What could students do when confronted with school closures and other issues?

A recent article reported that nearly 250 colleges were at risk of shutting down, after a top official at the U.S. Department of Education endorsed a plan to terminate the colleges’ accreditor’s authority to act as a gatekeeper for federal student aid.

The above-mentioned article pointed out that the Washington-based Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS) was planning to appeal the decision, but has gone ahead and offered three options for the affected schools – “find a new accreditor,” “merge with other colleges,” or “close their doors.”

What would students do if their college closes its door for one reason or another,? What if the students were confronted by other issues affecting availability and cost of schooling?  This article suggests that one solution to this problem is for affected students to pursue online education.

A webpage of the Straube Foundation  provides a description of various accredited online programs, colleges and universities while numerous online learning portals are presented at an associated webpage.

 Apart from reduced costs, other advantages of online learning include: students  get to participate in  programs they are most interested in,  when the programs may not be available locally; a flexible schedule that could allow one to work/earn an income and study at the same time; and the possibility of a 100% self-paced education.

Posted by Dr. Nat Tuivavalagi 

Quantum University: Innovative/ affordable ways for Integrative Medicine studies by anyone, anywhere

According to their website, Quantum University is “the world’s largest institution of higher learning providing degrees [bachelor, master, doctorate, and PhD] and certification programs in holistic, alternative, natural, and integrative medicine based on the new emerging science of quantum physics.”

“Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, International Quantum University for Integrative Medicine [IQUIM or Quantum University for short] is a degree-granting institution established in 2002 that now serves over 8,000 students in 41 countries all over the world.”

“Students are offered health classes, certification courses, and degree program in an affordable iPad and/or online learning environment in order to receive the know-how and credentials necessary to become leaders in the natural health industries.”

In his book, Creative Integrative Medicine, Quantum University founder, Dr. Drouin, mentioned that his mission is “to educate anyone who is sincere about obtaining an exceptional education in the healing arts, regardless of race, political preference, gender, religion, or financial status.” He adds that “in order to increase accessibility to [their] programs and ensure the success of … students …, Quantum University “developed an advanced education platform with tools to assist [students] in the learning process.”

The iPad technology allows students anywhere in the world to take Quantum University courses. However students have to go online to do take their exams.  The iPad,  which is loaded with innovative learning and support materials, is one of the tools used by the university to enhance access to quality education while reducing student costs at the same time.

Quantum University has also introduced innovative ways to help their students financially. In particular, they have teamed up with the World Organization of Natural Medicine (WONM) to offer so-called “Pay it Forward” Tuition Awards to their students. Whereby award recipients repay the financial assistance by volunteering their time in the service of humanity upon graduation. Students receiving tuition awards also qualify for a cash award for the most distinguished service contribution of the year. 

Quantum University’s online programs allow students to continue working full time while pursuing their education.  They also “associate the degree programs with different levels of certification in specific disciplines, so that even if students had not completed the full program, they could already practice a few alternative modalities” allowing students to start earning  extra income while still continuing their studies. And the university’s “wide selection of courses and virtual classrooms can fit any budget.” As a result of the variety of options offered, “most of [the] students have already paid off all their tuition by the time they complete their degree…”

For more information on Quantum University, click here.

Posted by Dr. Nat Tuivavalagi

$150,000/ $160,000 offer towards your Stanford MBA Studies

Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program

Through their “Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program”,  Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) offers to pay the tuition and associated fees (approximately US $150,000) for citizens of African countries with financial hardships, who wish to obtain an MBA at Stanford. Under this program, Stanford is committed to award up to eight Stanford Africa MBA fellowships annually.

The catch is, within two years of graduation from Stanford, fellows of this program are required to return to Africa to work for at least two years in a professional role. This role must contribute to the continent’s development. For more details on the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program, click here.

