Many distance learners want to send a bit of recognition to their online instructors and peers. A gift can be a great way to say "thanks for being such a great teacher" or "I enjoyed working with you during the course."

Instead of worrying about the etiquette of asking for personal addresses, consider sending an email-able gift. You don't need the address or phone number of your recipient to send these unique presents. All you need is a name and email address. Check out this article for some unique and no-cost email-able gift ideas.

See Also:

• Balancing Family and Online College
• Create the Perfect Place to Study

In Oregon parents are fighting for the opportunity to keep enrolling their kids in online charter schools. A recent guest article from Oregon Live explains:

"Educators are worried about the redistribution of public school funding and how to monitor quality and compliance in schools operated with business sector services. Many parents are fuming over the Oregon Legislature's move to halt the growth of virtual schools. They want the freedom to chose a school option that they say works for their children."

Online charter school options have grown tremendously in the last five years. However, some states are beginning to reign in funding for these virtual programs. States do need to ensure that public money is used to give students a quality education. However, if legislators are so cautious that they hold back successful schools, it's the students that suffer the consequences.

See Also:

• What You Need to Know About Online Charter Schools
• List of Free Online Charter Schools

With winter semester starting right after the holidays, now is the perfect time to ask your employer about tuition assistance programs. Many companies provide an education stipend or will cover the entire cost of college tuition for their employees. Taking advantage of this opportunity could save you thousands and improve your chances for a promotion. Learn more about employer tuition assistance and how to get it in this in-depth article.

See Also:

• Distance Learning Cost Comparison
• Types of Financial Aid

Balancing school and family life can be a challenge, even for online learners. While many older adults choose to continue their education through the internet, they often find their study time interrupted by spouses and children who miss them and don't understand the need for "alone time." Take a look at this article to learn strategies for maintaining good relationships with those you love while studying online.

See Also:

• Create the Perfect Place to Study
• Habits of Successful Students