getting married and having kids.

This is because traditional colleges demand too much time to accommodate childcare or a career-track job as well.

In another ten years, this might change. With the added flexibility of online education, students will have the freedom to have kids, get married, work full-time, start their own businesses, or even travel the world while getting an education. It sounds far-fetched now, but our current ideas about the proper order of things may seem rigid and out-dated to future generations.

Traditional colleges will not become obsolete Not every course of study lends itself well to online education. And not every student is suited to it.

Although online education is likely to grow and become more established in future decades, traditional education is not likely to disappear. Many students still value inperson contact with professors and peers, and young people still want the on-campus “college experience.”

But college debt is rising, and many students are taking financing into account when choosing a school. Tuition at online schools is not always less expensive, but students’ cost-of-living, books, transportation, dormroom furniture, and “college experience” costs will certainly be lower—or non-existent—at an online school. In the future, it’s likely that more students will choose an online education for financial reasons.

Brick-and-mortar colleges aren’t going away, but it's possible that online education will start to eclipse traditional class time. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing: the flexibility of online classrooms may just make our lives more flexible as well. T R

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Sessions College for Professional Design: The Pioneer believes in Quality and Affordable Education

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rom early innovator to a renowned degree-granting college Founded in 1997, Sessions College is one of the longest-running and an entirely online college. The college has evolved from a boutique design trainer provider to a widely recognized institution of higher education. As Sessions College envisions being the highest quality online art or design school, they have thousands of graduated students from more than 90 countries around the world.

The college has served a diverse international student body of adult learners meeting their creative goals and offering an accessible, affordable and excellent online program that advances their students careers. They develop their own proprietary program materials which are in addition to

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ensure currency and quality and also save students thousands of dollars in textbook costs. Sessions College for Professional Design has been a leader in online education with the best designing of courses, curriculum and teaching model for an online environment.

Programs Offered by Sessions Sessions College offers Associate Degrees, certificates, and individual courses in Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Media, Illustration, Advertising Design, Digital Photography, and Fine Art. Sessions College’s Admissions Advisors and Student Advisors are advocates for their prospective and current students.

They are all trained and experienced designers who have been in their shoes, and share the same passions.

From the first inquiry to graduation, the team of advisors is there to keep students motivated and on track to success.

Industry-leading Faculty of Professional Designers According to Sessions College, the success is a tribute to the teamwork of many dedicated, talented and creative faculties and staff members serving the purpose over many years. The faculty of more than 30 industry leading artists and designers are deeply engaged in providing high quality critique and work hard to make the programs of the college as effective as possible. The faculty consists of independent designers, illustrators, artists, photographers and animators with many years of experience in design and publishing.

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The mission of Sessions College is to prepare art and design professionals by providing the highest quality of online arts education. The school prepares students for careers in art and design by providing a thorough training in the technical, creative, and critical thinking skills required for professional practice.

Everyone at Sessions College is focused on the mission of preparing design professionals. The graduates of the college have high rates of creative employment and are effective in fulfilling the goal of becoming freelance designers. A prominent example of a recent successful alumnus is Dawn Nicole who is a lettering artist, blogger and author of several successful books on hand lettering.

Accreditation, Approvals and Recognitions Accreditation is incredibly important for online schools, as it gives consumers a stamp of quality assurance and it gives schools a benchmark against generally accepted standards and a tool for self-improvement. Sessions College has been accredited by the DEAC (the Distance Education Accrediting Commission) since 2001. DEAC is a national accreditor recognized by the US Department of Education and CHEA, and it's the only accreditor that specializes in online education. The College is also regionally accredited at the certificate level by Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, a division of one of the oldest regional accreditation agencies in the United States. They are licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

The College is the honored recipient of several awards and recognitions for quality in online education. They have received appreciations for excellence in design education, online education, and educational value. Sessions College has won United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) awards four times in ten years. The College is also recognized as a top graphic design school by GDUSA (Graphic Design USA). They are ranked by the US Department of Education as the most affordable colleges, and also Bestcolleges.com rated Sessions College among its top 100 online schools, and top 50 colleges offering online Associate Degree programs. T R

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About the School President

Gordon Drummond The President of Sessions College of Professional Design is Gordon Drummond. Gordon always focuses at academic excellence, program growth, institutional improvement and regulatory compliance in an increasingly competitive online arts education space. Gordon Drummond joined Sessions College in February 2001, where he served as a Director of Curriculum and Chief Academic Officer before becoming President.

