Yet while social media has been lauded for its ability to connect people from all over the world, build friendships, support political causes, and even help people find work, it has also been blamed for a whole host of social problems. Some of this blame, subsequent research has shown, has been placed unfairly, but that doesn't mean that social media doesn't pose some real problems for its users.

As it turns out, being so connected all the time comes with serious drawbacks. It can shorten attention spans, become addictive, lead to less diverse social groups, and even, among student users, cause a marked drop in academic performance. For those who use social media in class or take online courses steeped in social media interaction, these potential effects can be a bit scary and may have many wondering what role, if any, social media should play in higher education.

Your Brain on Social Media

With an estimated 800 million people worldwide using Facebook and countless others connecting through Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, MySpace, and other sites, it only makes sense that social media has become a heavily researched subject over the past few years. After all, on such a large scale, the effects of these types of media could be quite significant, especially among groups who are heavy users. While studies haven't revealed social media to be the societal evil that some have played it up as being, that doesn't mean that it isn't influencing how you act and think, often in ways you may not even realize.

In many ways, social media is simply one aspect of the growing trend for individuals to constantly be working on several things at once and be inundated with the latest news, information, and updates, whether they're important or not. While social media isn't alone in exacerbating these problems, it is one of the most distracting and widely used ways that people divide their attention, especially since smartphones, laptops, tablets and  other gadgets have made it easier to bring these distractions with them anywhere.

While multitasking sounds great on the surface, allowing individuals to do more in less time, research shows that this kind of sustained division of attention can have serious and often deleterious effects on the brain itself.

A study at UCLA in 2006 found that that those who multitasked, using laptops to look at social media in class, for instance, actually utilized a different part of the brain than their more focused counterparts. Instead of employing the hippocampus, used for memory and learning in the brain, like focused learners, multitaskers use the striatum. The striatum can hold memories quite well, but only those used for forming habits or patterns. This is great for learning physical tasks or doing assembly line work, but not for attaining academic excellence. In fact, in a way, those who are multitasking are actually training their brains to be distracted, shortening their attention spans, and making themselves less able to think in high-level situations, none of which bodes well for college-level learning.

So we should just stop multitasking, right? Well, it's not that easy. Once you start multitasking, even if you're just checking your Facebook while working on homework or texting a friend while writing a paper, it becomes almost impossible to switch that need to do more than one thing at once off. If our brains were wired for this kind of dual duty attention, this would be an asset, but they're not. Multitasking actually makes us less efficient and produces poorer results. Research has shown that even those who think they're great at multitasking are actually terrible at filtering out irrelevant information, and performing well on two tasks simultaneously. Yet most of us just can't stop, even if we know it's not leaving us at our best. 

Not only do our brains have a hard time letting go of our constant need to multitask, there is evidence that suggests that social media and other forms of digital engagement may have an addictive effect on the brain as well. A study by researchers at the University of Winchester found that when heavy social media users were asked to stop using the services for a month, some (though not all) experienced negative feelings related to the ban, including feeling cut off from the world and social isolation. While most psychologists and social media experts agree that overuse of these sites doesn't really reach the dangerous levels of true addiction, the release of dopamine that comes from online recognition can be habit-forming, and may even cause some to neglect important tasks like schoolwork and sleep.

This addictive high of social media and the compulsion to multitask have combined to make it harder than ever for today's students to buckle down and pay attention, which is proving to have some very real effects. A study at the Miriam Hospital's Center for Behavioral and Preventative Medicine found that student engagement with digital media of any kind, whether it be posting to Facebook or sending a text to a friend, could have a big impact on grades, lowering GPAs and negatively impacting other areas of academic performance. With the freshmen women in the study spending nearly 12 hours a day (yes, more than half their waking hours) engaged in some form of media use, this may not be especially surprising, but it is troubling. Because these students spend so much time engaging with media, they spend less time doing homework, attending class, and even taking care of themselves by getting enough sleep. 

The Pros and Cons of Social Media in Education

While it's true that social media can have a negative impact on your brain, it's not the tool itself that's the problem but how it's used. In fact, social media plays a productive and incredibly useful role in the classroom at colleges all over the country, and many feel it has a strong role to play in enriching the educational experience for students for years to come.

Yet social media has been a hotly contested addition to classrooms at all levels, not just in college. And in truth, it does come with the potential for distraction and a myriad of other issues. But a closer examination of the pros and cons of social media reveal that it's not nearly as dangerous as some have made it out to be and may be just what some students need to feel connected to their coursework and their classmates.

The Good

• It makes it easy to collaborate. Whether students are working together on a project for an online course or one in a traditional in-class setting, social media makes it a snap to talk, share information and work, and even produce multimedia presentations without having to set up meetings in person, which can sometimes be hard with busy schedules. Aside from collaboration, this type of social interaction can help students to feel less isolated and to develop a social network that makes them feel at home in their college environment, which research has shown reduces drop out rates.
• It offers a chance to learn essential technological skills. The modern workplace requires a pretty thorough knowledge of a wide range of technical skills, even those related to social media. When students get a chance to learn these skills in class in a relatively risk-free setting, they'll be much more comfortable applying them later on in the workplace.
• Students can get instant feedback. Unsure how well a research paper is going or an art project is looking? With social media, friends, family, and professors can provide insights throughout the process, hopefully leading to a better, more refined end product.
• It fosters creativity. Social media opens up a lot of avenues for researching and producing a project for a class. This may encourage students to get creative and think outside the box, and in an age where innovation is highly prized, that kind of thinking can go far.
• It gets some students more engaged. For some students, traditional classroom experiences can be a bit dull, whether online or off. Social media offers a chance to engage these students through something they're already using, which for many, makes connecting and learning a whole lot more interesting.

The Bad

• There is potential for distraction. Social media can be a great tool for finding information and working together but it can also be incredibly distracting. It's easy to lose hours browsing through photos, tweets, and videos, which may reduce the amount of time spent on educational tasks.
• It may reduce more personal forms of communication. While social media can be great for building connections, some still believe that one-on-one discussions are far better for learning, support, and even discovering the best ways to present yourself professionally. Some forms of social media may foster this kind of interaction better than others.
• Some believe it encourages poor writing. There's no doubt that more than a few professors have seen "textspeak" show up in their students' academic papers and research does suggest that those who use incorrect forms of grammar and spelling on social media are more likely to do so in other venues, too. 
• It may compromise privacy. One of the biggest concerns with using social media in the classroom has to be privacy. Students may not think to protect their personal information when posting to social sites, especially in academic settings, which could leave them open to judgment from employers down the line or even in danger if classmates are violent.

   

With so much to gain and so many potential pitfalls, it can be confusing to students whether to embrace social media or to shun it. The reality is that it isn't going away anytime soon, so the best move is to learn how to make social media a valuable tool for learning and collaborating, not just a way to procrastinate when you're supposed to be writing a paper.  

Smart Social Media Use

Since most of us don't have the willpower or desire to totally disconnect from social media (and some in online courses really can't opt out and still complete their work), learning how to use social sites in smarter ways that make them learning assets instead of obstacles is one of the best things you can do for your academic career and beyond.

Leelawatte Popali-Lehane, a clinical psychologist at Diversity in Aging, says that a critical part of success for online students (or any students) in balancing their studies and their social media usage is set aside time just for working on class materials. Unless social media is explicitly required to complete an assignment, during these hours students should instruct friends and family not to contact them and turn off cell phones, block access to social sites, and reduce the number of things that can potentially distract them. 

