Monday 11 January 2010

Fake Online Bachelor Degrees - What Should You Check For?

By Mary Jackson

Along with the growing popularity of obtaining an online Bachelor degrees, many bogus schools have cropped up to cash in, taking advantage of potential students seeking a genuine education to maintain their current level of employment, or achieve specific career goals. Unfortunately, the sales pitch attracts many students who do not possess the time, or the finances, to gain a college education. The main selling points may include easy graduation, no tests or end of semester exams, credit for life experiences, and lower tuition fees. Some diploma mills even have the audacity to make money through bulk emails offering to sell university degrees.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult for aspiring students to differential between a real online Bachelor degree and the one that is not worth the paper on which it is printed. Most students are seeking an online education because they do not have the ability to attend classes on campus. In addition, many simply live too far away-even overseas. Therefore, the only criterion for determining a school's validity is the website. Important decisions are made on whether the site looks professional and seems to offer the right education; but, that is no way to judge whether a college is credible or not.

The first thing to do is to verify the type of accreditation the college claims to have. Only 6 government agencies have been given the authority by the U.S. Department of Education, to award accreditation to colleges and universities offering online Bachelor degrees. Therefore, if a site brags about worldwide or nationwide accreditation, beware. Unless they specifically name the agency, chances are they are not a legitimate institution of higher education.

Six accreditation agencies have been given the authority to award college accreditation. The agencies are divided by geographic location, so it is possible to contact the appropriate office to determine whether a college or university has legitimate standing and been registered in that district. The agencies are all appointed by the National Board of Education and include: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA), Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA), Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU).

If a university sends out mass e-mailings offering on online Bachelor degrees, Master's Degree, and even Doctorate degrees for a fixed rate, it is a sure sign the result will be a bogus degree. Course credits for such a degree may include such strange elements as: credit for life experiences, work experience, previous educational background, workshops, community services, travel, and books read in the past. To further confuse the issue, fake accrediting URLS are set up to prove accreditation, but unless it is from one of the 6 agencies endorsed by the Department of Education, the award is most likely phony. The unscrupulous institutions depend on the desperation of people who do not have the time, or the money, to earn a valid degree. Nevertheless, without that all-important diploma, good jobs are impossible to find.

In short, with the plethora of bogus degrees already causing employers to question online education, make sure your online Bachelor degree is earned from a college or university accredited by one of the six agencies endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Learning About Real Estate Agents

By Tara van Millar Tara Guernsey Tara Kerr Tara Reid

Real estate agents are professionals who help in connecting the buyer to the seller. A lot of real estate agents also do rentals wherein they connect tenants to landlords and even maintain the property on the behalf of the landlords. The real estate agents work by linking together the two interested parties and charging a commission for their services.

For sales, they charge commission only to the seller but for rentals (i.e. agent managed rentals) the commission is charged to both parties involved in the transaction. Real estate agents generally calculate their fee as a percentage of the selling price (in case of sales) and as part of the rent (for rentals). People, who want to sell/let their property, leave the details of their property with the real estate agent (and in fact, even leave the keys of the house so that the real estate agent can arrange for viewings without them getting into any hassle). The other interested party (i.e. the buyer/tenant), gets access to this information by contacting the real estate agent. That's how the real estate agents become a hub of information.

A lot of home buyers and investors use the services of Realtors for getting good deals but also getting information on the newest properties available. Realtors are the most familiar with the market situation and it makes sense to approach them to get an idea of the current market value for properties in that region. Realtors know the prices of various properties types in various locations and are always able to give a Current Market Evaluation to determine what a property might be worth.

A property seller can possibly get a few thousands more for his/her property by using the advice received from a good real estate agent. A good real estate agent will also analyse the needs of a home buyer/tenant and provide suggestions on what kind of home could be available to them within their budget.

So a good real estate agent will not only just throw a list of properties to the buyer but will also discuss their needs to make suggestions. This, in fact, works to the favour of the real estate agent. If the real estate agent sells the property they get their commission and if they make a new buyer happy they earn a good reputation (and hence more business).

However, it is worth noting that Real Estate Sales Representatives work on seller's behalf. So, beware if they are trying too hard to sell a property.

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7 Strategies To Succeed With Online Education Degree

By Mary Jackson

For those students who cannot afford the time or money to take full-time courses on campus, an online education degree has removed many roadblocks. In fact, there are several advantages over traditional degrees. Nevertheless, because the methods of instruction and learning are quite different, students need to consider the adjustments and changes necessary to receiving a quality education degree online.

1. Choosing the best education online institution - Make sure the institute for higher education chosen has adequate resources and accreditation recognized by the proper authorities. Unless authenticity can be verified, find another school. Sadly, unscrupulous degree mills offer degrees with short-term or no real education. Thus, the diplomas are bogus and absolutely worthless. Find a school that provides solid education, ample student support, and the facilities necessary to succeed in your distance learning.

