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

Although online colleges are now widely accepted, a few bad schools are still taking tuition money in exchange for an inferior learning experience. How do you recognize a struggling online college? Stay on the lookout for the 10 warning signs in this article.

See Also:

• How to Choose an Online College
• Online College Accreditation Basics

More online colleges are offering virtual and in-person ceremonies for graduates. Consider Columbia Southern University, which hosted graduation exercises in Florida last month. They explain:

Over 1,200 graduates and guests representing countries as far as Kenya, Germany, and Bermuda and cities as close as Pensacola, Navarre and Orange Beach will travel to Pensacola to attend the ceremony.  The largest number of graduates, 42, will come from Vietnam...

'Graduation is a particularly meaningful event for students who have never had the opportunity to meet their classmates or faculty members,' said CSU President, Robert Mayes.  'It's an incredible experience to witness online learners from all over the world coming together to commemorate their educational journey.'

Without the traditional cap and gown, graduation can be a letdown for some online learners. The growing popularity of graduation opportunities for online learners lets students celebrate with their peers from around the world.

See Also: Unique Ways to Celebrate Graduation

If you're an adult learner with past college experience but no degree, you may be able to complete your studies by enrolling in an online school. Many online colleges cater to professional adult students wanting to transfer previous credits and earn a degree in less time than the traditional 4-year program.

See Also:

• How to Choose an Online School
• Online College Accreditation Basics

Teaching online certainly isn't for everyone. However, many instructors enjoy the freedom of virtual instruction and the opportunity to interact with students from around the nation.

Is online teaching right for you? Explore the pros and cons of e-instruction, the requirements necessary for teaching online, and the ways you can find an online teaching job in this in-depth article.

See Also:

• Online Professors Posing as Students
• Earning an Online Education Degree

It is possible to earn legitimate college credit by taking a free online class. The process isn't always easy. But, if you're willing to jump through a few hoops, you could complete a degree requirement by studying free online class materials. Check out this article to learn how.

See Also:

• OpenCourseWare Basics
• Free Online Business Classes

If you're struggling with an online class, don't wait until the last minute to get help. Interacting with online professors can be daunting. Virtual communication can even seem more difficult than a face-to-face meeting. But, there's no need to fear. Follow these ten suggestions and you'll be able to get the help you need.

See Also:

• How to Participate in an Online Class Chat Room
• 10 Indispensible Free Web Resources for Students