She also recommends setting strict limits on checking emails, texts, and social sites. Checking them frequently can become a bad and very distracting habit that makes it hard to concentrate on more important and academically focused tasks. If you find yourself repeatedly checking them when you shouldn't be, set up programs on your computer that will block your access if it's not within your set hours or time limits. 

If you find that you simply can't seem to kick the habit of checking social sites, Popali-Lehane advises getting out of the house and leaving the technology behind. "If you have a project to do, you can start your research at a brick-and-mortar library and get help from the librarian in finding hard copies of materials like books, magazines, and newspapers," she says. "This way, you limit the temptation to surf and consequently waste precious time."

And if you're not an online student? Popali-Lehane says that no matter how cool it may seem to bring your laptop to class, it's actually more of a distraction than an easy way to take notes. She finds that most of her students lose focus when they get an email or start browsing social sites instead of paying attention, so good old fashioned pen and paper may be the best choice.

If you do have to use social media for class, make it productive. Get to know your professor, share resources, talk to experts, and keep up with the news of the world instead of getting lost in online games or mindlessly checking for updates from friends. There are many positive and productive ways to use social media, and applying them to your courses can help you get more out of what you're learning and overcome feelings of isolation that can plague many new students both online and off.

At the end of the day, anything can be a distraction if you let it, even things that can have a largely positive influence on your life. Social media is no more a success killer than any of these, provided you use it wisely and don't allow it to become a distraction that keeps you from achieving the things you really want to do. In some cases, it can even be an asset for learning, keeping you connected and engaged with your courses, your field, and your colleagues. The trick is figuring out how to navigate the fine line between productivity and obsession and come out ahead on the other side.  

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Spurred by the shortage of skilled workers, several employers have decided to take the reins. Rather than waiting on skilled workers to finish college, employers are offering specialized training for which employees can earn college credit.

But do employees really benefit? For Anthony Gordon, a graduate of the three-day advanced management training course for Jiffy Lube University, the answer is yes.

"It was definitely helpful and I got a lot of good information that I know I can put to use," he said. "The way the information was delivered was very effective. The instructor wasn't just up there preaching, he's telling us what we can do to make things better. When you're done with the courses, you can actually put the things you learned into practice."

Gordon, who is a manager-in-training for a Jiffy Lube store in New Mexico, said he has about 15 more courses to take through JLU. Though he hasn't considered turning his certifications into college credit, he said it could be a possibility one day.

Businesses Taking the Initiative

Fortune 500 companies like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Jiffy Lube have been offering their employees in-house training courses in specific areas for which they need their workers knowledgeable. Students can also turn this training into college credit.

Starbucks employees in Seattle can earn credits from City University of Seattle for several lower-level and upper-level classes, such as Barista Basics, Barista Trainer, and Leadership in Action.

More than 5,000 students attend McDonald's Hamburger University (HU) each year. The school has graduated more than 80,000 restaurant managers, mid-managers, and owner/operators since it was founded in 1961.

Participants are exposed to a curriculum delivered by a mixture of methods: classroom instruction, hands-on lab activities, goal-based scenarios, and e-learning. Graduates of the program may apply their McDonald's training to help them earn a college degree. The American Council on Education (ACE) has determined some HU courses have a recommended equivalent value in college credits.

Jiffy Lube service center technicians are required to complete an extensive training program called Jiffy Lube University (JLU).

JLU, which started in 2004, provides technical, customer service and management training through 160 hours of e-learning, on-the-job training, and 50 hours of instructor-led classes. Graduates have the opportunity to turn the 10 JLU certifications into college credits.

All three of these training programs are recognized as being worthy of college credit by the ACE.

Jiffy Lube International has also partnered with The University of Maryland University College (UMUC) so that employees can apply their ACE credits toward a degree at UMUC and also benefit from a discounted rate of tuition.

James Kelly, a Jiffy Lube area manager in Portland, is a participant in the seven-month pilot program in advance leadership. The three JLU classes offered through the program are:

• Management and Organization Theory: Examines the four functions of management — planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Topics include ethics, social responsibility, globalization, and change and innovation.
• Small Business Management: A comprehensive review of the management principles underlying emerging enterprise organizational development, growth, and business life cycle segments. Topics include entrepreneurship, financing/capitalization, innovation, and human resource and strategic planning.
• Marketing Principles: The objective is to understand the pivotal role of marketing within both an organization's strategic plan and the marketing process and determine marketing strategies and tactics. Topics include consumer behavior, competitive analysis, segmentation, target marketing, positioning, branding, new product development, pricing, value chains, and marketing communications.

Kelly said through the program employees can earn a total of 16 credits (seven for JLU training and nine for UMUC training) that can be transferred toward an undergraduate degree.

"This program is great for employees, especially students coming straight out of high school, who are looking to earn an undergraduate degree," he said. "We are looking for that motivated employee who wants to go higher."

Kelly said he once was the very type of employee companies like Jiffy Lube looked to recruit.

"I had a high school diploma but no degree," he said. "But I had a management mindset I was bringing to the table. I had integrity, great work ethic, and a desire to excel."

Kelly began taking courses through JLU and was promoted several times in just over a year.

"I find that a lot of students get higher degrees that don't necessarily transcend to the jobs they get. Offering these types of programs keeps our employees engaged and lets them know they don't have to stop their education with high school," Kelly said. "Businesses will see a greater growth in their industry by providing educational opportunities. It will be better long term than shuffling through employee after employee. The employees can really find a niche in their business."

Lorrie Laughlin shares the same sentiment that career and job-specific training benefits employers as well as employees.

Laughlin is a regional communications manager for McDonald's who has been to Hamburger University a handful of times during her year with the company.

"My experience was great. It was much more than restaurant-only training, HU offers college credit courses," she said. "I received three college credits for a week-long course."

Laughlin said the training helps employees learn the company culture as well as meet people throughout the system and globally — connections that employees will likely keep throughout their career.

Evaluating the Return on Investment

As a company, Jiffy Lube reimburses up to $1,500 a year on tuition. Through the UMUC partnership, employees benefit from a discounted rate on tuition which is also eligible for family members. Aside from the cost benefit to employees, Jiffy Lube stands to benefit from employees who will offer a better customer experience, leading to improved business performance.

Companies that are constantly recognized for excellence in their training will be appealing for job applicants who may want the dual benefit of corporate training and help toward a degree.

"Given the cost of higher education these days, it's a great opportunity," Kelly said.

Graduates with technical skills are needed in today's workforce, especially with many employers complaining that high schools aren't graduating people qualified enough to work in certain jobs such as manufacturing.

"Even in today's uncertain economy and the fiscal need for companies to tighten budgets, we still find that many employers opt to assist employees in paying for college courses, and in some cases, entire programs," said Dr. Lee Smith, Dean of the School of Business and Technology Management at Northcentral University. "There are numerous reasons why doing so is truly a win/win proposition for both employee and employer. Supporting professional development initiatives during tough economic times makes more sense for most companies than not doing so."

Smith added that companies are faced with global competitive forces and technology that is constantly changing the landscape of the company/consumer relationship. If companies have one misstep, they could literally be out of business.

"To stay ahead of the game, it is incumbent on these organizations to ensure that their key employees are trained in areas that will advance company performance," Smith said. "Business schools and technical colleges constantly interact with and study the market as a way of ensuring academic programs meets employer needs. As such, companies find it economically feasible to reduce the knowledge gap within their structure by augmenting internal training with external learning at quality institutions."

