Bachelor’s degrees online have become the newest trend within the education industry – cost efficient, work efficient, and family-oriented, online colleges appear  to be the saving grace for many US citizens who have been laid off, need higher degrees, or simply have nothing better to do than go back to school.  While it is true that online education has contributed to some of the poor footing of the economy by producing more graduates with student loans, the news has avoided many of the positive stories that have come out of online colleges.  Bachelor’s degrees online have helped educate a majority of our population that otherwise would have gone uneducated and have additionally opened many doors for these individuals.  In this type of economy, while many of us are eager to get regular 9-5 jobs instead of go back to school, online education has offered us a new alternative to getting a job that will only pay for the most minimal bills.

The mentality of online education appeals to many of us who do not want to suffer the monetary consequences of a costly move to go back to college or some of us who want to hold onto our current job.  Earning a bachelor’s degree online affords many of us the ability to work while going to school – online education affords students the opportunity to create their own schedule.  While classes are still demanding and require a high level of interaction through email and online forums, there is no set time for class discussions or class lectures, allowing students the flexibility to adjust their schedules as they need to.  This has been extremely appealing to a generation who has had to experience one of the worst economic downturns of the past few decades.  

For many of us, earning an extra degree seems to be the best alternative to entering the job industry.  As long as we’re going through the internet all day looking for jobs, we might as well be taking classes online at the same time!
 

While this is only in its beginning stages (Kindle only offers limited textbooks through Amazon.com), the site Flat World Knowledge has offered open course textbooks, free of charge, for students of similar classes.  This company offers only web-only versions, although students can opt to buy a $29 black and white version of the text or can purchase the book on PDF form by chapter, at $1.99 per chapter.  Our world has become increasingly intertwined with social media, and these types of innovations make it easier for both students and individuals to connect on a new level, one which affords them thousands of dollars in savings.

Textbooks are not cheap, but are in fact a necessity of any form of college life, whether it be online or traditional.  Kindle has tried to offer competitive rates on its textbooks, but it is not the same as having a book in your lap that you can highlight and take notes on.  This web-based form allows students the opportunity to either read online, or print out and highlight onto.  If I had this opportunity in college or graduate school, I would have undoubtedly saved several thousand dollars easily.  Textbooks are only rising in cost, and these types of opportunities are especially appealing in an economy that has seen the cost of tuition skyrocket despite the downward turn of the economy. 

More than just offering a cost-efficient substitute for students, the digital books offered through Flat World Knowledge, and eventually through other similar companies, have afforded professors the opportunity to edit the text at the sentence level.  This is only the beginning of this amazing step in combining the worlds of both online and traditional education, as students from all over will be able to rejoice in their savings.  Textbooks are a key element of earning a bachelors degree and any way to save on this cost is helpful, whether you are an online student or traditional student. 

The small statistical difference which the studies have indicated is monumental in its conclusions because this revealed that students learning through unconventional methods could achieve a higher ranges of test scores.  While there is only a slight difference between online education and traditional education test scores, many professionals have theorized that online education will expand sharply over the next few years but will not completely take over traditional classroom settings.  Recent years have additionally expanded the online education industry as newer technology has allowed online classes to teach lessons better than they were previously able to.  Earning a bachelor’s degree online has additionally become more prominent as online colleges have become more widely accepted throughout the career world. 

Online education has additionally expanded through the use of the internet and social networking programs which have brought students together in ways that earlier courses were not able to do.  Bachelors degrees require years of study, but the ability to earn a bachelors degree online, from home, is a monumental change in schooling.  Teaching students the importance of individuality within their studies is an important part of education in general, and online education stresses this belief even more since most online students are forced to learn ideas and lessons on their own, rather than relying on other students’ ideas. 

Since technology has evolved to the point where we are able to completely accept online education as comparable to classroom teachings, we can only speculate how much online classes will affect our future notions of education.  Earning a bachelors degree online is becoming more and more prominent within the older student community and is even becoming a viable option for recent high school grads who must continue working after graduation.  The easy accessibility of online classes has made it easy for students to work at the same time as they enroll in classes and has therefore jumped in prominence in recent years.  Bachelor’s degrees have increased in recent years solely as a result of the easy accessibility of online classes and will continue to increase as we strive for a better-educated population. 

