- Higher Education As a Parent Is Possible - dospaz
Parents of today commonly juggle kids, work and housework. Committing to a structured study program or even a research based program to obtain a degree or even a diploma may seem impossible. However, there are a few options available to time-poor parents to embark on a higher education path that will not completely turn their life crazy.
Online Degrees and Diplomas
Delivering education over the Internet is not a new trend. According to AiuOnline.edu, “learning institutions began to develop ways of providing students with a virtual education experience” since the 1990s. The website also mentions that in 1994, the first online distance learning school, CalCampus introduced the “concept of a complete online curriculum.”
The flexibility and ease of access to educational material is the most attractive incentive offered to potential students. Several countries like the UK, Australia and New Zealand offer options like studying at Open Universities. According to the Open.edu.au website, Open Universities bring the best teachings of leading tertiary institutions online so students can study when, where and how they want, to obtain their online degree. Other countries like Open Universities in the UK, runs some course components as residential or day school as well as providing electronic media to use at home.
Balance Study and Family Time
The availability of devices such as the iPhone and iPad makes it easier to make use of time otherwise “lost” commuting on the train or bus. Audio programs are another alternative available to those that drive to work. Learning How to Balance School with Kids may involve novel ways for finding time to do coursework.
Some employers may even offer study leave to their employees, if the education they are pursuing is relevant to the business. These days may be valuable to prepare for exams and work on assignments.
Flexible Learning
Choosing a program that may be part online, part on campus may provide benefits if there is an option of studying subjects in summer school, where one parent may be able to entertain the kids and assist with the housework, while the other parent pursues the higher education.
Another effective option is choosing subjects that are taught through what is known as “block-mode” in some Australian educational institutions. According to UTS.edu.au, block or intensive mode is where subjects are offered in shorter teaching periods. The Melbourne Business School offers a mode of study called the “Weekend Study Mode” where entire subjects can be completed over the course of three weekends with a break in the middle. These flexible study options are not just limited to Australia though with several U.S institutions like Chicago Booth and UCLA offering weekend classes.
Motivating Students
While the promise of being better educated and therefore increasing one’s potential for earning more and gaining better job satisfaction is a big motivating factor, there are several other reasons higher education can benefit those parents who are willing to pursue it. A study called “ College mothers in the dual roles of student and parent: implications for their children's attitudes toward school ” explains how sharing the role of being a student with their children “makes them available as educational role models.”
According to the report “Child Care Assistance for Parents Pursuing Higher Education”, child care assistance for parents pursuing further education is also available in some U.S states, thus reducing the financial strain on the family.
Sources:
History of Online Education, AiuOnline.edu, American InterContinental University Online, accessed 9 August 2010.
Studying with OUA, Open.edu.au, Open Universities Australia, accessed 10 August 2010.
How Studying works at the OU, Open.ac.uk, The Open University, accessed 10 August 2010.
Flexible Timetables, Uts.edu.au, University of Technology, Sydney, accessed 9 August 2010.
Weekend Study Mode, Mbs.edu, Melbourne Business School, accessed 9 August 2010.
Ricco, R., Sabet, S., Clough, C., “ College mothers in the dual roles of student and parent: implications for their children's attitudes toward school ”, Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, January 2009, accessed 10 August 2010.
Lakshmi Singh - Lakshmi Singh is a qualified engineer living in Australia with her husband and son. She enjoys reading and is a budding freelance ...