Stanford USA MBA Fellowship Program

Following the successful Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship model, Stanford GSB has initiated its Stanford USA MBA Fellowship Program. This program will cover tuition and associated fees for up to three  new students in next year’s  MBA class. The fellowship,  which is worth up to $160,000  for the two year MBA program, is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who qualify for need-based financial aid. This program is  committed to economic development in underserved regions of the United States.  However, in its first round, the Stanford USA MBA Fellowship targets the Midwest. Canidadtes must show strong connections with at least one state in the area which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Within two years of graduating from Stanford, fellows of this program agree to work in the Midwest for two years. For more details on the Stanford USA MBA Fellowship Program, click here.

Posted by Dr. Nat Tuivavalagi

Tuition-free education in the US

A recent BBC article by Zoe Thomas (http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36751075) has explored whether free university tuition would work in the US.  In the meanwhile bestcollegereviews.org has provided a description (summarized below) of eight US colleges where students are already attending colleges at no cost (http://www.bestcollegereviews.org/features/8-colleges-where-students-attend-for-free/ ).

8) College of the Ozarks:  A Christian college in the Midwest. This College offers bachelor degree programs for different fields of study – from accounting to culinary arts. This college provides free tuition for the 1,400 students attending yearly, but students must work at least 15 hrs/wk and two 40-hour work weeks through their campus jobs.

7) Deep Springs College:  A male-only school located in California’s High Desert, admitting 15 students a year, providing a 2-year high quality education in liberal arts. Every student receives about $50,000 annually plus free room and board, and, in return, must work at least 20 hrs/wk on the college’s cattle ranch and alfalfa farm. 

6) Alice Lloyd College:  A private college in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, specializing in liberal arts  and offering bachelor degrees in science, arts, and other specialties. Students must work 10 hrs/wk  for free tuition, or 15 hrs/wk for free tuition and boarding. 

5) Berea College:  A Christian faith based college, founded by abolitionists and reformers in the 1800s.  Students work at least 10 hrs/wk for free tuition.  This college is able to provide students with full tuition coverage up to $24,500 each year along with a $4,000 Labor Grant. 

4) Curtis Institute of Music:  One of the most eminent performance arts schools in the U.S. This college enrolls  only 165 students each year, allowing students to have a one-on-one training with esteemed, musical professionals.  Donation and endowment revenues enable the institute to award their students with a stress-free gift of a lifetime.

3) Barclay College: A college that prepares students for a life of serving and leading a Christian lifestyle, offering degree programs from Youth Ministry to Christian Elementary Education.  Every student admitted is rewarded with a full scholarship but must reside on the college campus.

2) United States Academies:  Military, Naval, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and US Air Force Academies all offer top notch educations with selective admissions.  Students are guaranteed a career in a branch of the US military upon graduation. The minimum terms of duty are usually 5 years of  active duty, and 3 years reserve duty.

1) Webb Institute:  A highly accredited institute specializing in marine engineering and naval constructions, with around 80 undergraduate students each year.  The institute offers a full 4-year scholarship to their students, and provides  job placement for 100% of their student graduates. 

Posted by Dr. Nat Tuivavalagi 

Information on Free or Low-cost Education

In some parts of the world, the rising cost of education is an issue of major concern.  In particular, a fortune.com article has labelled the high costs of college in the U.S. as “crazy.” On the other hand, there are some who are working hard to address this issue, attempting to offer free or  low-cost education to as many people as possible.

Tuition-Free studies in Europe

A scholars4dev article at

http://www.scholars4dev.com/4031/list-of-european-countries-with-tuition-freelow-tuition-universities-colleges/

lists the “top 5 countries where you can study for free in 2016” as Finland, Austria, Norway, Germany, and Sweden.  For each country, the article also provides some relevant information such as a list of institutions for higher learning, a list of scholarships offered, and school fee levels where fees are charged.

Online Tuition-Free Universities

The scholars4dev article briefly describes the University of the People, the first university offering online degrees/courses at no cost; and it also provides a list of universities around the world that are now also offering free online courses.

Scholarships

Furthermore, the scholars4dev article also provides numerous helpful links such as links to lists of universities around the world that provide scholarships for international students.