From the humble roots of online education in the 90s, to the 4 million students who are now enrolled in classes across the country, online bachelors degrees have revolutionized the manner in which students can receive degrees.  No longer do we have to trek across the country to move into a tiny dorm; rather, we can now work from the comfort of our own home and remain in any city we wish to live in.  This type of opportunity was unprecedented only a decade ago. 

Ads like the kind Kaplan University has put out have helped inform many citizens of the need for online education in our growing economy.  Traditional education does not work for everyone, the ads contend, and online classes offer stay-at-home moms, full time workers, and late bloomers to enroll in classes and earn an online bachelors degree where they otherwise would not have been able to.  These ads have helped influence a wide array of people to enroll in online classes and have furthermore instilled a new drive in many potential students who were unaware of the opportunities an online bachelors degree can deliver. 

Additionally, these ads strive to break free of the gloom the economy has pushed on all of us, and instead presents a more hopeful outlook for the future.  Online universities present the student with options for the future, perhaps even options they never knew they had.  Additionally, with our educational standards falling drastically behind that of the rest of the world, the fact that we have an alternative method of reaching out to students who could not enroll in traditional classes will only boost our economy and foster a growth of a higher education population.  Regardless of which ad you watch or which school you attend, the fact that online bachelors degrees are now readily offered is enough to cause many in the educational community to breathe a sigh of relief that every student will not have a better opportunity to succeed in school. 

Online college courses in education are offered at many of the accredited online schools, including University of Phoenix, Liberty University, and Ashford University.  More than simply gaining your education degree in a specified age level, these schools additionally allow students the opportunity to decide if they want to become more specialized within the education field.  Online college courses are offered to help students with curriculum assistance as well as educational technology.  These courses are helpful for many students because they allow them to get hands-on experience without having to develop these skills on their first day of teaching.  Additionally, the new field of distance learning has now becomes so widespread, even among a younger student base, that many online courses now deal specifically with this technological feat. 

Online college courses in the health field are a bit more complicated to grasp for those not involved with the distance learning concept.  Many people around the country are of the mindset that many fields such as health and law, are two industries that cannot be taught through a computer, requiring a more hands-on approach.  However, healthcare has now become so intertwined with technology, that online courses are the perfect medium in which to develop these skills.  Students of online courses are obviously well-equipped with skills necessary to manipulate the internet and other aspects that are now necessary within the medical field.  Many courses focus on medical billing and coding which has recently undergone a technical revolution.  Doctors now have updated their client records to be more easily accessible by using both the internet and other software devices.  Learning this type of technology through online courses allows students to go into the health field into positions that are in desperate need of fresh minds who understand how to manipulate software to their best advantage.

Furthermore, liberal arts degrees in the humanities are some of the most accessible online college courses for students to enroll in.  Degrees in the arts are offered by many accredited online schools which additionally allows students to pick and choose as to which program is better suited for their particular needs.  These degrees may require more outside work, but offer a wide range of online courses and degree, ranging from those in fashion design to photography.  The possibilities have become endless with online courses.  Even attaining a simple degree for a better understanding of interior design techniques has now become much easier than ever before.  Online college courses have opened up a wide range of opportunities for students around the world and offer better insight into many different fields.  

Books and Reading

These online communities are united around a love for books and reading. Find others who share your passion here.