2. Analyze cost vs. benefit - Some students enroll in a distance learning program without considering the cost. Generally, the cost per credit hour is fairly expensive. However, decide whether the education will translate into better income opportunities down the road. Only after assessing the true benefits can students appreciate the rewards of obtaining an education online degree.

3. How do employers view an online education degree? - There are many instances where employers were skeptical about the legitimacy of online education degrees. With so many "diploma mills" out there, it's warranted for employers to be cautious. Although an online education degree might be legit, it would be very helpful to the employer if you provided the type of accreditation your college has beforehand to avoid any misunderstanding. By letting the employer know in advance that your institution was accredited by an institution that is recognized by CHEA and US department of Education, you will be a step ahead in qualifying for that dream job.

4. Practice discipline, intrinsic motivation, and good time management - In the beginning, students may not fully comprehend the discipline necessary to stay focused and keep pace with online classes. It takes strong intrinsic motivation to succeed without the classroom atmosphere and peers. Time management is critical. Setting up communication with other students will be most helpful on the road to success.

5. Take advantage of the facilities available - Online lectures and email correspondence are a great venue for facilitating communication with fellow students, tutors, and instructors. Take every opportunity to utilize these options as a means of progressing through the classes, staying motivated, and feeling connected with your accredited online college or university.

6. Make use of credit transfers - Many online education degree colleges allow students to transfer their credits from courses they took in previous colleges, whether online or traditional. By doing this, it means students don't have to repeat courses they learnt before. For this to be effected, it's important for a student who intends to pursue an education online to make sure they get transcripts and results from their previous universities or colleges and make them available to their accredited online college so they can be passed as transfer credits.

7. Make use of the educational technology - Accredited online universities offer a plethora of opportunities for doing necessary research and other facilities to ensure adequate completion of the course. Normally, the cost of virtual libraries, the programs to access online lectures, and even student online access and e-mail accounts are factored into the cost of the course. Therefore, it only makes sense to use all the technology available to make the most of the educational opportunity in achieving an online education degree.

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Unraveling the Power Of Hypnosis Training

By Gerald Green

Recognized institutes offering genuine courses on hypnosis and hypnotherapy are scattered across the globe. Mastering the art of hypnotherapy and using it in everyday life is possible through these training courses.

Hypnosis training instructs you how to journey into the deep caverns of human mind and unravel the fundamental reasons behind the problems the person is suffering from. Improvement of the self as well as of people around you can be possible if you make use of the knowledge and skills gained from such training.

The course is just one of the many devices needed to become an expert hypnotist. Just like any other field, hypnosis too, requires much practice and dedication. A person having a healthy and open mind is in a better position to assimilate and internalize the lessons imparted in hypnosis training. The healthier one's mind is, the higher will be his levels of attentiveness, courage and motivation.

The power of hypnotherapy is great and so are its benefits. Hypnotherapy training enables a person to establish a link with his subconscious and significantly alter his own persona. The technique enables the practitioner to use the person's subconscious mind to instil positive thoughts that can significantly change the person's behavioural patterns and eradicate his problems.

One can do hypnosis on his own self, which is known as self hypnosis, or make another individual the subject. Self hypnosis is a great path towards self-discovery and self-enhancement that helps the individual become more self-assured, a good communicator, great relationship manager, and hence more successful in his professional life. Levels of fortitude and motivation can be notably increased through a slight dusting of the unconscious.

Hypnotherapy training can be used as an occupation too by helping people who are afflicted with something or the other. A capable hypnotherapist can cure all types of psychological anomalies. Through right hypnosis, psychological ailments like phobia, anxiety, drug addiction and childhood distresses can be successfully cured. Hypnotherapy can also be performed on the streets just to spread awareness about the subject and to inform the society about the powers of the subconscious mind.

Hypnosis training arms a person with a set of skills that he can employ for professional purposes or for managing hostile situations and tough people, and thus people from any profession or age group stand to gain from this training.

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Getting Around With Mobility Walkers

By Gary Lovett

Mobility walkers are a way in which you will be able to move around easier. Light weight in most cases compared to a bulkier wheelchair. Plus motorized movement all create a great way in which you will be able to experience a new lease on life.

Being stuck at home or waiting for someone to come and take you out due to not being able to move much. It's a sad thing that many will go through in their lives, but with mobility walkers you will have a new found freedom back again.

These models that are out now are light weight, and easily portable by attaching to your vehicle with the right connections. It's a way in which you or a loved one will be able to resume activities they love and haven't been able to enjoy.

People who've for years been stuck with a bulky appliance that has allowed them to move about, but in a slower manner, can switch and fee more freedom. Mobility walkers will help you feel like you are a person who is able to do so much more again.

As years have gone past in the development of the first mobility walkers, the advancements are notice in newer models. These new models are now lighter than ever and not as bulky either. The movement is done easily, and turning ratio is done in a small diameter.

Make sure that you go and compare some prices for mobility walkers that are on the market. In some cases you may even be able to work with your insurance and have them pay for some of that cost of the machine. Make sure your choice of company includes a customer service department that is well staffed and friendly. Get some more freedom into your life today with a mobility walker.

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