Outside of Sessions College, Gordon has extensive experience in school accreditation. Since 2007 he has served on the Middle States Association Commission on Secondary Schools, where he was Commission Chair from 2013-15 and served on the MSA Board of Trustees. Since June 2017, he has served on the board of the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC). Gordon has presented seminars on online education at conferences including Macworld, DEAC, CCA, Angel Learning, Surtex, and the Graphic Artist’s Guild. He holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

“Sessions College has always had a mission to provide quality, career-focused online design education. In recent years we have dramatically expanded our degree and certificate programs as a Title IV eligible institution,” stated Mr. Drummond.

“As President, it’s my goal to help us reach more students, improve and expand our educational programs, and deliver more efficient, high-quality student services.”

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Soa University: Moving Humanity Forward

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nline Learning for the Betterment of Humanity

Sofia University, home of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP), was founded in 1975 by Dr. Robert Frager. Originally focused on residential masters and doctoral psychology students, demand for the degrees prompted ITP in 1985 to introduce its first distance education Global Masters in Transpersonal Psychology program.

The success of the correspondence distance program was greatly improved with the advent of the internet and true online courses, which allowed faculty to provide a strong collaborative learning environment in which students communicated with each other, as well as the college instructors. Showcasing the success of the online platform is the Global PhD in Psychology

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program, which is ranked in the top 20 best online psychology programs for 2017 - 2018.

Approximately 39% of Sofia University students are currently enrolled in online only degree programs. Courses are offered through Canvas, a learning management platform that provides mobile-friendly and asynchronous learning. Students are able to discuss assignments, deliberate over key transpersonal topics, build rapport with staff, and heighten their intellectual awareness of several academic subjects.

A Key to Success – Participatory Learning The University believes that participatory education is the key to effective e-learning. Close learning communities are formed at in-person seminars, where students can meet

with one another and creatively express their academic passions.

College instructors provide weekly feedback and new learning opportunities through intellectually stimulating assignments. Such tasks require learners to access multidisciplinary ways of responding to information that would incorporate critical thinking and reflective responses, such as creative expression and recent technological innovations.

As such, Sofia has optimized computer interaction capabilities and incorporated modern media to disseminate information about the transpersonal mission. Doing so has allowed students to reach their full potential by working on interpersonal relationships and spiritual connections.

Courses Offered by Sofia University Each program and online course provided by Sofia University is

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Sofia University is internationally recognized as a leader in transformational research and teaching. The University cultivates leaders and is dedicated to academic excellence with a shared commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, cultural humility, ecological stewardship, and service to others. academically rigorous; experiential learning is supported by a strong online community. Their exemplary psychology programs under the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP) provide carefully designed, meaningful, holistic and transformative curricula that include cutting-edge research and theory in transpersonal psychology that focuses on human traditions and self-discovery. Students can progress from a Bachelor’s to a Doctorate degree, and accelerate through programs by combining their coursework from previous institutions. This enables them to undertake rigorous classes at more advanced levels while incorporating their new knowledge in professional work.

ITP provides a BA in Psychology, MA degrees in Transpersonal Psychology and Counseling Psychology and doctorate level programs, such as the PhD in Transpersonal Psychology and the PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Sofia also provides certificates in Creative Expression, Spiritual Psychology, Transformational Life Coaching, Transpersonal Ecopsychology and Transpersonal Studies.

The School of Business and Social Entrepreneurship offers a Master’s of Business Administration online/onsite (MBA) and a Master’s of Business Administration (MBAO) that is the first Sofia program to be offered completely online and in the Chinese language, providing an opportunity for overseas students to earn a fully accredited MBA degree from a university based in the United States.

The School of Technology and Engineering offers an MS degree in Computer Science that incorporates transpersonal practices with technological innovation along with a Certificate in Unmanned Aircraft Computing. Finally, the School of Transformative Education offers a Master’s of Education in Transformational Arts.