Posted by:  Dr. Nat Tuivavalagi

42 US Free Coding School!

"42 US" may not be your typical school name, however it certainly isn't your typical school. An Ars Technica article expresses how this school operates and how it sets it apart from other coding schools. 42 US is a school located in Fremont, California and it selects students  based off an online logic test.  Other than this this logic test nothing else is required, not even a college or high school diploma. Even better, 42 US is a completely no cost school.

Students that are accepted into 42 US do not need any type of coding experience. They may learn the coding basics at this school and all work is completed within the 42 US computer lab. They also have an option to reside in the  dorms at no cost. What sets 42 US apart from other schools is the way it teaches its students. They do not have a professor lecturing the students in the front of the classroom, rather, they provide short videos and peer to peer learning.


Photo: Cyrus Farivar

The above picture is a tip you will find at 42 US. It is a great tip because it encourages self-learning. Students at 42 US are required to solve problems on their own,as they made be required to do  someday in the workforce. However, sometimes students do get stuck and they cannot figure out a solution to a problem. 42 US encourages a peer to ask another peer for assistance . This is  a great learning method because it teaches the students how to work together, a skill which coders must possess.

In addition to learning all the skills of simply, "coding", the ability to self-learn is also a skill. Learning how to self-learn is not as easy as learning to code. There is no tutorial or textbook on how to do so. Being able to self-learn takes practice and 42 US provides intensive practice to its students. Every great worker must have the ability to self learn, and to not have that ability before entering the workforce would make working much more difficult.

42 US is a premier coding school, yet it is  free of charge. It teaches coding, while at the same time teaching students how to cooperate and self learn. Both of which are very valuable skills to possess within the work field. Simply their educational philosophy  is a producer of great, productive workers and a leader of revolutionary teaching methods to other schools as well.

Virtual Reality for Education!

Any Star Trek fans reading??? Well, NetDragon Websoft Holdings Ltd, a leading company in implementing Virtual Reality for Education sure has one cool lair designed replicating the USS Enterprise. As a Star Trek fan myself, this excites me!!

 

Photo: NetDragon Websoft

Earlier this month, a Bloomberg Article reported on the topic of virtual reality and it's possible entrance into education, especially in China. It explained that many parents in China wanted to "give their kids an edge", which as an immigrant from Hong Kong, I could testify towards. We're interested in using Virtual Reality to acquire this so called advantage. This would make China a perfect testing site for this product. NetDragon wants to perform a variety of tracking tests which could help the release of these products. For example, tracking the pupil activity of the children using these products in the classroom. The program also hopes to be able to evaluate human behavior while using digital products to detect diseases within a person. In terms of education, they hope that virtual reality will be a useful resource in detecting interests in children from a young age as well as their learning abilities.

Yes, there are unlimited benefits involving the implementation of Virtual Reality in education. However, Virtual Reality also has many negatives to the program. An issue which was mentioned in the  Bloomberg Article  a few times is piracy. As of now, many tech giants have a plethora  of knowledge for every person that touches technology. For example, a search engine such as Google basically knows the ins and out of your entire life. From your browsing history to your purchase history, Google collects data about every aspect of your life. That's how they tailor all their ads towards your areas of interest. The issue with Virtual Reality and NetDragon's tracking (such as human behavior and pupil activity) is that it takes knowing a person to another level. Before, it was only knowledge of your personal life, now it has escalated to  knowledge of your entire body. Obviously, if this valuable information is used responsibly, it should not be an issue. However, the determining usage will come down to trust, and parents in China sure feel that the rewards of a good quality education outweigh the risks.

Personally, I 've had multiple chances to try virtual reality. It sure is an exhilarating experience, but I do admit that sometimes I feel dizzy from using a VR device. However, in my case, the fun outweighs the dizziness. If you want to try a VR device, you can easily find tech stores such as Microsoft or Best Buy and sometimes they do VR demos at no cost. If you want to buy a VR device, the budget  ranges from $10- $800. I  recommend the Google Cardboard if you just want to experience Virtual Reality. It is  very affordable, while still providing a modest experience. If you haven't tried out Virtual Reality, I really recommend it!