Smith said during economic downturns, it's customary for companies to rely on job applicants who possess the technical skills needed to perform immediately, rather than generalists that will require extensive training. If companies lack technical skills from within, supporting professional development efforts will help companies acquire those skill sets while maintaining a vital relationship between employer and employee.

"Employees are more willing to be loyal to companies who invest in them," Smith said. "If companies are viewed as work places that take a key interest in employee development, not only will this improve retention of key performers, it will increase the opportunity to recruit top talent. In today's market, both are essential for organizational success."

By offering an opportunity to gain job-specific knowledge and work toward a college degree, companies such as Starbucks, McDonald's, and Jiffy Lube are being proactive in acquiring a skilled and educated workforce.

Table of Contents

• The Rise of the Certificate Learner
• The Challenge of Federal Financial Aid
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Your Financial Aid Options

"I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday."

Abraham Lincoln offers this encouraging thought for lifelong learners, who make it a priority to seek out education as a source of enjoyment and constant improvement. With resources like open courseware (OCW) and online certificate programs, lifelong learners are able to find more opportunities for education than ever before. But what they're not finding is money to pay for them.

The Rise of the Certificate Learner

Certificate programs are increasingly popular, especially online, and offer good opportunity to students who are short on time, money, or both. Last year, 1 million certificates were earned, more than 1/5 of all post-secondary credentials awarded. That's more than triple the number of certificates awarded in 1994 (300,000).

And it's no wonder: certificates are a great way to upgrade skills without having to go through an entire traditional degree program. Adult full time workers often use lifelong learning or certificate programs to advance at work, or even adopt a new career.

Lifelong learning has a positive impact on earnings and employability, which can also lead to positive effects on health and well being. Some students are even using certificates as a stepping stone between bachelor's and master's degrees.

Lifelong learners are finding great ways to put their newly acquired knowledge to work, but they're not finding a wealth of financial resources, which more traditional students may find more straightforward.

The Challenge of Federal Financial Aid

Despite the value and growth of certificate programs, it can be difficult for students to find the money needed to complete these programs. Federal funding in particular can be a challenge.

To receive federal funding, students must be enrolled at least half-time. This is usually not a problem for college students, who typically take 12 hours or more, but with certificate programs that have a less demanding load, students may not reach the required level. Not all certificate programs have enough hours available, so even accredited colleges and universities may have certificates that aren't eligible for federal funding. That makes it tough for students who want to take a few courses here and there, or who have decided to pursue a certificate program that doesn't require many hours.

"If you have less than half-time enrollment, you're not going to get full (financial) need," explains college financial aid advisor Jodi Okun. "And that's discouraging, especially if you're a lifelong learner and you're working full time, 40-60 hours a week, and you're taking an online class, and you need help.".

Okun adds that the half-time requirement can be especially discouraging for full-time workers who need the certificate to continue working in their current job.

Students seeking grants, loans, and other federal financial aid must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA. When filling out the FAFSA, Okun recommends that students indicate the kind of program they're pursuing, as there may be another criterion for funding, even if it's not through the federal government.

Even for students who technically might not qualify based on class time alone, Okun says there's still a possibility you can qualify based on work hours. "Some of the off-site work that you do in your certification programs can become part of your hours, so then you can be considered a full-time student," she says. "If you're doing online work, and then doing the field work, then those hours accumulated would make you considered a full-time student, and then you would be eligible for federal need."

Adult learners with college-aged children should be especially willing to take advantage of federal or state resources. "Adult learners who might be continuing their education are probably more available for Pell Grants or state grants," says Okun. "And if they have other dependents who are going to college, they will be more need eligible."

But keep in mind that federal aid is not your only option.

Tuition Reimbursement

Often, lifelong learning and certificate students are working adults, many of them going back to school for a career change or to maintain skills and knowledge for their current position. So it's a smart move for employed students to explore company-sponsored tuition reimbursement benefits as a financial aid option.

Tuition reimbursement is very common among employers. Even in 2009, as the U.S. struggled with recession, 87% of organizations offered tuition assistance to their employees. Even now, Okun is seeing an encouraging trend of students who benefit from this resource. During a recent speaking engagement with students, she took an informal show-of-hands survey to find out how many students were utilizing tuition reimbursement from their employer. In this particular audience, 50% of students were taking advantage of the benefit.

But in a recovering economy, some employees may find that this benefit has its limitations. Facing tough financial decisions, some companies have cut or reduced their tuition reimbursement programs. Still, companies recognize that tuition assistance for employees is a smart investment, and have held on to their programs, or chosen to bring them back as the company's financial situation has improved. Employers may, however, be cutting back on the generosity of this benefit. Where some companies may have offered 100% reimbursement in the past, they now have annual caps between $6,000 or $10,000.

There are likely to be other limitations, as well. You may need to choose a certificate program that is "preferred" by the company, or approved through a formal process. You may also be reimbursed on a scale of your performance, with full reimbursement for an "A" average, with less paid back for less-than-perfect grades.

Even with such restrictions, the benefit of tuition reimbursement is worth the hoops you may have to jump through.

Your Financial Aid Options

While financial aid can be tougher for nontraditional students, don't let that discourage you. There are plenty of ways to get help from financial aid professionals, and still even more ways to receive financial aid, even if it's not from the federal government.

To find out what works for your particular situation, Okun recommends that students talk to their school's financial aid office. "They're probably not approached enough," she says. "They have seen many students in your situation who have been doing the same thing, and they can recommend what is going to work." The trend of adults going back to school for certification programs is very common today, and financial aid departments who help lifelong learners on a regular basis are likely to understand and be able to offer useful resources.

State grants

Investments in vocational and adult education grants total approximately $1.9 billion annually. That's a lot of money up for grabs, and often, the best way to get to it is through your state. Contact your state's grant office to find out what grant programs are available to you, including the Perkins program, and even grants for child care that can make it possible for you to study.

Scholarships

There are nearly 700 different scholarships available right now for community college, professional development, or vocational/occupational students. These scholarships and more can be found with the Department of Labor's free scholarship search tool, as well as other great sources including FastWeb and the College Board.

In addition to general online resources, Okun encourages students to talk to their school for scholarship programs that may be unique to their campus, program, or nontraditional students. Talk to your financial aid office, as well as your department for research within the program.

Internships and work study

If you're not working, or working but willing to take on a few extra hours, paid internships and work study programs are also an option. They can not only help you pay for school, but also give you resources for experience in your field of study. The federal work study program offers part time employment for students with financial need.

Paid internships are rare, but available. You're most likely to find paid internships in industries like communications and social media, IT, and the financial sector.

Tax benefits

An often overlooked source of financial support for students are tax benefits. While they're not the same as a check written out to you or your school, they can soften the blow when it comes to paying for your education. With breaks like the Lifetime Learning Credit, you can get a credit for up to $2,000 of educational expenses each year.

Student loans

Once you've tapped out all other options, if you still need help making your pursuit of learning a financial reality, there are student loans available. Federally subsidized loans will have the most favorable rates and terms, but if you don't qualify, there are private student loans as well.

Although student loans are available, they should be used sparingly. Student loan debt can follow you around for 10 years, or more. Even bankruptcy can't wash student loan debt away. So if you're going to borrow, be sure you can handle it.