1. Goodreads. Organize your books by shelves depending on whether or not you’ve read them, are reading them, or want to read them; share reviews; form virtual book clubs; and test your knowledge of book trivia at this popular social network for book lovers.
2. Library Thing. Another popular book site, here you can catalog your books virtually, find reviews from others, share your opinion, and more at this online book community.
3. Shelfari. Get a virtual bookshelf here where you can show the books you’ve read, what you want to read, and share your books and opinions with friends. This site has been rated as one of the most visually stunning social networking sites of any genre.
4. Bookarmy. Read reviews, get recommendations, read about authors, connect with others, and even read books online with this community that is devoted to preventing having to read bad books.
5. aNobii. Find members with the same book on their lists that you have and discover how others rate books, too. You can purchase books online and even get code to add to your blog to write about books.
6. ConnectViaBooks. When you first land on this social network, you discover an interactive map that shows the various activities of members around the world. Connect and share your love of books globally.
7. Booktagger. Add the books your like and tag them with descriptions, then join a book group or create your own. Make book lists organized by fun categories you create, keep track of books you’ve loaned, and more in this community.
8. Noting:books. Keep notes about the books you are reading, including the days you started and finished and your thoughts as you read. Share your notes with others and be sure to read members’ notebooks they keep, too.
9. ReadWhale. Make your book shelf, connect with others, and discuss books, with this social community. Rate your books and compare with others and share your books through Twitter.
10. Juicespot. Get the juice on books or spill the juice yourself at this social network for those who love books. Read articles and vote on whether you agree with the point made, see what critics have to say, and share your own reviews with others in the community.

Foreign Language

If you are learning a foreign language or would like to help others practice a new language, then check out these communities that are all about sharing a thirst for languages.

11. italki. This social network offers a combination of free resources and resources for a fee. Connect with other members to practice your language skills or find a teacher who is a native speaker of your target language.
12. Livemocha. The free options here include tips from native speakers, free online lessons, a community to practice your skills, and much more. Pay to get audio and video lessons as well as access to professional tutors.
13. MyHappyPlanet. Communicate with members to practice your language skills here. For an extra bonus, you can find lessons designed by other members to help boost your skills.
14. xLingo. Connect with others on this social network to practice a foreign language. You can also join in forums, blog, and create flashcards for practice.
15. VoxSwap. Participate in chatrooms and forums or connect with individuals to practice your language skills. You can also watch videos in nine different languages.
16. Babbel. This network offers fun language learning in English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French with community connections, online courses, videos, and more. Some of the services here are available at a fee.
17. Busuu. English, Spanish, French, and German are the languages of focus on this social network that provides an opportunity for members to learn together. Language courses and lessons are also available.
18. palabea. Learn a new language while also exploring a new culture by connecting with others in this online community.

Finance

From investing to personal finances, these online groups will help you learn the information you seek.

19. Zacks Investment Research. Create a portfolio, connect with community and more at this site that provides mathematically-based research to help you learn about markets and trends. Be sure to check out the Education section for investing guides and other resources.
20. MarketWatch Community. Members can create profiles to help connect with others, then share information, news, tips, and more to learn about the stock market and investing.
21. Covester. Covester allows members to watch the investment habits of other members in order to better learn how to make money through investing.
22. ZeccoShare. If you are learning about investing, then the community here is a great place to join. Get investment tracking, sharing of ideas and tips, and join groups where members can find support each other as they learn about investing.
23. UpDown. Practice investing with a $1 million portfolio while you gain experience without risking your own money. Get tips from others, and even earn real money along the way, with this community.
24. Minyanville Financial Infotainment. Join this financial social network to meet other investors while learning about smart investment strategies. Also participate in forums and read blogs and articles about investing.
25. Tip’d. For those interested in finance and investment, Tip’d offers news, tips, articles, and more. Members can vote for the most helpful resources to ensure only the best information is available.
26. InvestingMinds. This community offers everything from investing clubs to chat rooms and provides you the chance to learn from others and share your own investing experience.
27. Wesabe. Learn to manage your money while connecting with others with the same financial goals in this network. Find blogs, read news and reviews, and much more.
28. Kiplinger.com. Learn how to manage your personal finances wisely in this community with the tools, articles, quizzes, online forums, and more.
29. Art of Saving. This personal finance social network helps members reach their finance goals, such as saving for retirement or increasing net worth. Learn from experts, other members, and from webinars and events.
30. My.WallSt.net. Beginners can learn about investing on this social site that helps you find out about stocks, trading, and more through simulated trading. Participate in forums, read blogs and articles, and get to know the movers and shakers in the investment world.

Travel

Many say travel is the ultimate learning experience. If you love to travel, share your experiences, meet others, and plan your next adventure with these groups.

