|
An education degree is a flexible liberal arts degree that
trains students how to become successful in the field of
teaching. The curriculum in an online education degree program
varies slightly from a campus-based college or university, and
is becoming a popular choice today for the working professional
interested in completing their education from a distance, or
simply with flexibility in their schedule. Earning an online
education degree can be just as rewarding as a school-based
program, and students can choose from extended courses of study
including an online masters degree in education or research
studies. Other opportunities include completing an online masters degree in curriculum and instruction, a bachelor
degree in education online, or an
elementary education degree online. In all cases, students are
equipped with the methodology and skills needed to create
effective curriculum, mentor and train their own students, and
learn some of today's leading teaching methods and styles for
use in the classroom.
Job
Responsibilities and Skills Learned with an Education Degree
With ongoing demand for skilled teachers in the field of education, extended
studies with an education degree program are favored over general studies.
Education colleges prepare students with extensive knowledge and skills needed
in the classroom at all levels of education, and an online education degree can
further enhance this knowledge with research projects, online collaboration, and
mentor or internship programs with professors. After completing an education
degree, teachers and educators are expected to:
-
Work
with a variety of students in developing critical thinking and learning skills
-
Teach and communicate concepts effectively
-
Develop supplemental materials and references for learning enrichment
-
Make use of technology and the internet as part of teaching
-
Stimulate discussion and encourage students to think in new ways on several
subjects
-
Instruct
students on learning methods and application
-
Train students to work in different types of industries
-
Manage unruly behavior in the classroom and address it appropriately
-
Develop lesson plans that adhere to national and regional curriculum standards
What to Expect at
Education Colleges
Education colleges are designed to teach key principles and skills needed to
become a teacher. Students learn how to teach, encourage collaborative learning
using technology, assess student performance, and construct curriculum. An
education college helps students learn how to use technology effectively in the
classroom, as well as practice using evaluation instruments and tools for
grading and performance evaluations. Specializing in education allows students
to work in a variety of fields including:
Common courses
available through an education college or teaching program include:
- Instruction
and Assessment Techniques
- Integrating
Technology in the Classroom
- Adult
Educational Leadership
- Early
Childhood Education
- Literacy
and Learning
- Elementary
Reading and Literacy
- Lesson Plan
Organization
- Knowledge
Management
Online Education
Degree Options
Completing an
education degree online allows students to enjoy a flexible schedule and work
independently, at their own pace. Both a bachelor degree in education online and
an online master degree in education offer additional advantages over a
traditional format, and students may choose to specialize in various educational
levels such as preschool, elementary education, high school, or secondary
education.
Online education
degree programs are ideal for students who:
- Already
work full time and are interested in taking courses at their own pace
- Need a
flexible schedule to complete their education degree coursework
- Prefer to
work independently
- Are highly
self-motivated and can manage projects assigned by their education college
- Enjoy using
and working with web-based applications, as an online degree in education
requires basic internet research and communication skills
- Are
comfortable with online research and networking to find information when
needed
Options available
in the field of education include:
- Bachelor
Degree in Education Online
- Online
Masters Degree in Education
- Elementary
Education Degree Online
Completing an
Online Degree in Education: Course Format and Structure
Completing an online degree in education offers several advantages to a
campus-based program, and many students prefer to learn and work in this type of
environment because of its flexibility and efficient learning format. Online
courses and programs are delivered completely over a web-based platform, and
weekly objectives often include a discussion group component, online project
collaboration, instant messaging and e-mail for communication, and sending in
assignments and examinations online for review. This type of learning style is
quickly becoming popular with the growth of the internet and ease of
communications in today's technology-based world. Completing an online degree in
education makes it much easier for anyone interested in teaching and education
to finish coursework in a format that best suits their learning and work style.
Education colleges may also offer training and tutorials on how to use learning
software, programs, and tools for each class.
Career Potential
and Employment Prospects with an Education Degree
Job opportunities for teachers and educators will grow as fast as the average
through 2014, and more skilled teachers will be needed for online education
programs as interest in web-based learning continues to rise. Salaries and
opportunities vary by region, and the fastest growing states are located in the
west, with the lowest demand in the Midwest and Northeast. With the growing
number of non-English speaking students, teachers who are multilingual will also
offer more attractive opportunities and salary options. Median annual earnings
of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from
$41,400 to $45,290 in 2004. Average annual salaries for public school teachers
were $46,597 in 2004, and private school teachers often receive extra benefits
such as subsidized housing. A master's degree in education or related discipline
can significantly increase a teacher's salary, and related occupations include:
|