Whatever your situation, know that there are options out there for you. Okun encourages lifelong learners to avoid letting the financial aid process or the fear of financial burden stop them from continuing their education. Her best advice for lifelong learning students? "Keep going, keep being a lifelong learner, and uncover the little gems that are out there," she says. "There's money to help."

Meetup.com and MOOCs

Meetups aren't strictly for online learning. The popular organizing site for meeting people with similar interests, Meetup.com, was founded in 2002 and covers every type of group you can imagine. Singles, hiking enthusiasts, pug lovers, entrepreneurs, ex-pats — it's got a meetup for them all. Meetups are organized by location and area of interest; Meetup.com has 340,000 monthly meetups in 117,000 different topics across 45,000 cities.

Coursera, Udacity, and edX all have meetup groups through Meetup.com. Coursera is currently leading the way with meetups, or at least its students are. There are more than 2,000 meetup communities for Coursera participants in 1,800+ cities. Udacity has 523 communities in almost 500 cities, and edX has 35 communities around the world.

Coursera founders even hosted their own in-person meeting in July 2012, a "massive open cookout." Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller spoke to more than 600 attendees – definitely more than your traditional meetup – to find out the motivation that made people sign up for Coursera classes. The attendees came for more varied reasons, such as meeting an online professor or looking to hire from Coursera's pool of students. Udacity organized Global Meetup Day, encouraging students to find meetups in their areas and use USTREAM to "meet" one of the company's founders, including Sebastian Thrun. While typical meetups organized online are more focused on discussing specific courses or subjects, these online course providers are setting a trend that seems to indicate that adding an in-person element is worth exploring.

One Stanford Ph.D. student is doing just that: exploring the possibilities. He came up with the idea for supplementary in-person tutorial groups for MOOC students, called Course Pods. Ideally, these groups of about seven students and a leader will meet once a week to discuss lessons, issues, and go through extra examples. They're currently testing the prototype on Udacity's Introduction to Computer Science course and are hoping to add more courses in coming semesters.

Paul Glader, managing editor and co-founder of WiredAcademic.com, discussed the draw of meetups in an article that has been passed around the online edu community. After unenrolling from a MOOC himself, Glader found a tech meetup that he thinks might help him stay motivated and combat the isolation that the online course bubble can cause. Meetups offer motivation, accountability, networking, and the chance to discuss ideas, something life-long learners may find the most appealing.

In the article, Glader offers coffee-house meetings as a comparison. Starbucks made the coffee shop a popular place to gather, even encouraging local shops to open. Instead of just having the home and work as gathering places, coffee shops offered a "third place" in the American life. Meetups can provide that place for discourse and gatherings in the online education world.

"That’s the kind of long-term impact MOOCs could have if they begin to be connected and blended with in-person groups – meetups, libraries, community center learning centers, school study halls," Glader writes in the article. "Adding a 'third place' for MOOCs goes beyond beating the isolation of online learning. Such a practice could also provide natural places for monitoring and proctoring of MOOC courses and exams, meaning MOOC-participating institutions could go a step closer to granting college credit for the courses."

Why Meetups Work

Bright minds of all walks of life are attracted to the chance to discuss ideas in an open setting and gain new perspectives, something that's not always so easy to do outside the walls of a university. Judy Chang is an organizer of the HOUSTONxSHAKERs meetup, which meets monthly to discuss TED talks and relevant ideas. The group allows her and others in her area to meet together, all with different backgrounds but one mission.

"From college students to surgeons to astrophysics (professionals) to coffee baristas — they all share a common goal of learning," she says.

Chang says the best meetups happen when members ask challenging questions and others aren't afraid to jump in with their own thoughts. Those wanting to learn the most, she says, should "do a lot of research and seek not-like-minded people, but people with all types of thought and beliefs. There have been many published articles that prove that our brains grow in intelligence when we encounter thought-provoking elements."

Angela Smith, an editor at ProfNet, a site that links journalists to expert sources, attends events to learn about the writing and freelancing industry; she says a mix of skill levels is important, too. "A great meetup should consist of people in all levels of knowledge — from the novices to the professionals," she says. "It's a great way to get different perspectives, advice, and insight into whatever you're interested in."

Industry-specific events may not coincide with a course, but they offer the chance to brush up on career skills while networking at the same time. In Smith's experience, events have covered topics ranging from pitching food media to learning how to format photos in articles and everything in between. While these kinds of skills can be read about online or picked up through a YouTube video, discussing them in person can be more effective in understanding them.

"Sometimes actually hearing the information straight from the source is important. It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and share advice with others," Smith says. "These resources are out there for a reason, so why not utilize them (especially if they're free!)? Plus, you may leave there with a new friend or a new business contact."

Research has found that blended learning may develop a stronger sense of community in students than online learning and hold advantages in sense of community in students than online learning and hold advantages in learning outcomes over strictly traditional or online learning. And some of the online techniques that seem the most similar to a face-to-face class, like videos, online quizzes, and guiding groups of student learners, don't seem to have much effect on learning. The combination of online and in-person methods appears to have the most effect.

In both the corporate training world and in higher education, blended learning models allow teachers to use face time more effectively while allowing students to get the interaction with instructors that they need. The online component of the class allows students to learn necessary skills and background information at their own pace so they can then come to class more prepared; the in-person meetings can be used for application of learned skills, questions, and more interactive lessons.

With the continued development of online learning formats like MOOCs and the increased use of blended learning in higher education and corporate classrooms, it's likely that the two will merge in the near future. Whether this will mean MOOC providers sponsoring in-person meetings, requiring them for credit or badges, or something else entirely is yet to be seen.

Organizing a meetup

If you're interested in joining a meetup, first search Meetup.com for groups that already exist that would fit your location and subject needs. Consider more general education groups if you'd like to meet longer than the length of a single class. If nothing comes up and you're interested in starting a meetup in your area for a certain class or subject, follow these steps for the most success.

• Start the group: When you first start a meetup group, you choose the name, topics (categories that help people find the right groups for their interests), and how the group's home page looks. The topics are an important part of how you'll find people to participate (and how they'll find you), so it's essential to choose them carefully. You can add new topics to match your group specifically, but it's a good idea to choose suggested topics as they are already being used by many Meetup users. People who have said they're interested in hearing about meetup groups on one of your topics in your area will receive an email after you've created your group.
• Pay: Yes, pay. Meetup groups on Meetup.com are charged a fee through the organizer: $12 per month for six months, $15 per month for three months, or $19 per month. As the organizer, you'll have to choose one of these options and pay up front, but most organizers set membership dues or charge a certain amount at meetups. These dues automatically renew, so if your group is done meeting because a class is over, cancel the organizer dues. This fee can be tiny when split among members if you have a very successful meetup group, but if you don't have a lot of participants, you might be footing a large portion of the bill. For this reason, many organizers try to gauge interest in the group before officially starting it. Posting on local forums or Facebook groups can help you get an idea if anyone might join.
• Get the word out online: Meetup.com sends out an email sometime in the three days after you create a meetup group, alerting all Meetup participants in your area with interests that match up with the topics you chose for your group. There is a Promote tab on your group that gives you the option of inviting your friends from your Yahoo or Gmail contacts lists and embedding your meetup on your blog or website. Share your new group on your social networks and ask any members to do the same.
• Don't be afraid to promote your group in the real world: The whole point of having a meetup is to talk to people face-to-face, so don't stick solely to online methods of spreading the word. Meetup.com provides templates to create print products, including flyers with tear-off tabs, business cards, and postcards. Take some to your local coffee shops, rec center, church, community college, wherever. You never know where you'll find your next member.
• Create a meetup: After you get some members in your group, you should begin organizing your first meetup. Even if you don't have a location picked out yet, Meetup.com suggests that you add the event to your calendar as soon as possible. This will attract other potential members who see the group is actively meeting and can help build momentum. Find a location that will be comfortable and promote discussion with enough room for everyone; it's a good idea to call the venue in advance to let them know a large party is coming.
• Go to the event prepared: As the organizer, you'll need to be more prepared than the other members, at least for the first meeting. Bring tabletop signs to signal to members as they come in and name tags so everyone can mingle effectively. Be prepared with a few relevant topics of conversation in case conversation starts to die down or if you want to have a formal group discussion. If you're meeting to discuss a particular course, the topics will probably follow along with assignments, but if your group is a more general interest group, discussions might need to be guided.