31. Exploroo. Explore the world via this social group before heading out in the real world. Find blogs, photos, videos, and more from members as they share their travel experiences. You can also find events, participate in forums, and read travel articles.
32. CouchSurfing. This unique and popular social community has members meeting online, then providing accommodations for each other at their homes after they become acquainted as they travel around the world.
33. PassportStamp. Track your travels on this social network. You can also get information on travel statistics and find travel tools.
34. TravBuddy. Share travel advice and meet other travelers on this social network. Share photos and blog about your adventures, too.
35. Travellerspoint. Not only can you find help planning trips here, you can also connect over past travels with photo and blog sharing as well as offering review and more.
36. WAYN. Whether you want to plan trips online or meet up face-to-face anywhere around the world, this social network will help you connect with others interested in travel and active lifestyles.
37. Driftr. Track your travels on the map at Driftr, then share with others via blogs, photos, and reviews.
38. tripwolf. Imagine a travel guide run by its members. tripwolf is just that, with members offering facts, tips, and more to help other members plan their perfect trip.
39. TripSay. Rate places you’ve been on the interactive map here and join in the community for discussions about your travels.
40. Dopplr. Billing itself as the social network for smart international travelers, this group allows members to share travel information, pick up on travel similarities between members, share insider tips on locations around the world, and much more.

Variety of Communities

Social justice, climate change, the arts, biographies and family history, science, and academia are all represented among these online communities.

41. Care2. This network focuses on environmental and social causes. MEmbers can read articles, participate in discussions, and stay on top of news and events to help promote their favorite issues.
42. WiserEarth. Find other people who share your passion for a just and sustainable Earth with this group. Create a group or join one that already exists to work towards issues important to you, including low impact development, ethical science, and coastal ecology.
43. deviantART. This community of artists share their work as well as follow other artists and participate in art critiques.
44. OneWorld. Filmmakers, video journalists, and anyone interested in social issues and hoping to raise awareness and affect change through visual media will find a home among the members of this network.
45. OneClimate. Climate change is the uniting issue of the members in this social network. Check out the newsroom, find out what actions you can take, or join groups to meet others interested in making a difference.
46. lifeknot. No matter what your hobby or special interest, you can find others who share your passion at lifeknot. From animal rights to candle-making to water sports, there is a group that matches your interests.
47. WebBiographies.com. Tell your life story or share a fascinating biography of a family member on this site that is all about sharing biographies and connecting with others. You can also create a family tree to share.
48. MyHeritage. A social network aimed at both families and reaching out to the community, MyHeritage allows you to connect with family members online and research your genealogy by reaching out to other members for information as well.
49. SciSpace.net. Scientists can collaborate and network on this social network that welcomes both scientists and non-scientists to join.
50. academici. For those in the business of knowledge, academici is a great place to share information, research, and more. Find others in your field of interest or upgrade to a paid membership for more advanced options here.

Tuition discounts exist. You may be surprised to find out that some colleges will offer students a discount on sticker-price tuition. You may be eligible due to a family or employment association, or the school wants to give you a special incentive to attend their college. Talk to your school to find out if you are eligible to receive a discount on your tuition bill.

Retail establishments often have an unmentioned student discount. Stores like J. Crew, Pier 1, and Top Shop offer up to 15% off every day, just for showing your student ID. You may also find that your school has deals with companies such as Apple or cell phone providers that can give you a special rate.

Entertainment also comes a little bit cheaper for students. Several national movie chains have a special student price, and even fine art institutions like the ballet, museums and Broadway extend a discount to those with a student ID. You may also be able to find student rush tickets to certain shows. Finally, some sports teams have special student days and discounts for those with ID.

Almost every school has partnerships with software providers. Talk to your school to find out what exists, and you can get student software at a fraction of the price. Adobe, for example, has student editions of their Creative Suite for up to 80% off of regular rates.

If you’d like to spend a summer abroad, you may find that it’s a bit cheaper to do while you’re still in school. You can find discount airfare, hotel stays, and activities for students all around the world. You may also be able to take advantage of student tours, so you’ll experience travel with people your age and get to take advantage of group discounts as well.

College can be expensive, so that means you should take advantage of discounts whenever you can. Keep an eye out for opportunities to get the best price, and you’ll find life as a college student just a bit easier.

