Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The Employer's View: Online Education

Traditionally, if an employee wanted to go back to school they would either have to quit their job or take a long leave of absence leaving the burden on the employer to hire and train a replacement. E-learning allows students to pursue their educational goals without compromising their careers. It's a win-win. Employers gain the benefit of the employees new skills without the traditional time away from the office. Employers can help increase employee retention, create higher visibility and enhance products or services by implementing professional development programs within their organizations. Students love the flexibility and professional rewards often gain from furthering their education online.

There are a variety of education programs that can be taken online. Undergrad and graduate degrees, professional certificate programs, you can even go to law school online. The Sloan Consortium found that fully online degree and certificate programs are offered by 34 percent of institutions. For profit institutions, like Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) according to the report, expect to increase their online programs more rapidly than any other type of institution, anticipating an increase of more than 40 percent. Additionally, three quarters of academic leaders at public colleges and universities believe that online learning quality is equal to or superior to face-to-face instruction (The Sloan Consortium: Entering the Mainstream, October 2004.)

An increasing numbers of professionals choose to pursue their education online. Technology is becoming more advanced and demand for these programs will continue to grow forcing employers who may be uncertain of online education to re-evaluate their position.

For more information on Kaplan University 70+ degree programs, please visit www.kaplan.edu.

For more information on professional certificates in six sigma, project management, health care, IT and more, please visit www.kaplancontinuingeducation.com.

Online Education and The Environment

Today, almost every business is looking for a way to help the environment and go green. Kaplan Higher Education is proud become part of this movement and do our part.

As part of this initiative, we are eliminating Styrofoam cups from the break room of all our corporate locations. Americans use enough Styrofoam cups every year to circle the earth 436 times! Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) is non-biodegradable; it will never break down, no matter how long it sits in a landfill. To combat the use of these cups, Kaplan will distribute “Tumblers” to all of its employees. The “Tumblers,” which are reusable will carry both the Kaplan name, as well as a continual reminder that “Everyday is Earth Day.”

Kaplan's green efforts do not stop in our corporate offices. As an online education provider, we have made a committment to go "paperless" by shifting our focus from traditional paper enrollment forms and brochures for students to electronic clickable PDFs. Let's take a look at the environmental benefits of online education:

• No commute; no car exhaust. Car exhaust is an enormous contributor to global warming. As an online student, the commute is generally from the front door to a home computer.

• A smaller footprint. Habitat loss threatens wildlife all over the world. A school that operates only online has administrative offices, but no need for a showcase campus. With a smaller physical presence, these schools also have a smaller environmental footprint.

• Online classes mean less energy usage. A laptop does use energy. But it doesn’t compare to the energy that a traditional university campus uses: lighting for classrooms and buildings; heating and air conditioning for immense lecture halls.

• Online education is a paper saver. Traditional classrooms still rely heavily on paper.
With an online school, most of the communication is digital.
Instead of printing out and handing in assignments, a student can simply email their professor a document.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Is Online Education Right for You?

In today’s fast-paced world, we have more choices than ever--and more ways to succeed. If you’ve been hearing a lot lately about online/distance continuing education, but weren’t sure what it was all about, here are some things to consider, compliments of Kaplan Continuing Education (part of the well-known Kaplan University that’s been around for decades):

Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) believes that the ability to achieve your goals at your own pace and on your own schedule is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. But how do you know if an online education at KCE is right for you?

First of all, Kaplan Continuing Education’s (KCE) online certificate programs are designed to target professional development in high-demand, high-reward fields, from business and finance to health care to information technology (IT). KCE courses are created and taught by individuals in the field, with a focus on the practical needs of both employees and employers in professional settings.

KCE’s self-paced, online programs are a solution to effective learning and advancement without any interruption to your current professional and personal obligations.

The school has a flexible online ‘classroom’ that’s available 24/7. The programs can be completed in 12 months or less, and you have the convenience of self-paced completion. It’s up to you when and how you fit in each lesson.


They also have experienced, professional faculty that teach KCE’s proprietary academic curriculum.

Kaplan University was ranked #1 in quality and value in a survey of online students.
What about the cost? KCE offers monthly payment options or alternative loans for those who qualify.

If you want to get into a new field, or take your career to the next level by standing out in today’s competitive job market, increasing your earning potential and expand your career options, you owe it to yourself to learn more about what Kaplan Continuing Education has to offer. Check out their website by clicking here.

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Open a world of opportunities to impact your career, your organization, and you. It is all powered by Kaplan’s 70-year history of success in test preparation, professional development, and adult education. It is The Kaplan Advantage. Learn more at kaplancontinuingeducation.com.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Kaplan Continuing Education Offers Certified Financial Planner Classes Online

Prepare For A Career as a Certified Financial Planner™ With Kaplan Continuing Education And Pass The CFP® Exam.

KCE’s Certified Financial Planner™ online classes are designed with your career goals in mind covering the latest topics from the CFP® Board.

“The goal of our programs is to help professionals accelerate their careers in high-growth industries like those in the financial sector,” said Ron Trautman, Vice President and General Manager of Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE).

Certified Financial Planner™ online classes are accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the worldand include extensive training in the principles, techniques and strategies for financial planner careers.

Financial professionals who attain their CFP® certification stand out in a competitive marketplace and increase their earning potential. Certified Financial Planners™ can leverage their skills to provide clients with comprehensive financial plans, including advice on tax management, insurance, estate planning and retirement.

With more than 70 years of innovative education experience, Kaplan University’s programs empower professionals to take their career to the next level by giving them a real-world education with the flexibility to earn th on their own terms, in their own time. Programs can be completed as little as 9 months.

Enroll and take the first step in earning your Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Online classes begin immediately. For more information on Kaplan Continuing Education, visit www.kaplancontinuingeducation.com.