Table of Contents

• Isolation and the Online Environment
• Online Courses and Your Career
• What You Can Do to Prepare for Online Courses

It's the middle of the night. You sit alone, confused with only the cold, harsh light from your email lighting the room. Are you ever going to hear from your online college?

If this is your perception of online education, wake up. It's the 21st century and one-third of all college students are taking at least one online course during their college careers.

For students who've never taken an online course, especially those who are returning to school several years after graduation, fears about taking an online course are understandable. Many unfamiliar with the format believe that online learning will be drastically different from traditional in-class experiences, that they won't be able to interact with professors and classmates, or that online classes may not be as valuable to a career or educational endeavors as those in a classroom. While these concerns are not entirely unfounded, many students, once enrolled, quickly realize that online courses often aren't quite how they imagine them to be.

If you're considering taking online courses but have some reservations about their value to your career or the online learning experience itself, it can be immensely valuable to take some time to learn about what you can actually expect from an online course. You may just find that many of the common concerns students like yourself have about online education have been mediated by new technology, highly trained faculty, and online curricula that's benefited from years of development.

Isolation and the Online Environment

While it's true that online students won't head to class each week to see their classmates in person and to interact face-to-face with their professors, that doesn't mean that online courses will leave students without social interaction and support. In many cases, students in online courses may actually get more individual attention than they would in a traditional course, both from professors and their fellow classmates.

Some of this interaction isn't voluntary. Most online courses require that students interact with one another through chat rooms and discussion boards, and some students may even find themselves assigned to work with classmates on projects and assignments.

Dr. Dani Babb, an online educator at American Public University and Kaplan University, says that this is one of the most common misconceptions about online courses. "Many students don't realize how much they will interact in discussions," says Babb. "Most courses have a minimum number of posts and content requirements every week. Additionally, schools have engagement requirements; students must respond to peers and expand on the topic, add value in their engagement and further the conversation."

To help combat online isolation, some colleges are building special online communities to connect students to each other and the school. At Northcentral University, students will soon be able to take advantage of a Virtual Academic Center, a place where they can go to interact with professors and classmates and talk about everything from academics to their personal interests. While not every school has this kind of online environment for students, a growing number maintain social media sites that encourage students to connect not only as classmates but also as individuals.

While it's great to get to chat with classmates and build camaraderie, students may have additional concerns that they won't be able to get in touch with professors or find the support that they need to do well in the course. Many professors understand these concerns and actively work to keep in touch with students and cater the course materials to their individual needs.

Mary Stephens, founder of Prep Forward, an online professional development resource for teachers, and an online professor at both UMass Boston and Wheaton College, says that her students commonly believe that they won't get the support needed to complete the course material but that those concerns are often unfounded. "Some have the misconception that an in-person class is the only way to get any individualized attention or support," she says. "This is definitely not the case for the majority of online courses. For instance, my courses specifically diagnose the individual strengths and weaknesses of each student. This not only helps them identify what areas to focus on, it helps me understand what additional explanations or resources I need to provide each individual to help them understand the material."

Some professors take connecting with students and ensuring classmates bond even further. "To overcome the 'loneliness' of completing an online course, I divide my students into teams of four students," says Lewis University marketing professor Robert Bergman. "They are required to create accounts in Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Gmail, Pinterest, YouTube and Second Life. This allows them a variety of methods for communicating throughout the semester. In addition, I require they conduct a team meeting every week via videoconference on Oovoo.com, Skype, Facebook Skype, or Google Video. I strive to attend each team meeting to provide additional content, advice, guidance and help guide the meeting when needed. I am effectively part of each team."

Support for students isn't limited to faculty, however. Because online courses require a great deal of technology, students will also need to get in touch with support personnel should anything go wrong and they are not able to access their course materials or other resources. Unlike professors who may have limited "office hours," these technical support professionals are available day and night. Matthew Curtis, a professor working in USC's Master of Communication Management online program explains, "We offer our students 24/7 technical support. This means if they are working at 3 a.m. or 3 p.m. and cannot access some material there is live human support to assist them."

USC isn't alone in offering this kind of support; students at nearly all online universities will be able to get assistance with technological problems at any time, which may allay some of the fears less technologically-savvy students have about online courses.

Online Courses and Your Career

One of the biggest benefits of online courses is their flexibility, a factor that often makes them a popular choice among those trying to balance their current jobs with taking college courses towards a degree or certification. As a result, many online learners are older, non-traditional students who are taking courses to help improve their chances of promotion, start a career path, or just to expand their knowledge and career potential. For the reason, concerns over whether or not online courses are a smart career move are common among new students.

As far as employers are concerned, students don't need to worry too much about the value of their online degrees. A survey done by institution Excelsior College and Zogby International in 2010 found that 83% of executives they polled felt that an online degree was as credible as one earned through a traditional campus-based program. Still concerned about the quality and career prep offered by online programs? It may be better than you realize.

"Assuming an online course is good, there is no difference in the amount of career preparation you would gain in a course in a classroom setting," says Stephens. "In fact, in some classes you may gain more career preparation experience online as the online course has the benefits of allowing an individual to quickly access additional resources, links, and opportunities online."

At many schools, online educators aren't just teaching courses, they're also working professionals in their area of expertise. "Probably the most important way that online programs can prepare graduates for the real world is the focus of faculty who are practicing the craft they are teaching," says Northcentral University professor Darren Adamson. "Not only does this give a flavor of what is really going on in the profession, but it also helps with networking as the student creates connections with professors working as professionals in the field."

Students may also have concerns over whether or not they'll really be learning as much as they need to in an online course. A study in 2009 by SRI International for the Department of Education found that on average students in online learning conditions actually performed better than those in traditional classrooms with face-to-face instruction.

Part of the reason may be a focus on assessment, ensuring students are doing well throughout the course. Gordon Drummond, president of the online design school Sessions College, explains, "The reality is that online education generally has to be more focused on assessment– on trying to determine whether a student has mastered a concept or skill–than a traditional class, where the focus is generally on presentation. This is key to debunking another myth, which is that online classes are easier than traditional ones. If the school is a serious school, there will actually be more evaluation of your skills as you work through the program. It will be harder, but better for you."

If you want to pursue a career in a hands-on or clinical field, online course alone may not be able to give you the experience you need. In these cases, however, many hybrid and blended opportunities are generally available so that students can emerge from a degree program adequately prepared to take on the challenges of the workplace.

