1. Get a lot of storage space. A 320 GB hard drive may not be enough to support all of the information you will have to download and store for school.
2. Compare different brands. Some people like Dell, and others prefer Apple, Toshiba, Gateway, or some other brand of laptop. It is your job to assess the costs, reviews, and characteristics of each brand to find the one that is right for you.
3. Look for fast processing. Having high speed internet connection won’t matter if your computer can’t process it. Look for the fastest processor you can logically afford so you can get through your coursework effectively.
4. Consider the memory. This is going to be related to your RAM, which is different than your storage space. Your RAM is basically the short-term memory for your computer, and it determines how quickly commonly-used programs pull up. The better the RAM, the smoother the computer usage.

Choosing a laptop is a big decision, and it is one that should not be rushed in any way. The laptop you choose could ultimately determine how successful you are in school. Keep that in mind as you assess your options. After all, this is a portal for your career training. You need to make sure to pick something that will give you the best chance of success. Use the tips above, and you should be able to do just that.

Here are some of the things current and former students have to say about Florida Tech Online:

Teachers
“I can say is that it challenging and the teachers care about the work you produce….Friendly environment and would recommend it to anyone interesting in any engineering program.”

“The online instructors are very helpful as long as you are willing to put in the work.“

“Professors are always available, the student center will always be watching your grades. They are there to help with any type of homework or classwork. I am learning things for my major and more.”

“My professors are very serious about teaching their students. They do what they can to help you succeed in the class, and as long as you put in some effort to look for help, you will receive it either from a classmate, the professor, or the Academic Support Center.”

Classes
“The classes have been challenging, the teachers have been responsive, and I have not had any trouble.” I really like it- especially how the courses are set up. You learn by reading the book, watching lectures online, and doing activities on the message boards. They also have study helps that come with the books they send which are amazing!! I know it sounds like others have had bad experiences, but I havent!! Fl tech seems like a really good school.

“Its great for anyone!!!! Tech schools might be known as nerdy schools but it isn’t! its welcoming to all types of people from all over the world!”

“ I have just completed my first semester at Florida Tech and I feel that I have grown in my intelligence towards my field of study. Not only have I learned academically, but I have learned much about the lives of international students and what kind of life they are coming from.”

“Florida Tech focuses mainly on science and mathematics, so if you plan on majoring in anything that deals with these subjects, this is the college for you. Florida Tech also has an awesome graduates program for those looking to earn a Masters or Doctorate degree in I/O psychology, clinical psychology, and behavioral psychology. This is also one of few colleges in Florida that offer forensic psychology as a major.”

After Graduation
“I feel that I am more prepared in my engineering field than many other peers at work that graduated from higher ranked schools. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to work hard and become a good engineer.”

Tuition
“This school is very expensive but with the help of FAFSA and allying for scholarships, all i have to do it pay a Panther Payment Plan. It’s worth the money! And Work-study also helps with you’re in financial need.”

“The good thing about Florida Tech is that they offer a lot of financial aid for your tuition.”

As the baby boomers age and life expectancies increase, public health  is a hot field of study. Jobs in this area will continue to be stable and pay higher than average due to a shortage of healthcare professionals to serve the aging population. Public health jobs are in local, state and federal health departments and include things like health inspectors, educators, epidemiologists and researchers. There are also public health positions in the non-profit sector in health advocacy and research, and jobs with pharmaceutical and insurance companies. Most of these positions require a master’s of public health degree (MPH.) Many of the best programs are through the best online universities, such as Boston University, The Colorado School of Public Health, East Tennessee State University and Loma Linda University.

Other health care and nursing jobs are also plentiful because of the aging population, and they are ideal for distance learning. Online nursing programs provide the flexibility needed for those who want to return to the work world while raising children. Kaplan University, Strayer University and Capella University have become popular online schools to offer nursing and other health care degrees.

Associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education and K-12 education have also become popular in the online university arena. Because of high turnover in the early childhood teaching field, new job opportunities are increasing. For students who have earned an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree can be completed in as little as four semesters online. Online courses are also available for those wanting to explore teaching by becoming a teacher’s aide. Requirements vary in different states, but all programs incorporate principles of development, psychology, and education. Advanced degree programs teach behavioral theory, psychology, pedagogical theory, and instructional techniques.