Think bigger. Why is better beer so important? It delivers a better taste, experience, and even health benefits. You’ll also be supporting smaller brewers instead of huge corporations. High quality beers also tend to have a higher alcohol content, so you’ll get more bang for your buck, but watch out, as they can sneak up on you if you’re used to a lighter brew.

Local beers are a great resource. Look around you - your college town just might have a brewery or two of its own. Check out these local brews for fresher ingredients, better taste, and perhaps best of all - brewery tours. Every time you drink a local beer, you can feel good knowing you’re not just enjoying a great drink - you’re supporting your community, too.

Get crafty. Look for beer from craft breweries instead of the traditional Natty Light, PBR, Miller, Coors, and Budweiser. Craft beer is made with quality, not mass consumption, in mind, and you’ll see the difference. These brewers are passionate about what they do, and your taste buds will appreciate their hard work.

Brew your own. Homebrewing is lots of fun. You get to create your own beer, make something tasty with your friends, and finally enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ll be able to make beer just the way you like it, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you created it yourself. Just check to make sure you’re not violating dorm rules - it would be heartbreaking to have to dump out your precious brew.

Share good beer. Maybe your friends aren’t quite on the better beer bandwagon just yet, but that’s OK. If you’re generous with your beer, you just might get them to convert. Bring a couple of six packs or bombers over the next time you visit and be generous with them. Host a better beer party, or even a tasting where you share beers that are appealing, while still only slightly complex, so they are friendly to drinkers who are used to bland beer.

With these tips, you will be well on your way to enjoying better beer on a regular basis. Cheap, mass produced beer has its place, but that doesn’t always have to be in your belly. Enjoy!

From the humble roots of online education in the 90s, to the 4 million students who are now enrolled in classes across the country, online bachelors degrees have revolutionized the manner in which students can receive degrees.  No longer do we have to trek across the country to move into a tiny dorm; rather, we can now work from the comfort of our own home and remain in any city we wish to live in.  This type of opportunity was unprecedented only a decade ago. 

Ads like the kind Kaplan University has put out have helped inform many citizens of the need for online education in our growing economy.  Traditional education does not work for everyone, the ads contend, and online classes offer stay-at-home moms, full time workers, and late bloomers to enroll in classes and earn an online bachelors degree where they otherwise would not have been able to.  These ads have helped influence a wide array of people to enroll in online classes and have furthermore instilled a new drive in many potential students who were unaware of the opportunities an online bachelors degree can deliver. 

Additionally, these ads strive to break free of the gloom the economy has pushed on all of us, and instead presents a more hopeful outlook for the future.  Online universities present the student with options for the future, perhaps even options they never knew they had.  Additionally, with our educational standards falling drastically behind that of the rest of the world, the fact that we have an alternative method of reaching out to students who could not enroll in traditional classes will only boost our economy and foster a growth of a higher education population.  Regardless of which ad you watch or which school you attend, the fact that online bachelors degrees are now readily offered is enough to cause many in the educational community to breathe a sigh of relief that every student will not have a better opportunity to succeed in school. 

College is for expanding one’s intellectual horizons. Unfortunately, drinking and having fun can distract from learning about history’s great thinkers. From Mark Twain to Confucius, an educated individual should posses some knowledge of certain philosophers, artists and thinkers. Here are 25 great thinkers every college student should read, even if professors don’t assign them.

Western Philosophers

Western universities understandably tend to focus on Western philosophers and thinkers. Check out the works from these masters of Western philosophical thought.

1. Ralph Waldo Emerson: Emerson was an influential figure in the first recognized American school of philosophical thought. After marrying a wealthy widow, Emerson lived in relative comfort for most of his life, supporting other famous writes such as Henry David Thoreau.
2. John Stuart Mill: One of Britain’s most famous political philosophers, Mill was a member of Parliament who endlessly debated the nature of liberty and freedom.
3. Immanuel Kant: Kant’s work on the limitations and structure of reason shaped and influenced philosophical thought throughout the twentieth century. His "Critique of Pure Reason" remains a classic of philosophy and is taught in universities around the world.
4. Soren Kierkegaard: This Danish philosopher is one of the leading thinkers responsible for existentialism.
5. Niccolo Machiavelli: A must for aspiring politicians and wannabe despots, Machiavelli’s "The Prince" is the original guide to ruling an empire or corporate boardroom.

