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Distance Learning - Small Engine Repair Class

August 28th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you have an interest in repairing lawn mowers, chain saws, weed trimmers, boat motors or any tool with a small engine, then taking a distance learning small engine repair class might be just right for you. Getting hands-on experience in a formal training program gives your skills more credibility when considered by potential employers and even customers.

Small Engine Repair for Extra Income

Knowing how to repair these engines can lead to your own profitable part time or full time business. Imagine earning additional income from your newly gained skills in engine repair! Why, the course will actually pay for itself in no time, even if you decide just to use your new knowledge to repair your own engines and equipment.

What You Should Look For in an Engine Repair Course

You should look for a class or course that gives you hands-on training with actual small engines. Also, the better quality courses will provide you with tools, supplies, and repair manuals. Look for a course that will provide you with the tools and practical knowledge that you will need to succeed. A course that doesn’t encourage a hands-on approach to mechanical training is really not worth your consideration.

What Should the Course Cover?

It is recommended that any small engine repair course (distance learning or otherwise) should provide a comprehensive lesson plan covering the following areas:

• Troubleshooting and repairing engine components and systems.
• Working and repairing engines, ignition systems, and electrical circuits.
• Inspecting and repairing small engine fuel systems.
• Disassembling and rebuilding every type of small engine: two-stroke, four-stroke, outboard, and riding mower engines.

Where Can I Find a Top Quality Program?

Penn Foster Career School provides a quality small engine repair program within their Automotive curriculum. And you can earn a diploma from a regionally and nationally accredited school that has an excellent reputation in the distance learning community.

To find out more about Penn Foster’s small engine repair class in a distance learning environment, Click Here .

Are Online Degrees Good for Today’s Job Market

August 10th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

You may be wondering are online degrees good for competing in the employment arena, and the answer is a resounding YES! It should be noted that many of today’s top schools are combining online courses with their traditional classes to fulfill degree requirements. This trend is adding more support for the concept of distance learning and online education as a whole.

The obvious advantages and disadvantages to online degree programs have been highlighted elsewhere on this website, but it is worth mentioning the high points again. The convenience of earning an online degree from the comforts of your own home cannot compare to any other educational experience. While the average cost of online courses are generally lower, the larger universities offering online classes usually charge tuition fees consistent with their traditional classroom counterparts.

A traditional learning vs distance learning comparison from a socialization perspective is where the online programs come up a little short. Because online courses are generally completed at home, a student may miss out on the social interaction found in a more traditional classroom setting. Also, the lack of face-to-face interaction with the instructor might be an issue for a minority of students, but online education providers have made great strides to improve student - teacher communication through video conferencing, email and telephone.

The value of online degrees have increased dramatically over the past decade. With the traditional brick and mortar colleges and universities embracing online education concepts, employers see the value of those candidates who possess an online degree, whether an associates, bachelors or masters. They recognize that on online education requires self discipline and drive, traits not necessarily developed by more traditional programs.

So, are online degrees good? They are as good as money in the bank!

Tips for New Online Education Students

May 1st, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

As a new online education student, you may be faced with a few unique challenges. Taking online courses is obviously different than taking classes at the traditional college or university. You are on your own when it comes to reading and reviewing your class materials, and pretty much isolated from the typical social interaction that takes place on campus.

To help you get off to a fast start, let’s look at a few ways to overcome those online education challenges and maybe even save a few dollars along the way:

Don’t Procrastinate

This can be your biggest obstacle to overcome as an online student if you are not well organized and self-disciplined. Many an online course taker never bothers to complete their classes because they don’t bother to schedule their time effectively or follow through with their daily class work. If you fall into this category, set specific goals for yourself and stick with them.

Take it a week at a time and schedule a specific time for your class work each day. Don’t try to schedule out the entire term or you will likely get frustrated and abandon the entire course. Small steps, small successes! Many online students find it easier to create deadlines for earning their degree and set their class completion goals accordingly (remember – small steps). Stick with it and in no time flat you will have your degree and a whole new world of opportunity before you.

Stay Connected to Your Peers and Professors

You should attempt to stay connected to fellow online students and interact with your professors. Comradery can help you with the e-learning process, ensure that you stay motivated, and even let you work in a group setting. The benefit derived from forming these relationships can be a tremendous catalyst to keep you on track to receive your desired degree. Even with online classes, it pays to reach out to other students through email, chat rooms, message boards, and education forums.

Use Online Resources for Support

The amount of distance learning resources that can be found online is tremendous. You can find virtual dictionaries and thesauruses, online books, reference materials, and a host of time management software for students, many for free. Finding and using these resources from the beginning can make you a more effective student and save you a little money at the same time.

Shop Around for Text Books

The cost of school can put a dent in anyone’s pocketbook, but a major portion of that education expense is for text books. New online students often ignore this cost savings tactic and pay full price for books and class materials. However, discounted text books, many used, can be found at online book stores and auction sites. Just do a search for used text books and you may be surprised at how much you can really save. One word of caution: Be sure that the used book you buy is the right version.

And don’t forget that significant discounts are given to students for software from some of the biggest software providers. So if you need to update your Microsoft Office software for example, do a search for student versions of your desired software and save a bundle.

We hope that these tips for the new online education student prove helpful. And better yet, help you to reduce your distance learning expenses.

Protecting Yourself Against Distance Learning Scams (Part II)

April 20th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Check Out the Online Learning Company

The first place to start your review is to contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in the company’s home state and request their history of complaints filed against them. You can also visit the BBB online and research the category designated especially for online businesses. If the results indicate that they have a negative history, this will be a good indication of the quality of the organization.

Also verify the number of years the company has been in business and how long they have been conducting their online education business. Keep in mind that some fraudulent operators have been in business for many years, but rarely do they stay in any one particular business for very long.

Verify Accreditation

Accreditation is very important in regards to the value of the degree that you receive. If you receive a degree from an unaccredited institution, it may diminish the value to, or even be disregarded by, potential employers or other colleges or universities.

If the distance learning program you are researching boasts that they are accredited with a certain certifying institution, make sure that they are. The accreditation must be current and the learning institution must be a member in good standing. And of course, verify that the class you plan to enroll in is also accredited.

Another check that you should perform is to confirm that the accrediting company is legitimate. There are only a few companies that are recognized as authorities in the accreditation process.

This particular tip is probably the most important action you can take to protect yourself against getting involved in a scam. Verifying the accreditation of the institution and the courses is your first line of defense against these unscrupulous operators.

Note:  The conclusion of this article will be posted in Part III

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