Paper, pencils, and don’t forget those all-important highlighters! The supplies and equipment you need for online classes are not much different from traditional on-campus requirements, with a few exceptions.

The first thing that the best online universities will tell you is that you need a space to study. This can be a desk at home, or a corner of the nearest coffee shop. You need to find a place where you can stay focused, have relative quiet time and little distraction. You also need proper lighting to reduce eyestrain. If you do like to work at a coffee shop or library, you will need a good organized bag with your supplies, laptop and books.

And of course, if you are taking online classes, you will need a way to get online. You can use library computers if they have the software required by your college. If you decide to purchase a computer, find one that has at least 20 GB hard drive, 512 MB RAM, Windows 98 or better/ Mac OSX 10.4 or higher,  sound card, MS Office 2004 or higher, or some other word processor, web browser with plug-ins. A laptop is a good choice since it is portable. Some classes will require use of a webcam or DVD player as well. Couple that with a wireless internet connection and you’re literally good to go.

A popular trend in distance learning is colleges providing free laptops when you enroll. Many include this option with tuition and fees. There are requirements you must meet to obtain and keep a provided laptop.

As far as computer skills go, you will need to be able to navigate the internet and send email. You should familiarize yourself with how a chat room, Skype or WebEx works. Your admissions counselor will let you know the particular software and programs you will be using.

One of the best online universities for accelerated learning, Post University offers bachelor’s degrees that can take as little as 18 months and master’s degrees that can be completed in 14 months.

Accelerated learning has many advantages. It’s ideal for students who work full-time or have family responsibilities since it has a flexible schedule allowing you to complete coursework at times that you set. You can watch lectures through streaming video or DVD, then participate in discussions in an online chat or message board. Projects, papers and exams are turned in through email. Many programs have rolling start dates so you can begin a class at any time rather than wait for a semester to start. Accelerated classes may be anywhere from five to eight weeks long, rather than the traditional 16 weeks.

Students in accelerated programs at online universities and colleges say they have been able to earn degrees that will help them get promotions, new jobs or even new careers in a much faster timeframe. The convenience of attending class on their own schedule allows them to continue to work full-time and doesn’t take time away from family. They also enjoy not having to commute to campus, or incur auto expenses.

Because semesters are shorter, more work must be done in a short period of time. Students in accelerated programs need to be committed and motivated to succeed. A computer, internet connection, and quiet place to study is also essential. With the abundance of wi-fi networks, this can mean working from home, a coffee shop, or while travelling – another advantage of accelerated programs.

Grand Canyon University is ranked #19 by the Guide to Online Schools, ranking it as one of the best online universities available.

Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949, as a private Christian university. It has a campus located in the heart of Phoenix as well. Online programs include more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Here are some of the things current and former students have to say about the school.

Teachers
“The professors at GCU are focused on teaching their classes. I have never had a problem with getting help from them, and I have never had any problems getting administrative issues dealt with. My counselor calls me during the last week of every class to make sure that there are no snags.”

“The instructors are knowledgeable and professional. The instructors grade fairly (based on content and substance rather than style), and people do wash out, because online college is sink or swim.”

“(I found) the instructors are great. Very responsive and seemingly knowledgeable about their subjects.”

Classroom Environment
“Online classes are thorough and teachers give timely feedback.”

“The classroom setting is always very professional, the workload is okay, sometimes I think the instructors think you only take their class and you are a stay at home individual with the workload, but otherwise it is okay.”

Technology
“This school is the most user-friendly school a distance student could ask for. Everything is explained in detail, easily accessible and extra assistance is always available from numerous sources like professors, tutors, counselors and peer groups. The way their online community is structured, I never feel isolated or uninvolved.”

“I have been attending Grand Canyon University online for the past eight months and have found the format to be very conducive to learning. The system they use to facilitate the classes is called Angel which has discussion forums, contains lectures with independent readings and lab processes, a syllabus outlining the classwork that students will be doing in the class, access to the Grand Canyon University library and much more. The structure of the Angel environment allows me to feel engaged with my instructor and peers without being present in the classroom and has the benefit of being able to communicate my thoughts without being interrupted which can occur in a traditional classroom. The ability to work on my own schedule has been a great benefit to myself and my family.”

