Which type of education is better Online or Traditional?

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With the rise in the popularity of the internet over the last ten years, the world we live in has been redefined many times. Many of the things that we used to take for granted have completely changed. One area that has been greatly impacted by the internet is education. Not only has the internet greatly enhanced traditional education, but it has actually redefined the way individuals can pursue their education. Originally, the only way for someone to receive a degrees was by attending high school or college for a minimum of four years. Unfortunately, this schedule was not compatible with many people? lifestyle. Individuals who had other priorities but were still interested in obtaining a formal education found themselves with virtually no options. However, this is not the scenario in today? world. One of the most popular trends that has accompanied the rise of the internet are online degrees. Online degrees appeal to many different types of people. Regardless of your lifestyle or current situation, an online degree is a unique way to not only obtain a formal education, but to receive proof of the education that you receive.

Inevitably, one of the major questions that has accompanied the development of online degrees is whether or not they are better than traditional degrees. As with most general questions, there is no clear cut answer. The issue of online versus traditional degrees is one that requires a thorough examination of the pros and cons of both options. To begin with, there are instances when a traditional degree is the best option. If you are a student who is fresh out of high school and you have been accepted into a respectable university, then the best option for you is to pursue a traditional degree. This is especially true for individuals who have scholarships or family members which will pay for their education. A traditional degree provides a balance between educational and social growth. However, there are several major cons which apply to traditional degrees. The most obvious limitation is that many individuals do not have the time to devote to a four year program of study. Whether you have a full-time job or a family, the college lifestyle is not for everyone.

If you fall into the category mentioned above, pursuing an online degree is by far the best option for you. The most popular aspect of online education is the flexibility it offers. Online degree can be obtained on your schedule, not someone else?. Additionally, online education does not require that you move or leave your current residence. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can easily earn an online degree. The only real disadvantage of an online degree is the loss of the college lifestyle. An online degree does not include activities and events outside the classroom.

In the end, there is no definitive answer to the question of online versus traditional degrees. It is literally impossible to give an answer that would apply to every single possible situation. If you are trying to determine the answer to this widespread question, it is important to look at it on an individual level. Although no one will ever be able to say whether online degrees are better than traditional degrees or vice-versa, you can determine which option is the best for your personal situation. It is important to not only take into account your current situation, but also your educational hopes and goals. By taking a thorough look at your situation, expectations and options, you will be able to determine whether an online degree or traditional degree is the best option for you to pursue.

Alberta's Education System

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In Canada, each Province and Territory has jurisdiction over its own education system. Public education is free to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged less than 20 years.

Parents are responsible for providing school supplies, school uniforms are not worn but Band and Sports uniforms are also the parent's responsibility. In Alberta, students are legally required to attend school between the ages of 6 and 16 years.

It is extremely important that you find out when the registration period is to ensure that your kids get the places at the schools you want. The registration normally takes place several months before the year starts (I.E. register in Feb. for September). Contact the particular school to find out the precise details. There may well be an administration fee charged to register your child!

There are a number of different types of schooling options available for your child? education in Alberta. The choices are: Public, French immersion, Catholic, Francophone, Charter and Private Schools. Parents also have the option of home schooling their children.

Each school has its own attendance area; school boards are required to provide transportation for students that live more than 2.4 kilometers away. There may be a charge for this which you can expect to have to pay before the start of each school year. Your child does not have to enroll in the school in your attendance area as you may choose to enroll them elsewhere. However, the parents would then be responsible for transportation to and from school. Also, a percentage of the local taxes that every resident has to pay are paid to the school system of your choice (catholic, public etc.) in your catchment area.

The school year usually runs from the beginning of September through to June 30th. However, there may be variations to this from system to system. Most schools close down for the months of July and August as well as breaks at Christmas and Easter.

Preschool and Kindergarten

Schooling can start as early as 3 years old, at preschool. These tend to be privately run; therefore, you have to pay for them. Most children will attend pre-school until they are five years old.

Children's Services set standards for day care, nursery schools, drop in centers and family day homes. This ensures the health and safety and well-being of the children that attend these facilities.

Kindergarten generally starts at the age of 5 years, although some school boards have different age cut off dates. The student will attend 5 days of either morning or afternoon classes. Kindergarten has 400 instructional hours per year. It is normally part of the school that your child will attend in Grade 1 and is good preparation for full time school.

If your kid(s) are around this age be sure to find out about vaccinations. There will be standard Vaccinations offered that schools MAY insist on being up to date before they start school. Check with your chosen school for more details.

This age or younger is a very good time to think about saving for your child's post secondary education. Fees for post secondary education in Alberta are very expensive. There is a savings plan available in which the Federal Government will input a percentage of your contributions. These are called Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP).

Elementary and High School

Children start Elementary school at the age of 6 years (Grade 1) and stay there until they are 12 years old(Grade 6). There are certain subjects that are required in these grades; these include Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art and Music, Health and Physical Education. There are also optional courses available; these vary from school to school.

Some school boards have a middle school for grades 5 to 8. If there is no middle school structure the children move on to junior high for Grades 7 to 9. (12 to 15 years)

Finally, there is Senior high school; this is for grades 10 - 12(15 - 18 years old). To graduate from high school, students need to achieve 100 credits. Credits are given for different subjects and courses that the student can take.

High schools also offer many different choices for students to help them to prepare for further education in Alberta.