Sofia University Accreditations Sofia University is accredited by the nation’s premier regional accreditation body for higher education, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), since 1998. Through its rigorous review process, WASC has confirmed that Sofia University possesses the resources, policies, and practices to achieve its educational goals, and shows a dedication to the improvement and accountability of its programs. In 2015, Sofia was approved for an additional 7 years on its accreditation status. T R

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Dr. Robert Frager Founder

An Education that Incorporates All Aspects of Human Existence? Yes! Dr. Robert Frager, Founder of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University in 1975, set out to create a school of psychology that would fully prepare psychologists to understand human nature from an approach that transcends the pathological and encompasses the whole human being in the context of culture, physical health, mental health, and spiritual health. As a graduate from Harvard, Frager directly experienced the conventional approach to modern psychology practices and found them to be lacking and fragmented. Today, Sofia University continues to add new programs and broaden its academic focus by applying transpersonal values to research, education, technology, and engineering.

Some Distinguished Alumni from Sofia University The life of a university can be measured both by the success of its graduates and by its physical growth.

Students come to Sofia with diverse ambitions and dreams. Alumni report that their experiences as students have been transformational on many levels, and assert that the curriculum is unique with regard to how it addresses humanity's largest modern problems.

Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. and Stefanie Goldstein, Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology, graduated from The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University. They are currently the Co-Founders of The Center for Mindful Living in West Los Angeles.

Laura Bakosh, Ph.D. alumna and Co-Founder of Inner Explorer, provides mindfulness in schools. She recently received a $10,000 grant from AETNA to put this program in Florida schools. Laura says “My time at Sofia University with the commitment to whole person education, has proven critical in my ability to co-found this nonprofit company and most importantly, help children succeed in school and ultimately in life.”

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Southern New Hampshire University: A Leader in Online Education Reinventing the System

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roviding Students with the Best Learning Experience

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private institution that was founded in 1932. Ever since, the University has transformed from a school of accounting and secretarial science into an institution offering over 200 programs fully online, from certificates to masters level degrees including liberal arts, business, education, social sciences and STEM. It has a total undergraduate enrolment of 3,020 students, pursuing affordable & accessible education on a 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH or over an innovative online platform.

SNHU has always believed that there are no limits to what their students can achieve, and they apply this philosophy to everything that they do. Since its inception, SNHU has built a reputation

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for challenging education norms and creating a university atmosphere that feels both traditional and innovative.

The University provides small class sizes, personalized support, and career development built right into the curriculum. SNHU has also blazed the trail for exciting new degree paths, including the Degree-in-Three program, which allows business students to earn their degree in just three years without summer or night classes.

By reinventing higher education to fit the needs of today’s students and workforce, SNHU ensures that students are keeping pace with new technologies and professional requirements. SNHU provides unparalleled support and service to help students achieve their dreams and transform their lives and the lives of those around them.

Affordable, Accessible and Achievable Education SNHU offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through its multiple colleges and schools. As a non-profit university, they’re committed to help the students achieve their goals, no matter how seemingly impossible.

SNHU’s College of Online & Continuing Education (COCE) offers over 200 fully online programs over web to students worldwide. The University also offers 13 online clubs, 5 honor societies, numerous ways for students to connect through online communities, peer leadership programs, career events, alumni association, networking events, etc.

Tuition rates for SNHU's online programs are among the lowest in the nation. Financial aid packages are offered to students who qualify and tuition discounts for active-duty NOVEMBER 2017

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Southern New Hampshire University transforms the lives of students. Our success is defined by our students’ success.

By relentlessly challenging the status quo and providing the best support in higher education, Southern New Hampshire University expands its access to education by creating high quality, affordable and innovative pathways to meet the unique needs of each and every student. service members and their spouses.

With 24/7 access to the online classroom, one can complete the coursework as per their convenience. They also offer generous credit transfer policies and multiple term starts per year, saving the time and tuition.

Each online program is designed to deliver relevant, applicable course outcomes that prepare the learner to succeed in the workplace. SNHU’s online instructors are industry leaders who have relevant, real-world experience and are accomplished in online learning and course delivery.

