Faq Reference Data Information

Enrollment in online education is at an all time high, according to a recent study by the Sloan Consortium. Based on responses from more than 2,200 colleges and universities across the U.S., the study reveals that 3.2 million students took at least one online course in the fall of 2005, an increase of 850,000 more than the year before. The report is available at www.sloan-c.org/publications/survey/index.asp.

With the rise in popularity of e-learning comes some unique challenges not extant with more traditional classrooms. Students need to be aware of the differences between online and traditional classes and be prepared to make the necessary adjustments. Significant challenges faced by online students include the following:

Technical problems. Computer hardware and peripheral devices such as printers, modems and routers are not indestructible; as with any other man-made device, they can break down or malfunction at the most inopportune time. In addition to equipment failure, an older computer may be incompatible with some software required for the course. Viruses, trojans, spyware and other malware could infect a computer, causing it to run poorly or not at all. A slow internet connection might cause problems logging into class, retrieving and submitting assignments, and posting to threaded discussions. Any of these problems could cause a great deal of frustration for the student trying to complete course assignments. Therefore, it is important for the student to have access to a backup computer to use in case of equipment malfunction. Staying motivated. Going to school always requires a certain level of motivation from a student regardless of whether it’s a “bricks-and-mortar” institution or online class. In a traditional classroom setting, a student has live, face-to-face interaction with the instructor and fellow students — a camaraderie that may help boost enthusiasm and motivation for the course. In an internet-based class however, there is no live contact with instructor and classmates — the student works alone in a virtual environment. This lack of live contact may lead to a feeling of isolation, and make it difficult for a student without a high internal commitment or personal drive to stay motivated during the course. Self-discipline. As with motivation, a student needs good self-discipline to succeed online. The freedom and flexibility of e-learning is what’s so attractive to many people. There’s no obligation to login to class at any particular time or place — you can go to class and do your assignments whenever it’s convenient for you. However, this same freedom can lead to procrastination, and cause the unwary or undisciplined student to fall behind in his assignments. Once behind, it can be difficult to catch up. It’s difficult to improve oral communication skills. There are many classes such as speech, drama, debate, teacher education and so forth that require the student to make oral presentations in front of a group of people. With online courses this is not practical, as the classroom is virtual, and the students are not all gathered together at one time in one room. A student wishing to improve oral communication skills may need to take these classes in a traditional classroom course. Classes with lab or hands-on requirements may not be available online. If a lab course cannot be simulated or practically offered online, a student will need to take the course at a local college campus or other location with the necessary facilities for completing the course work.

Students considering taking online courses need to be aware of these and other challenges, and be prepared to meet them in order to be successful online. If any challenge seems insurmountable, the student should reconsider the online option and perhaps take a traditional ground-based course instead.

Jesse Whitehead earned his B.S. in Business Administration from an online university in 2005. For more information about

A Great School to Further Arts Studies But Competition is Tough and Admissions Officers are Very Choosy

Attending Julliard is amongst the most prestigious achievement that any musician, dancer or dramatist can achieve. The school is well known for their prestigious honors and the prestigious people who leave Julliard to pursue their passions. The acceptance process into Julliard is a rigorous process as they strive only to find the best in music, drama and dance.

The Committee on Admissions selects students based on their performances at competitive auditions that are held at The Julliard School and other cities around the country. Members of the faculty of Julliard evaluate the students and in-person auditions are required by all students. Many exceptional students will be invited for live auditions. Students receive notification of their auditions one month prior to their audition to give them time to prepare their pieces. Students may not apply more than twice to the Dance and Music Divisions or three times to the Drama Divisions if they have received unfavorable results in the past. Students who are selected must also begin their studies in the fall semester. Students are not allowed to enroll in the winter and begin in the spring. Admissions are not determined by any other factors except the performance of the student in the in-person or live audition.

Drama and Music students are required to be high school graduates or possess a G.E.D. Julliard does not have a minimum or maximum age limit. They do tend to admit those students who are in their prime for the learning and training that Julliard provides. Many students may be young adults in their teens while others may be older. The priority of Julliard is to insure the artistic development of their students. Dance candidates must also be high school graduates or have their G.E.D., however, the Dance Division has an Early Admissions program that allows dance candidates to apply during their junior year of high school or be at least age 16. Julliard does not require that students take tests such as the ACT or SAT, but if they have taken these tests they are encouraged to send the results to Julliard.

Applicants are also responsible for insuring that they provide complete education documents and transcripts to Julliard. Students who have attended high school or college must provide official transcripts from all schools. All undergraduate applicants must also provide a letter of recommendation from a high school academic teacher that teaches English, history or other language arts course. Letters of Recommendation are required, as Julliard wants to insure that students are able to speak, read, write and comprehend properly. They also want their students to be able to be effective speakers, advocates, teachers and community partners. Drama Division students are required to submit a letter of recommendation from their drama teacher and discuss their work as an actor or actress.

Students that obtain a position learning and training at Julliard in Dance and Drama are eligible for either the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or the Julliard Diploma.

Undergraduate music students are eligible for a Bachelor of Music degree with four years of study. Undergraduate music students are also eligible for the Julliard Diploma with three years of study.

Consider this quote: “The transforming role of Juilliard is to help talented students harness their dedication to become communicative artists, imbued with the passion and understanding to reach within themselves to affect and move audiences. It is this process that prepares our students for a life in the arts.” Joseph W. Polisi, President of The Juilliard School

© GradResumes.com – specializes in writing graduate resumes and college admission documents. With dozens of professional resume writers and education specialists, and some of the finest editing staff in the industry, GradResumes.com GradResumes.com has effectively helped thousands of clients launch their post-graduate careers and successfully gain admission to their schools of choice. Any reproduction or reprint of this article must include this information.