Schools do not have to teach a second language, however many schools offer various language courses. Students are encouraged to learn French, Canada's other official language. Depending on the school there are many other second language courses available.

There are three types of language courses offered:

Immersion - this is where French is mainly used during the school day to teach the pupils. At elementary level it is used for 50 - 100 % of the day and 40 - 80% at the secondary level. You do not have to have French speaking parents to enroll in French immersion.

Bi-lingual - in which the language is used 25-50% of the time.

Second language programs - in which a particular language is taught as a course.

Transfer from abroad

Students who are new to education in Alberta and are from a foreign (non Canadian curriculum) school system should submit an official statement of previous standing, such as a report card to the school they want to enroll in. You should also have the previous school records and transcripts, copies of course outlines and content.

After considering a number of factors including the students age, records and test results they will be placed in the appropriate grade.

Post Secondary Education

Post Secondary education in Alberta has a wide variety of institutes to choose from:

There are publicly funded colleges which are located at many different places. The courses that these colleges offer include academic upgrading, job readiness, apprenticeship certificate and diplomas.

The two main technical institutions of Alberta are North Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) which is located in Edmonton and South Alberta Institute of Alberta (SAIT) located in Calgary offer certificate, diploma's, apprenticeship and continuing education in Alberta that are tailored to workplace requirements.

Three campus based universities, University of Alberta (Edmonton), University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge and one distance learning university, the University of Athabasca. There are also seven private colleges that are accredited to grant degrees at University level.
Another type of course available is the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training System which is an industry and government partnership that ensures a highly skilled workforce in 54 designated trades. There are also scholarships available in this system.

Student loans, numbers and permits

As with all of Canada, the Post Secondary education in Alberta is NOT free. Several years ago, the Canadian Government launched Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP's) to help parents save for their children? future education in Alberta. These are great if you start them early, but if your kids are about to start when you land it is too late.

In that case, there are interest free student loans available if you attend a designated post secondary institute full time. These are only available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. There are two sources of student loans for education in Alberta - the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.

To be able to enroll in any school or post secondary institute in Alberta or to apply for a student loan you must firstly apply for an Alberta Student Number.

9 Tips To Make Back-to-School Shopping a Snap

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It barely seems as if the final school bell rang, and already it? time to get the kids ready to head back! With everything else you have on your plate, the idea of back-to-school shopping can be, well, less than thrilling, and just a little overwhelming.

Relax! These nine tips will help you get organized and make back-to-school shopping a breeze.

1. Make A List. Consider what each child needs most and place those items at the top of your shopping list. Prioritizing needs will help you shop early for the necessities, and you can leave the unessential items until later, when you have more time?nd money.

2. Create A Budget. Knowing how much you can afford to spend on clothes and electronic items, for example, can cut a great deal of time out of your back-to-school shopping. You?l know exactly which brands and products are within your spending limits ?which means you won? waste time listening to that sales pitch for a high-priced computer that you know you can? afford. Be sure your kids know the limits before you head out to prevent future hassles with them over what you will and won? spend for certain items.

3. Use Cash. After you?e made your budget, use cash to make your purchases. When you only have a limited amount of money in your pocket, you?e not as likely to give in to the desire to splurge on things your children may not really need ?or that you can? really afford. This will save you huge headaches down the road when the credit card bills would be rolling in. Instead, you?l be patting yourself on the back for being such a savvy shopper.

4. Plan Your Attack. Knowing when to shop is half the battle. Choose times when your children will be feeling their best. Time your shopping to beat the crowds. With gas prices the way they are, you?l want to map out your strategy ahead of time. Plan your route and hit all the stores you need to in an orderly manner ?and save money at the gas pump as well.

5. Shop Alone When Possible. Sticking to a budget and dashing in and out of stores is so much easier when you?e by yourself. Plus, you won? have the extra guilt that comes from kids begging for impulse items that you have to say no to. Shopping alone may not always be practical, but do it for as many items as possible. You?l save a lot of wear and tear not just on your wallet but on your nerves too!

6. Click It. Online shopping has to be any busy mom? best friend ever! You can find anything you need online and have it delivered right to your door. That means no filling up the car with kids and gas, driving all over town, and ending up back at home with your nerves frazzled and your credit card smoking. You can shop online while at the office or at home when the kids are napping or have gone to bed for the night?r any other time that? convenient to you, for that matter. Also, shopping online may save you lots of money, as you can easily shop around for the best deals and all from the comfort of your favorite PC.

7. Buy Quality. When it comes to buying things such as backpacks and other school supplies that will be used on a daily basis, you?l want to buy the highest quality you can afford. Remember a bargain isn? a bargain if an item falls apart in a few weeks and has to be replaced. So for items that are going to need to withstand a lot of wear and tear, buy quality. Believe me, you won? regret it.

8. Shop During Tax-Free Weekends. If your state has a tax-free weekend, be sure to take advantage of it. This is especially true when you need to purchase large-ticket items like computers. You?l be amazed at the amount of money you can save by shopping during this time.

9. Delegate. If you?e time-starved, send Dad to do the back-to-school shopping. After all, who said shopping has to be just Mom? job? This is a great way to divide and conquer. You take half of the shopping list and let him take the other half. Neither of you will feel overwhelmed by the list of items to be bought, and sharing the shopping responsibility lessens the burdened too. (Actually, this would be a great time for you two to make a date to meet for coffee after the shopping? done and work in a little of that oh-so-important couple time!