Professors' Guide LLC, compiled a list of the 14 habits of top college students.  Read the full article here.

1. Have a scheduled.
2. Divide up the tasks.
3. Are organized.
4. Hang out with smart friends.
5. Don't kid themselves.
6. Manage their feelings.
7. Challenge themselves.
8. Are consistent-and persistent.
9. Are open to feedback.
10. Ask when they don't understand.
11. Aren't too shy.
12. Look out for number one.
13. Keep themselves in tip-top shape.
14. Have a goal-and a plan.

14 Habits of Top College Students

Think back...where were you 25 years ago today?  Well 25 years ago the internet made its debut as being available for public use.  This is a significant point in our history!  So happy 25th birthday internet!

Happy Birthday Internet!

Some institutions are creating online clubs to foster communication, comradery, and professional growth for online students; perhaps bridging the gap of social interaction and the virtual classroom.  In a recent article, from Inside Higher Ed reports show over 70% of students who join these virtual social clubs do so for professional reasons. 

Partially geared towards the adult student, online education is a convenient way to pursue training, increase skills, or choose a new career path.  Coursework provides part of the puzzle while the networking of career advice, job opportunities and professional organizations could be the missing link.  In this economy where more adults are being forced back to school, learning about new jobs or positions is a strong draw to these virtual organizations.

Online clubs are the springboard that leads to increased communications, feeling of belonging, accountability, and stronger connection to the school.  This kind of social networking produces a community that, most notably, can improve retention at schools which is the key to growing an online program.

Join the Online Club

Tom Kuhlmann from The Rapid E-Learning Blog, delivers a wealth of information about eLearning.  With over 15 years experience, he provides great insight to new technologies, what works and what doesn't and new ideas to integrate into your distance learning program.  We recommend keeping this website marked as a favorite.  Great information!

In a recent post about what makes eLearning so effective, Tom examines organizational objectives that correspond with eLearning (listed below).  Do you have some others that could be added to this list? 

1. E-learning Supports the Organization's Goals

• Improved training costs.
• Decreased material costs.
• Increased productivity.
• Standardization.

    2.  E-learning Supports the Learner's Development

• Real-time access
• Freedom to fail.
• Improved retention.
• Personalized learning.

    3.  E-learning Nurtures a Learning Organization & Community

• Ongoing access to resources.
• Knowledge management.
• Encourage sharing.
• Employer of choice.
• E-learning is good for the environment.

Why is eLearning So Effective?

Although online education has been around for over a decade, there are still several myths or misconceptions about it.  Many strides have been made to dispel some misinformation but there is still work to do.

Many schools find themselves struggling to help students overcome inaccurate feelings of what distance learning is and what it entails.  Listed below are the top seven myths of online education published in a recent post on DistanceEducation.org from Jennifer Williamson.  Can you think of more to add to this list?

1. You don't get as much peer and teacher interaction online.
2. Online education isn't as good as traditional school.
3. Online education is a scam.
4. Online education is easy.
5. You can't transfer distance learning credits to other universities.
6. Traditional colleges look down on online education.
7. Employers don't accept online degrees.

Top 7 Myths About Online Education