Schedules
“If my continued experience at GCU stays at what I have experienced seen so far, then I will stay at GCU until I graduate. I have no big complaints, and so far I would definitely recommend GCU.”

“With online classes, I can attend school anytime I get off work without having to worry about my constant schedule changes. The only problem is that some classes I feel like I need the teacher/student interaction in order for me to understand the material. I don’t get that luxury sometimes. I think about going to a traditional school, then I think about my schedule and I’m grateful for the flexibility.”

Costs
“I was awarded a military scholarship that cut the tuition cost in half. I plan to go into their masters program and then doctoral. I recommend Grand Canyon to all my friends and family.”

Success After Graduation
“Grand Canyon was the best choice I could have made!I was able to apply newly acquired knowledge after each class. I have been able to network with people in my profession all over the country. “

“The on-line experience provided an exceptional avenue to learn a large amount of information in the most comprehensive and efficient way. I found myself becoming excited about utilizing all I learned within my classroom. I actually miss working on my masters since graduating.”

Florida Technical University Online  is a great example of a military friendly school. U.S. military members, their spouses and their immediate family members can attend Florida Tech’s online classrooms from wherever they’re based and enjoy special military tuition pricing, sometimes resulting in no tuition cost at all. Florida Tech University Online’s standard tuition rate of $485 per credit hour is reduced to $250 per credit hour ($750 per three-credit hour course) for military servicemembers. This includes Reservists and Guardsmen who are currently activated, mobilized or recalled to active duty.

The discounted rate also applies to spouses of active-duty servicemembers earning an undergraduate degree via the school’s Military Spouse Appreciation Rate. Spouses of Reservists, Guardsmen, Veterans and dependents of disabled or deceased Veterans receive a special tuition rate on undergraduate tuition as well.

The Department of Defense sponsors several college tuition programs. Its MyCAA – Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts, provides financial assistance to eligible spouses of active-duty and activated Guard and Reserve servicemembers.

Other military education payment programs include:
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
- Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Educational Assistance Test Program (Section 901)
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
- National Call to Service Program
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program

Using military benefits while you are on active duty or after you have become inactive or retired is a great way for you and your family to earn a college education.

American Intercontinental University takes great strides to battle the myth than online students are isolated from social interaction. As far as advertising goes, this is probably one of the best online universities’ strategies  I’ve seen. Its website says the college recognizes that social networking is an everyday reality, and points out that daily social connections are important to keep students engaged with studies. The strategy must be working, since AIU’s Virtual Campus was recognized as “Best of the Best” in the Education and Academia category of the 2009 Computerworld Honors Program.

Besides YouTube, you will find AIU on Linked In with 1,246 followers, on Facebook with 14,665 likes, and
Twitter. It also supports professional industry-specific groups including Women Achieve,  The Marketing Scene,  and Educator 2 Educator.

AIU’s website talks about the college’s “community” that promotes students’ interaction with instructors and each other. On the website are links to hundreds of blog posts about news, events and topics related to majors. It has an active alumni association with more than 75,000 members. Unlike some alumni groups (like mine), graduates are automatically members with no dues or fees. Regional alumni chapters are set up across the U.S. as well. The association provides benefits for alums and sponsors alumni recognition awards, a mentoring program and a newsletter. A unique program of its alumni group is a Lifelong Learning Grant program. This program is for undergraduates of AIU who plan to continue on to earn graduate degrees there.

The school’s history is an interesting one. It was founded in 1970 in Lucerne, Switzerland as The American Fashion College of Switzerland. It is a for-profit university owned by publically traded Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO). It opened a campus in Atlanta in 1978 when it changed its name and diversified its course offerings. Since then, it has grown from 300 to 24,000 students. Eighty percent of AIU’s students are enrolled online.

If you’re considering getting a degree online, how do choose the best online university for you? Here is a checklist of 10 characteristics you can use when comparing schools and programs.

1. Accreditation – The first thing to investigate is the school’s accreditation. You need to look for regional accreditation. This ensures that their programs meet uniform standards, and their classes and degrees are acknowledged by employers and other schools.