Eastern Thinkers

Eastern philosophies have proven influential on figures throughout history from Marco Polo to the Beatles. The sage wisdom offered by these Eastern thinkers still resonates with audiences separate by culture and time.

6. Confucius: A Chinese thinker and social philosopher, Confucius emphasized personal and institutional morality as well as justice and proper social relationships.
7. Avicenna: This Persian mathematician is perhaps one of the most widely known Muslim philosophers. His works discuss topics ranging from medical ethics to metaphysics.
8. Laozi: The philosophy espoused by this ancient Chinese philosopher eventually became the Taoist religion. Laozi has often influenced and served as inspiration for anti-authoritarian movements.
9. Siddhartha Gautama: Siddhartha was a price who gave away all his possessions to find a deeper meaning from life. After extensive fasting and meditation he achieved enlightenment becoming known as the Buddha. The teachings of this humble price have changed the course of history and philosophical thought.
10. D.T. Suzuki: One of the few modern members on this list, Suzuki is largely responsible for introducing Western audiences to Eastern religions such as Zen Buddhism.

Statesman

Polls show few people trust politicians. History tells a different story as great statesmen inspire courage and selfless action. These politicians are some of history’s great thinkers, speakers and individuals.

11. Winston Churchill: In his nation’s darkest hour, Winston Churchill served as a beacon of inspiration and support. Churchill’s writings and speeches are true testaments to the power of words.
12. Thomas Jefferson: Despite many hypocrisies from his actual life, Jefferson’s writings are beautiful tributes to the power of freedom.
13. Ataturk: The powerful, infamous Turkish leader responsible for ushering his nation into a modern era, Ataturk is a highly regarded figure from Muslim and Turkish history.
14. Mao Zedong: The leader of the Communist revolution in China, Chairman Mao’s impact on history is on increasing with time.
15. Nelson Mandela: After surviving 27 years as a political prisoner, Mandela became South Africa’s first black president beginning the healing process from decades of apartheid.

Writers and Artists

The creative representation of life presented by artists can be more truthful than anything presented by real life. These master writers and artists use characters, brilliant technique and artistic vision to boldly explore timeless questions.

16. Mark Twain: A genuinely clever wit, Mark Twain is best known for penning the classic, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Go beyond Twain’s best known works to discover a thinker centuries ahead of his Victorian time.
17. George Orwell: Modern audiences are often frightened by the remarkable foresight Orwell demonstrates in his writing. Indispensible phrases such as "big brother" and "doublespeak" were created by Orwell and are perfectly suited to modern society.
18. Gabriel Garcia Marquez: This Colombian writer focuses on themes of third world poverty and fantasy. His work is often based in history with elements of the fantastic brilliantly incorporated in the story telling.
19. Albert Camus: This French author brilliantly executed complicated existential philosophies into compelling narratives.
20. Khalil Gibran: This Lebanese philosopher, writer and painter was educated in the US before returning to his native land. Gibran’s 1923 book, "The Prophet" was extremely influential on 1960s counterculture.
21. Kurt Vonnegut: Zany, sharp and always funny, Vonnegut was one of the truly great science fiction writers of the 20th century. Even better, his works are extremely accessible and easy to read despite being a little whacky.
22. Gunter Grass: A German writer who won the 1999 Noble prize for literature, Grass writes literature exploring complex moral issues.
23. Marcel Proust: A brilliant French novelist, Proust’s most famous work contains over 2,000 characters over some 3,000 pages. No one could blame you for skimming the volume but the words from this genius are worth enduring.
24. Issac Asimov: One of the reasons for the popularity of science fiction during the 20th century, Asimov is best known for writing the "I, Robot" series.
25. Arthur Rimbaud: Rimbaud was a French philosopher that influenced the Beat Generation of American writers such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Something of a prodigy, Rimbaud produced his best known works in his late teens before giving up writing all together at 21.