What You Can Do to Prepare for Online Courses

Even if some of the most common fears about online courses are unfounded, students who've never taken online courses will still need to prepare for the experience ahead of time.

One of the key aspects that differentiate online courses from those in class is the use of technology. Students may not realize how much their understanding of technology can plan a role in the ease with which they can complete assignments or how varied the tools they'll need to use are. Not all online programs use the same types of technology or the same type of setup, however. "One thing that surprises students is how much technology is used," says Babb. "Some schools have live lectures or what we call synchronous lectures. Other schools have live office hours, and others have entirely asynchronous communications. Students should know which they prefer and which the school has before attending to be sure it fits their lifestyle."

Students taking online courses also need to prepare themselves for a serious time commitment. Online courses may be more flexible, but that doesn't mean they're less work. Adamson encourages students to not only set up time for listening to lectures and reading materials but also every other aspect of the educational experience. "I often suggest to students that they prepare to schedule time to 'go to class' every day," he says. "Successful students ensure that each day (5-6 days per week) they have scheduled in their calendars time to study, read, research, reflect and complete the learning activity (assignment) each week. If school is left for 'after everything else gets done' then the student will fail in an on line environment. Online education requires that the student has a moderate level of self-discipline."

Self-discipline may be the key to being successful in an online course. Students must be able to motivate themselves, stay organized, and keep on task even without supervision from a professor or other outside source. If you're the type who loves to procrastinate or can't stay on task, online learning can help strengthen that weakness. The online format challenges students to use better time management. Just like a traditional classroom, not treating online classes seriously will negatively affect your learning outcomes.

Online courses won't be a perfect match for every student, but they often aren't as intimidating, isolating, or risky as students might believe. New technology, highly motivated professors, and an incredibly diverse assortment of programs and institutions have helped to make online education a more flexible and customizable alternative to traditional education. It is also quickly becoming as respected and rich as any students can take in a more traditional setting. Students who are unsure about taking online courses should reach out to administrators, professors, and online learners to get a better idea of what online learning is really like so that they know what to expect, how to prepare, and ultimately, how to be successful as an online student.

Table of Contents

• Road Blocks to Completion
• How to Succeed
• What's Being Done to Help Completion

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) flooded higher education news sources in 2012, with some outlets touting them as the future. There are compelling reasons to participate in a MOOC. The oft-free price tag certainly appeals to most college students, and the Internet-based structure means time-crunched learners pick up the necessary lessons at a more independent pace. But if edtech enthusiasts hope to see MOOCs catch on permanently, they must address the less-than-impressive completion rates.

Luckier programs see 20% of enrollees finish their courses, but on average only 10% or fewer stay from beginning to end. Although 77% of professors and higher education administrators look favorably upon online classes on the whole, they remain largely skeptical of what MOOCs can offer. A mere 2.6% of colleges and universities currently offer MOOCs, while only 9.4% plan to experiment with the format.

However, it is worth noting that many individuals who sign up for MOOCs do not necessarily identify as students. Some supporters believe the retention and completion numbers should not garner as much concern as they do. Not all the hundreds of thousands of people who sign up for MOOCs do so for academic reasons. Many prefer dipping in and out of the casual atmosphere, treating it as a hobby as opposed to serious educational inquiry.

"MOOC platforms are an emerging technology," says Barbara Truman, vice president of learning technologies at Academic Partnerships, which oversees the influential MOOC2Degree initiative. "Platform capabilities that provide rich, automated feedback, practice, social interaction, and assessment are being used and are explored for use in MOOCs. Regular learning management systems are being tested for their extensibility to support MOOCs."

Road Blocks to Completion

Owing to MOOCs' open, comparatively free-form nature, the main challenge to finishing online college courses is time management. No definitive due dates and no grades enable participants to fall behind in their studies.

"MOOCs lack the kinds of support services typically found in other classes," StraighterLine founder Burck Smith says. To help overcome completion rate challenges, StraighterLine has measures in place to assist students in moving forward, such as tutoring and advising services. In turn, StraigherLine's course completion rate is about 65%.

MOOC lovers and critics alike admit that higher levels of outreach will increase engagement and, from there, completion rates.

Dr. Jonathan Rees, a history professor at Colorado State University – Pueblo American, spent his sabbatical participating in a MOOC via Coursera. He believes that working underneath a more authoritative presence is key to the MOOC's ultimate survival.

"More individual attention would greatly improve completion rates," he says. "Regular online courses at least have a living, breathing professor on the other end of the computer screen whose job it is to help students succeed."

When it comes to advice for students, Rees bluntly states, "Recognize going in that you have to be self-motivated in order to succeed. If you get frustrated, you'll need to solve your own problems."

How to Succeed

Because of their relatively new place in the higher education world, MOOCs still suffer from some growing pains. But that should not in and of itself turn students away. Ones passionate about the material, hoping to supplement a more traditional online or brick-and-mortar class, or desiring to pad their resumes a little should certainly consider signing up. They just need to keep a few things in mind to ensure completion.

Time and place management.

Whether daily, every other day, or weekly, set aside a specific, regular time to sit down and work diligently on that MOOC. Program or write the class into the calendar and treat it like it is any other appointment, assignment, or class. Students working alone need to set their own due dates for completing the course work. The most organized learners out there also draw up contingency plans in case of schedule disrupts.

Because of the MOOC's self-directed nature, students get their work done on their own time, situating themselves anywhere with an Internet connection. Firing up the computer in a room full of distractions and discomforts will undeniably hinder progress. Don't just schedule a specific time — schedule a specific place as well. Preferably somewhere with minimal disturbances and a pleasing atmosphere; anything else breaks focus and preclude productivity.

Join a study group.

Study groups meeting both in person and via Google Hangouts or Skype alleviate some of the loneliness of working alone. Not to mention the benefits of multiple perspectives. Organize or join up with one via the MOOC's learning platform or Meetup.com if it might help with completing the course. A study group could also involve deadlines to help all participants remain on track when tackling their assignments.

Engaging with a group fosters healthier time management choices. Members of the more organized examples out there hold each other accountable for meeting deadlines.

"We encourage students to be proactive in utilizing peer-to-peer engagement options offered in MOOCs, including social networking. MOOCs provide a rich opportunity for a type of 'crowd sourcing' of feedback and support in a course, if a student is willing to participate," says Truman, regarding what enrollees can do to stop themselves from dropping out. "If students want feedback and support in a MOOC, they can't be passive and content to simply 'sit' in the back of the room."

Create a personalized reward system.

Smith recommends "set[ing] personal rewards for completion or penalties for non-completion" when remaining on task. Along with increased support services such as tutoring, he believes a well-organized, personalized schedule of goals and rewards will help prevent distractions and keep learners from straying away.

With or without study groups offering their support, this method inspires learners to press forward. Just because a professor might not be available for feedback via grades and notes doesn't mean participants must be left wanting for ways to improve their studies.

Self-discipline. Lots and lots and lots of self-discipline.

No matter what strategy a student takes to wrap up the MOOC experience, everything ultimately boils down to self-discipline. Lack it, and time is wasted. Have it, and congratulations.

What's Being Done to Help Completion

As for motivation, while the onus falls largely on the learners, some enterprising professors have found ways to build modules keeping them focused. One psychology MOOC offered through Bryn Mawr College includes regular quizzes so students track their progress quantitatively. They do not have to rely on their peers to gauge their performance. While not quite the same as more one-on-one time with an instructor, this measure does give participants a comparatively more solid idea of their expectations.