2. Classes and Schedules – The way classes are delivered is very important, and need to match your learning style and schedule. Some online schools, such as the University of Phoenix offer “asynchronous classes that run five or six weeks, and have no semester restrictions. Online students can start a class at any time, and take breaks as needed. “Synchronous” classes are delivered in real time by video, audio, or chat at a scheduled time.

3. Career Services – Does the school offer assistance to students looking for jobs after graduation? At a minimum, a school should offer help with resume writing. Some provide job search tools as well.

4. Cost – Online classes may cost as much, if not more, than traditional classroom based courses. Costs and fees vary greatly from one school to another.

5. Credits for Transfer & Life Experience – Check to see if schools you are considering offer credit for classes you previously completed elsewhere. Many schools also offer “life experience credits” for work you have done, informal training classes and military experience.

6. Majors and Degrees – Do your homework and make sure the school offers classes that interest you and are relevant to your major. There are also many types of degrees, from certificates oaf graduation to associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. Be sure you know which degree you will receive upon graduation.

7. Reputation – There are many ways to judge the quality of an online school. Read reviews, talk to current and former students and call the Better Business Bureau to get as much information as possible about other people’s experiences.

8. Size – Just as with bricks and mortar schools. Class size for online courses is important. Although there is no limit to the number of people who can attend a class, there is a limit to the number of students a teacher can manage and interact with.

9. Teachers – Check out the quality of instructors at each college. Pick a couple classes that would be in your major and see who teaches them, and what their degrees, educational and teaching background involves. You can also ask to speak with an instructor before making your decision.

10. Technology – Perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a school is the technology. Does it match your level of computer proficiency? Do you need to purchase any special hardware or software to attend classes? Is the program 100% online, or does it involve phone, DVDs or other methods of delivery?

Take a look at these areas and then consider your learning style, time commitment and career needs to be sure you choose the best school for you.

Teachers – Ashworth faculty are full time and off-site. Many of the instructors are practicing professionals. The school also offers tutoring online or by phone.

“They have great staff that supported and encouraged me every step of the way. They took their time to make sure I understood my homework and best of all they even followed up with me to make sure I completed my homework and returned it on time.”

Classroom Environment – Classes and exams are accessed online.

“I called them and told them that I was ready for my exam and within 48 hours it was e-mailed to my proctor. Ashworth University is a great value and there are several colleges and universities that accept Ashworth credits. It is a GREAT value for the money! Have you seen how much certain other online colleges cost?”

“ I have been able to apply what I have learned at Ashworth to my current line of work, as well as applying the study techniques I obtained from Ashworth toward my BA in psychology. None of this would have been possible for me without Ashworth, the “go-at-your -own pace is a wonderful tool. There was no stress and I could take my time to actually learn.”

Costs – Ashworth College is one of the most affordable online learning alternatives.

“Their tuition program is wonderful. They gave me a discount and the flexibility to make monthly payments.”

Books – For most programs, your textbooks are included in your tuition.

“I am nothing but impressed with the school and materials. They arrive as soon as I complete a book and I get an email that another is on the way. “

Schedules – You can take classes at Ashworth at your own pace. There are no semesters – you begin a class whenever you want, and as soon as you complete it, you can enroll in the next one to work toward your degree.

“What I liked most about this college is that they provided me the flexible schedule to complete my study. I am a full-time employee as well as full time mom. I don’t have time to travel to attend evening classes. Ashworth College gave me the opportunity to study on my own time as well as made sure I am consistent with their program.”

Success After Graduation – Students report great results after graduating.

“I received my B.A from Ashworth University years ago. I studied Criminal Justice Administration. I was recruited to the Columbus Police Department after finishing my studies, stayed there for two years, and am now currently working as a DEA agent. The tuition was cheap, and I paid it all off in less than half a year. I did learn alot, it was not too hard, but it was challenging at times. Overall, with Ashworth I received the education I needed, it was extremely affordable, and most of all I now Have a career that I love.”

“I have taken the career diploma in Locksmithing, and am working on AS in Criminal Justice. I have had a wonderful experience so far. I would recommend it to someone who does not need motivation at all to follow through with a task.”

Watch this Ashworth College Video for information about classes, community and more.