In 2004, a writer named Chris Anderson defined a new model of modern Internet driven commerce. He coined it the “long tail,” and its concept is simple. Using his long tail method to gain a larger market share, or consumer base, a business must do two things. First, adhere to the time-tested practice of selling a small number of popular items in large quantities. Second, adopt the new practice of offering a large quantity of niche items to be sold in relatively small quantities. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Higher Education’
Distance learning professional? Develop or deliver online courses? National Distance Learning Week is your time to shine.
If you develop or deliver online courses, programs or software, anything that facilitates distance learning, there’s a week coming up soon that is specifically designed to showcase what you’ve got. National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) will be held on November 9-13, 2009. Sponsored by the United States Distance Learning Association, NDLW seeks to promote and celebrate the tremendous growth and accomplishments occurring today in distance learning programs offered by schools, businesses and governmental departments.
The purpose of NDLW is to generate greater awareness and appreciation for distance learning being administered through K-12, higher education, corporate and military programs, while recognizing leaders and best practices in the field. According to the USDLA, the goal for NDLW will be for schools, colleges, and corporations to conduct local events throughout the week to celebrate and promote the field of online learning. Any professional engaged in the day-to-day practice of administering distance learning (schools, colleges, corporations, military) and individuals and organizations providing online programs, products and services are encouraged to participate.
“The distance learning industry is fast-growing, ever-changing and so very necessary in our world today,” said Steve Gatlin, founder of Gatlin International. “We’re proud to be part of its evolution, and encourage everyone to take time out to celebrate and promote our industry during NDLW.”
More than 3.5 million college students are taking online courses and/or earning online college degrees. More than 700, 000 high school students are taking one or more online courses. During NDLW, schools, colleges and organizations will be showcasing their online programs for prospective students. Additionally, the USDLA will conduct a series of free webinars that week to feature various types of distance learning providers.
For more information on NDLW contact USDLA at 1.800.275.5162 or http://www.ndlw.org/.
The Cost of Not Having Higher Education
If you’ve considered going to school for a college degree, then you’ve considered tuition costs, textbook fees and travel expenses. People also turn to online education to extend and expand their career options. Online classes eliminate textbook and travel costs and offer an economical solution to rising tuition of traditional education. While it’s true that quality online programmes and degree programs aren’t free, they are affordable, especially when you consider the cost of not having a higher education at all.
Gaining higher education has a direct effect on your career. In fact, statistics show that the higher the level of education, the higher the amount in earnings a person will receive, proving that continuing education past a high school level is the best way to hold on to a career and achieve financial success.
Higher education is vital to remain competitive in the job market. According to “The Book of Knowledge” put out by Merrill Lynch, 50 percent of employee skills become outdated in three to five years. In India, nine out of 10 employees in an international workplace survey said they feared that their current skills would be outdated within five years. On the company side, the cost of replacing lost talent averages to 150 percent of a person’s salary (Mercer Survey of Australia at Work). This makes a strong case for companies and employees to invest in higher education to upgrade and update skill sets. Gaining certification allows you to re-train to ensure you can keep the job you have or easily transfer to another position. Taking online courses is an affordable and fast way to earn a certificate that confirms you have the skills that meet the demands of a continuously changing industry.
Credentials are everything. Think about it. Would you go to a dentist who only has a high school diploma framed on the wall? Would you hire a lawyer who dropped out of college before gaining full expertise in law? You feel more comfortable paying a person more money when you trust that they know what they are doing and have the education and certification to back it up. To convince employers and customers you have the skills to do the job, certifications and degree programs are the way to go.
Higher wages brought on by higher education isn’t new. In the early 1900’s, education was scarce and only a minority of adults had a high school diploma. Working life was dictated by supply of labor and the demand for skilled workers; formal education was not necessary to do the job. As society has continued to evolve, annual earnings of workers increased with education. In the 1970’s, as technological changes started to occur, the corporate world favoured a more educated working population and started compensating generously to attract educated employees. By 1975, full-time workers with a higher education earned 1.5 times the annual wage of workers with a high school diploma. And, by 1999, this ratio had edged up to 1.8.
Statistics prove that gaining higher education and achieving certification is the best way to get the expertise you need to land a more lucrative career. For a higher education experience that works around your schedule, turn to Gatlin International. GI certificate courses can help you gain a lucrative position in the industry of your choice, empowering you to reach financial goals and provide for your future.