"Professors are mindful of the responsibilities and time commitments that adult learners must manage to pursue their education. Professors who apply a learner-centered approach that achieves outreach to welcome learners, engaging them at their levels will promote curiosity," she says.

"Increasing the readiness of faculty to develop MOOCs is underway by applying lessons learned from existing MOOC courses," says Truman, who adds that feedback from current MOOC learners about the course expectations and experience will help develop better MOOC professors and instructors in the future.

MOOCs are in no way perfect, but they still make quality higher education far more accessible than before. There certainly exists a place for them, maybe even long term. It will take some experimenting, some trial-and-error, and some cooperation between students, professors, and learning platforms to perfect the system. Until that happens, driven participants must create a few different opportunities inspiring them to finish their courses. A little self-motivation and creativity will bolster retention and completion rates over time.

MOOCs have provided the end user a way to attain higher education from some of the world's finest institutions. The opportunity is unprecedented; however, only about 10% of MOOC participants complete the course. Not only is this a waste of time, but it is a waste of opportunity.

According to Alison Farmer, vice president of learning and development at Aquent, the importance of finishing a MOOC depends on the objective of the user.

"If you're trying to use it as a competitive advantage in your job hunt, then you need to complete the course for it to mean something," she told us. "Not only will you need to speak knowledgeably about what you learned, but you'll also want to demonstrate to a potential employer that you follow through on commitments."

She added that the MOOC terminology is still being defined, unlike traditional education, which has general requirements that are universally understood. With MOOCs still in the early stages, it makes it difficult for many employers to know exactly what the certificate represents, however, it does inform them of a candidate's desire to continue learning.

"At this point, a MOOC listed on a resume shows that someone is curious, interested in self-improvement and engaged with their professional development — all of which are great attributes to share with a prospective employer," she said.

Since the establishment of numerous MOOC providers over the past few years, like edX, Udacity, and Coursera, thousands of online college courses have become available with millions of individuals becoming students. Although these courses don't count for credit toward a degree (though exceptions are continuing to be made), it is the educational experience, skill building, and the proof of self-motivation that is drawing more users.

"Best case scenario, the person is employed or recently unemployed. A MOOC can show that the candidate takes the initiative to keep up to date on their industry," said Bruce Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing."Worst case scenario, the person has been unemployed for a significant period. The course can help to fill the 'gap' in the resume and it tells the prospective employer that the candidate is not the type of person who can remain idle but must find something constructive to do."

Finishing a MOOC course takes skill and determination, so displaying the certificate on the resume could pay high dividends with a current or future employer. Along with proving to have earned a certificate of completion, be prepared to provide information about the MOOC.

Be Sure to Get Credit

The integrity and prestige behind MOOC programs and providers will help justify the reasons for providing employers the proof of a certificate of completion. If you add these classes to your resume, employers may ask to see proof of completion. Pay attention to the details of how each provider awards certificates, badges or documents completion. Also, knowing the background of each provider may help you choose the right MOOC for you.

• Udacity

  Udacity offers 22 courses with a primary focus in computer science. Each participant earns a certificate they can download. There are three stages — beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

  Udacity was co-founded by Sebastian Thrun, the computer science professor at Stanford University and Google Fellow, who is also the CEO of the MOOC provider. Along the list of co-founders are Mike Sokolsky, a robotics researcher at Stanford University and the University of Alberta, and David Stavens, who was part of NASA's Mars Rover team and helped build the self-guiding car, Stanley.

• EdX

  Users earn a "certificate of mastery" from whichever school their MOOC originates, but will soon be paying for the certificate. Free certificates were to have ended fall 2012, but some of the courses will still be free through spring 2013. There are currently 24 courses offered through edX.

  EdX's reputation, originally established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as MITx, was never in question, but adding Harvard University and the University of California-Berkeley to the mix didn't hurt — mentioning any of these schools in conjunction with the certificate is a huge plus.

• Coursera

  Coursera offers more than 200 courses from over 30 universities, but is just now offering certificates of completion. These certificates are only for a limited amount of courses, but Coursera promises to offer more as time goes by through its Signature Track system.

  The MOOC provider, which was founded by two Stanford University professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, only offers courses from very prestigious schools. The certificates will provide employers information about the course including the course subject, the professor's name and the originating institution.

Hurwitz added that it's not so much about the MOOC provider — edX, Coursera, Udemy, Udacity — as it is about the subject and the credentials of the presenter.

"If a well-known authority is giving a MOOC off of their own website, what does it matter if it's not edX?" he said. "It's the presenter that counts."

Placing the course subject along with the name of a high-profile instructor from a high-profile institution will only add value to a resume. An example of a high-profile course would be edX's 6.002x: Circuits and Electronics developed by MIT. The course staff includes Anant Agarwal, president of edX and professor of electrical engineering and computer science at MIT; Gerald Sussman, professor of electrical engineering at MIT; Piotr Mitros, chief scientist at edX and research scientist at MIT; Chris Terman, senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT; and Khurram Afridi, visiting associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT.

Employers, regardless of their knowledge of the open courseware movement, will find these credentials impressive.

The MOOC-Career Connection

Farmer, whose company has begun to provide MOOCs, said Aquent has helped connect more than 150 people advance in their careers through its first MOOC, which focused on HTML5.

"We even received feedback from clients that they were impressed that the candidates had taken the initiative to educate themselves on emerging technologies," she said.

According to Coursera, completing a MOOC is not solely about earning credit, but about "building skills and knowledge that can empower people to improve their careers."

Where to Place the MOOC

"My advice is to include it either under 'Employment Related Activities,' which fills the gap if the candidate has been unemployed for an extended period," said Hurwitz. "Or under 'Continuing Professional Education' if there is no employment gap of any significance."

Farmer agreed, also suggesting to add it to the "Professional Development" section, where any organizational memberships or other courses or seminars can be listed.

MOOC Provider Career Services

As more students find their way to MOOCs, the providers of the free courses have begun to help those students find jobs. And just as with any other education outlet, the better the student, the better the chance of landing a job.

• Udacity: In a short period of time, Udacity has established a large amount of employer connections. The company was working with 12 employers in 2011, but has added more than 400 more to that list, which includes Google, Bank of America, and Facebook. Udacity is taking its network of employers and enabling their brightest students to be discovered.

  Through its Career Placement Program, students can send in their resumes and possibly be introduced to employers for jobs or internships.

• Coursera: After piloting their Coursera Career Services for a few months, the MOOC provider has opened its doors for all of its students. Coursera is enabling their students to opt-in to their program with the chance to be introduced to employers like Facebook, Twitter, and AppDirect. Currently, the Coursera Career Services only has opportunities in software engineering, but they promise to branch out into other career fields.

• EdX: edX is taking a more focused approach with its career services program. It announced its pilot project called BostonX to offer job training through Boston community centers. Local residents will be able to use the community centers for computer training, support for internships, career counseling, and job transitioning.

As MOOCs continue to become more prevalent and reputable, it will be in the best interest of job seekers to increase their knowledge and skills through these free courses.

"Like so many things, you'll only get out of it what you put into it," Farmer said.

There is a reason why the average completion rate is 10%. The courses are created by some of the education industry's top minds and require time and effort to not just make a good grade, but to complete the course. MOOCs are continually proving themselves to be an impactful trend in education and finishing any class is definitely worth mentioning on the resume.