Career Opportunities Students and graduates of SNHU have immediate and lifelong access to the resources and advice of the University’s skilled, holistic Career Services Department. Their team of expert career advisors assists students to align the academic degree programs with personal passions and interests in order to set them on a path to fulfil professional success. They provide important one-on-one coaching on all components of the modern career search including mock interviews and professional documents such as resumes, cover letters, and portfolios. This helps to ensure that the students are ready to present their best selves to any potential employers.

Outside of traditional career assistance, SNHU students have the opportunity to take the advantage of informational interview resources, webinars, self-assessment tools, virtual and regional hiring events, and SNHU Recruit—a job board designed specifically to connect SNHU students with opportunities affiliated with strategic employer contacts.

With a key focus on earlier integration into the academic classroom, SNHU Career Department continues to evolve. The department’s early engagement team is actively developing initiatives that will make sure that the students are taking proactive steps towards their professional goals. Meanwhile, the internship team is actively collaborating with academics to identify and establish opportunities for students to put the knowledge they’ve acquired in their classes into action in real world settings through formal internships and experiential learning opportunities.

SNHU Career Services is passionate about providing students with resources, guidance, and support that will help them feel empowered and well-prepared for a lifetime of professional success. T R

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An Intuitive Technologist and Adept Leader Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc serves as the President of Southern New Hampshire University. Under 13 years of Paul’s able guidance, SNHU has grown from 2500 students to over 80,000 becoming the second largest non-profit provider of online higher education in the country, and the first to have a full competency-based degree program untethered to the credit hour or classes approved by a regional accreditor and the US Department of Education.

Dr. Paul has most recently served as the Senior Policy Advisor to Under Secretary Ted Mitchell at the US Department of Education, working on competencyThe President Sessions Collegepathways, of Professional based education,ofnew accreditation and Design is Gordon innovation.

He also Drummond. serves on the Gordon Nationalalways Advisory focuses at academic excellence, program growth, Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity institutional andAcademies regulatory of Sciences, (NACIQI) andimprovement on the National compliance and in anMedicine's increasingly competitive online Engineering Board on Higher Education artsWorkforce education (and space.served Gordon joined and on Drummond its Committee on Quality CollegeEducation). in FebruaryFrom 2001,1993 where inSessions Undergraduate tohe 1996, he served as a Director of Curriculum and Chief directed a technology start up for Houghton Mifflin Academic Company, Officer before President.

Publishing was becoming the President of Marlboro Outside(VT) of Sessions College, Gordon has extensive College from 1996 to 2003, and became the experience school Since 2007 he President of in SNHU in accreditation.

2003. has served on the Middle States Association Commission on Secondary Schools, where he was Notable Accolades Commission Chair from 2013-15 and served the SNHU is continually transforming the lives ofon students MSA Board exceptional of Trustees. student Since June 2017, hethrough has by providing experience served onrecognized the board ofacademic the Distance Education nationally programs.

The School (DEAC).

Gordon has ofAccreditation Business andCommission the COCE have won multiple “Best of presented Awards, seminarsfor onBest online education at and Best Business” MBA Program conferences DEAC, CCA, Online Degreeincluding Program,Macworld, respectively.

The University Angel Learning, Surtex, and the Graphic Artist’s was named 2017 Most Innovative University in the Guild.and He one holds in English North ofan theMA nation's “BestLiterature Regional from the UniversitybyofU.S. Edinburgh Scotland.

Universities” News &inWorld Report. They were awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award “Sessions College has always had a mission for Excellence in Online Technology

by The to United provide quality,Learning career-focused online(USDLA). design States Distance Association education. wehas have dramatically For ten yearsIninrecent a row,years SNHU been named as the expanded our degree and certificate “Great College to Work For” by theprograms Chronicleas ofa Title IV eligible institution,” stated Mr. Drummond.

Higher Education. Fast Company has named SNHU the “As most President, it’s myorganization goal to help us morein its 12th innovative in reach the world students, improve and expand our educational World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies edition. programs, and deliver more efficient, high-quality student services.”

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