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Studies have shown bilingual adults succumb to memory loss and dementia slower than monolingual people. Even if the adult never becomes fluent, the mental exercise required in language learning is enough to produce positive results. Scientists from the University of Kentucky also found bilingual adults are able to take the lessons they've learned in tackling a new language and apply them to other areas of their lives.

In a provocative Jan. 20, 2012 piece for The New York Times entitled "What You (Really) Need to Know," former Harvard president Lawrence Summers asserted that language instruction has ceased to be essential with the progress in machine translation and the rise of English as "the global language." Such utilitarian thinking — that learning a foreign language is beneficial only to the extent it is profitable — overlooks the many powerful rewards a learner earns on a personal level. Moreover, this school of thought ignores the concept of motivation, a key component of second language learning.

When the rewards for learning a second language are monetary or involve social gain (what Summers seems to envision), it's called instrumental motivation. A student with integrative motivation, on the other hand, enjoys the people and the culture of the language he's attempting to learn so that he can at least be familiar with and possibly integrate into that culture. Guess which results in a more successful experience, from proficiency in the language itself to pronunciation that's closer to native speakers. If you said integrative, give yourself a pat on the back. Give yourself another one if you can imagine into which group most young students — who've been forced to take a foreign language class and picked one at random — fall.

In other words, the proper motivation can be more than enough to offset a lack of formal training. Ken Stewart, the 2006 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year, went so far as to call the desire and drive to learn a language "the single-most determining factors in achieving fluency." Researchers have even postulated that what makes picking up a language later in life more difficult is not brain plasticity but a tendency to tune out sounds one's native language doesn't feature. With the right stimulus, the brain can be retrained.

All that being said, you'll still need the proper tools to work with. As a distance learner, you have the advantage over schoolkids that you can seek out resources that allow you to immerse yourself in that new language, which many formal classroom settings do not do. Immersion programs can help you learn languages with the same brain processes as native speakers, as well as help you retain the information longer than from a classroom setting.

Rosetta Stone

Easily the best-known name in DIY foreign language learning, Rosetta Stone utilizes a technique it calls "dynamic immersion." To try and replicate the environment in which you learned your primary language at an early age, dynamic immersion uses repetition of vivid pictures in everyday contexts. The TOTALe PRO version for lifelong learners provides live sessions with native speakers and "up to three other learners."

While this tool gets the immersive pedagogy right, it misses on the aspect of integrative motivation. A sample video of Turkish language instruction showed multicultural people — apparently none of them Turks — reading books and drinking water. The context of the language within the culture was lacking. The software will work best with beginning learners who are not in a rush to master a language before traveling to a foreign country, for example, as the training style tends to move somewhat slowly.

Yabla

Assuming the language you want to learn is one of the six it offers (including English), Yabla and its "language immersion through online video" is a solid (though pricey) choice for lifelong learners looking for immersion software. The videos include real news reports from the country of the language's origin and original videos shot on location and featuring native speakers using authentic tongue. As the video plays, subtitles appear at the bottom of the screen in two languages. You can slow the speed, go back, and skip ahead, plus click on words to see definitions.

Yabla scores in the culture immersion department, but the $9.95 a month pricing may turn off some students. There is also no way to interact with native speakers, so you would need to supplement your learning with another program to do so. And, of course, if you want to learn Arabic, Russian, or Portuguese, you'll have to look elsewhere, but for French and especially Spanish, Yabla is a great option.

Language learning Networks

The next best thing to flying halfway around the world to converse with native speakers of a foreign language is to connect with them over the Internet through sites like Busuu, Livemocha, Lang-8, and MyLanguageExchange. Each has its own system of instruction, but all of them offer a way to communicate with native speakers via audio, video, text, and/or instant message. Each of them can also be used for free and three may be upgraded with a paid subscription, although most users opt to stick with the free versions.

With millions in investment funding and claiming 25 million users, Busuu is the most established of the bunch. It only offers instruction in 12 languages but it does make available smartphone apps with vocabulary, audio and video recordings of native speakers, and interactive tests. Busuu arguably has the most active, helpful members and a search tool for finding them and thus provides your best chance to connect with a speaking partner you'll want to stick with throughout your language learning journey.

Livemocha may only have half the members of Busuu, but it offers three times the language instruction and does more to drive home the community aspect of learning. Users may chat directly with others users based on a ready-made script or in freeform, have practice exercises reviewed by the community, and review others work to earn points that can be used toward premium services. Users can pick their partners based on their listed numerical reputation on the site, feedback they've left other people, and even age and hobbies.

The glaring hole in Lang-8's system is that speaking is left out of the equation. Before you write it off, however, you should know that what it does cover — writing, more specifically blogging — it does very well. Create a journal in which you write in whatever language you're learning, submit it, and it comes back with comments and corrections from native speakers. (Obviously, don't get away any private security information, and don't be more personal than you're comfortable with.) When you do your duty as an editor, you'll get to learn about the personal experiences of someone in the culture you're learning about. It's totally free to use and you can log in with your Twitter of Facebook accounts if you choose.

With just 1 million users, MyLanguageExchange beats Lang-8's several hundred thousand but falls far short of the Busuu and Livemocha communities. Still, the site has cool features like the "Club Library" where you users can share the slang and informal words from their native languages you wouldn't pick up in a classroom. The site advises beginners to start with email (pen-pal) communication and work up to text and audio-visual chat later. Customer service has received some poor reviews, so as with the other language providers, stick with the free option and you won't have any buyer's remorse.

Which community you choose to use will depend largely on personal preferences and the quality of users you're able to meet on each site. Livemocha and Busuu are very similar but Livemocha can connect you with knowledgeable tutors for hire, so students looking for (and willing to pay for) dedicated help should choose that site. Lang-8 is advisable for learners looking to be truly social and improve their foreign language writing but is not a great fit for beginners looking to start from square one. And learners looking for other students or speakers of rarer languages can do well on MyLanguageExchange, although they might have to sort through some abandoned accounts before they find a helpful partner.

Language Immersion for Chrome

For a free, easy way to turn your Web browsing into an immersive foreign language experience, Google offers Language Immersion for Chrome. This extension translates English words and phrases on a given Web page into one of 64 languages, from a few here and there to half the page or more, depending on the level of difficulty you select. Click on them, and they revert to English. Although it shouldn't be considered anything more than a supplemental learning tool for those using another system to master a language, Language Immersion is a fun way to expose yourself to a second language in a setting in which you otherwise would not be gaining any foreign language ability.

Duolingo

It's not immersion software, but Duolingo is an exciting creation of Carnegie Mellon University that teaches you a new language by having you translate the Web. Prove you have at least a basic knowledge of a language — which Duolingo helps you acquire with fill-in-the-blank, pronunciation (with voice recognition), and other exercises — and then you're off to translate a Web page on a topic of your choosing. Your answers are compared to others and you earn points as you go along. Not only do you get to freely benefit from material developed by a provider of "formal" education, an independent study found that Duolingo was even more effective than a university course.

So, are you at a disadvantage if you miss out on "formal" language training? Absolutely not. There has never been a better time than now to be a lifelong learner, with the sheer volume of resources already existing and being released every day that make self-guided learning, even in the languages, possible. With the ability to virtually immerse yourself in a new culture, coupled with the inherent motivation of lifelong learners to expand their horizons, you've got everything you need. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, in any language.