How attending college or university may be becoming obsolete due to lower-cost alternatives with greater flexibility and targeted skill building.
Introduction
In the digital age, is college or university still a necessary part of life? With advancements in technology and online learning, is attending college becoming obsolete? It's a question that many parents, teachers, and students are asking as they consider their options for post-secondary education. Let's take a closer look at how this shift is taking place.
The shift to online learning
There has been an increase in the number of people enrolling in online courses and programs over the past few years. With the ease of access to high-speed Internet and more affordable tuition rates for online courses, it is becoming easier for students to pursue their educational and training goals without having to attend college or university. Online learning offers flexibility with the ability to work at your own pace, learn from anywhere in the world, and often times pay far less than traditional on-campus tuition.
Employers’ perspective on education
More employers are beginning to embrace alternative forms of education such as coding boot camps and specialized certifications that may be more applicable to their business needs. The reality is that higher education isn't always necessary when employers are looking for specific skills related to a particular role or industry. Employers often view these certifications as evidence that an applicant has mastered certain skills without having gone through traditional routes such as attending college or university.
Alternatives to college
Alternative educational programs such as coding boot camps have become popular among those who want to acquire valuable tech skills quickly without having gone through a four-year program at college or university. These boot camps provide hands-on experience, which makes them attractive options for those who want to get into tech faster than traditional educational methods can offer. In addition, there are apprenticeships available which allow individuals to learn while they earn money on the job. This gives young people who may not have had access to higher education another way of gaining knowledge and experience while earning income instead of spending money on tuition fees.
Conclusion
As technology evolves, so too does our approach towards education and career advancement opportunities evolve with it. Traditional paths such as attending college or university are being questioned by many because there are now more accessible alternatives available that don't require exorbitant amounts of time or money spent on tuition fees. Despite this shift towards alternative forms of education, one thing remains true - the need for hard work and dedication in order to succeed academically, no matter what route you take, remains unchanged!
Showing posts with label Advice for high school graduates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advice for high school graduates. Show all posts
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Why learning history is important
Introduction
For many students, learning history can seem like a daunting or uninteresting task. Yet, it is important to take the time to learn and appreciate history. By understanding our past, we can better understand the present and prepare for the future. Let’s explore why it is important for students to become interested in history.
History encourages critical thinking skills
Learning about events from the past encourages students to think critically about the world around them. Since historical accounts are often incomplete or biased, it is important for students to analyze evidence, confirm details and facts through multiple sources, and create their own interpretations of what happened. This process teaches students how to think for themselves and consider multiple perspectives when making decisions in the future.
History facilitates problem-solving skills
When studying history, students are presented with problems that were faced by individuals, societies, and economies in previous generations. By researching how people handled these issues in the past, students can develop creative problem-solving skills that they can use later on in life when they face similar problems themselves. Understanding how people solved their problems before us gives us an idea of what strategies may work best when facing difficulties today.
History enhances cultural understanding
Studying history also helps us gain a greater appreciation of different cultures and their various beliefs, values, customs, and traditions. Being familiar with cultural histories allows us to be more tolerant of those who are different from us - and even celebrate those differences - rather than viewing them as something strange or unfamiliar. Furthermore, having a basic knowledge of global events from hundreds of years ago helps us make more informed decisions today that will have a positive impact on our society as a whole.
Conclusion
Overall, there are numerous reasons why it is important for students to become interested in history and develop an appreciation for it. Learning about our past not only helps us gain insight into current situations but also provides valuable life lessons on decision-making and problem-solving skills that we can utilize throughout our lives. Ultimately, developing an interest in history can help us create a better future for ourselves and those around us!
For many students, learning history can seem like a daunting or uninteresting task. Yet, it is important to take the time to learn and appreciate history. By understanding our past, we can better understand the present and prepare for the future. Let’s explore why it is important for students to become interested in history.
History encourages critical thinking skills
Learning about events from the past encourages students to think critically about the world around them. Since historical accounts are often incomplete or biased, it is important for students to analyze evidence, confirm details and facts through multiple sources, and create their own interpretations of what happened. This process teaches students how to think for themselves and consider multiple perspectives when making decisions in the future.
History facilitates problem-solving skills
When studying history, students are presented with problems that were faced by individuals, societies, and economies in previous generations. By researching how people handled these issues in the past, students can develop creative problem-solving skills that they can use later on in life when they face similar problems themselves. Understanding how people solved their problems before us gives us an idea of what strategies may work best when facing difficulties today.
History enhances cultural understanding
Studying history also helps us gain a greater appreciation of different cultures and their various beliefs, values, customs, and traditions. Being familiar with cultural histories allows us to be more tolerant of those who are different from us - and even celebrate those differences - rather than viewing them as something strange or unfamiliar. Furthermore, having a basic knowledge of global events from hundreds of years ago helps us make more informed decisions today that will have a positive impact on our society as a whole.
Conclusion
Overall, there are numerous reasons why it is important for students to become interested in history and develop an appreciation for it. Learning about our past not only helps us gain insight into current situations but also provides valuable life lessons on decision-making and problem-solving skills that we can utilize throughout our lives. Ultimately, developing an interest in history can help us create a better future for ourselves and those around us!
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Reasons for attending two-year college
The benefits of attending a two-year technical college or community college, as opposed to a four-year university
Introduction
Making the decision to attend college is an important one, especially for high school students. There are so many options - four-year universities, two-year technical colleges, and community colleges - so it can be overwhelming to know which path to take. Let’s explore why attending a two-year technical college or community college might be the right choice for you.
Cost savings
Perhaps the most readily obvious benefit of attending a two-year college is cost savings. Tuition at two-year schools is significantly lower than four-year universities, making them an appealing option for students who want to save money while still getting a quality education. Additionally, some two-year schools offer generous financial aid packages that can further reduce, even more so, the cost of tuition and other expenses.
Career preparation
Two-year technical colleges offer career training programs that provide students with the skills needed to enter the workforce in their chosen field. These programs typically focus on hands-on learning and provide practical experience in addition to classroom instruction. This means that graduates of two-year technical colleges are well-prepared for their chosen professions when they enter the job market.
Convenience
Many two-year schools have multiple campuses located throughout their state or region, making them more accessible than four-year universities. This makes them an ideal option for people who don’t want to move away from home or who need flexible scheduling options due to work and/or family commitments. Additionally, some two-year colleges offer online courses that allow students to complete their studies remotely if needed.
Conclusion
Attending a two-year technical college or community college can be beneficial in many ways - from cost savings to career preparation and convenience - making it an attractive option for many high school students and parents alike. If you are considering your educational options after high school graduation, be sure to keep this information in mind as you make your decision!
Introduction
Making the decision to attend college is an important one, especially for high school students. There are so many options - four-year universities, two-year technical colleges, and community colleges - so it can be overwhelming to know which path to take. Let’s explore why attending a two-year technical college or community college might be the right choice for you.
Cost savings
Perhaps the most readily obvious benefit of attending a two-year college is cost savings. Tuition at two-year schools is significantly lower than four-year universities, making them an appealing option for students who want to save money while still getting a quality education. Additionally, some two-year schools offer generous financial aid packages that can further reduce, even more so, the cost of tuition and other expenses.
Career preparation
Two-year technical colleges offer career training programs that provide students with the skills needed to enter the workforce in their chosen field. These programs typically focus on hands-on learning and provide practical experience in addition to classroom instruction. This means that graduates of two-year technical colleges are well-prepared for their chosen professions when they enter the job market.
Convenience
Many two-year schools have multiple campuses located throughout their state or region, making them more accessible than four-year universities. This makes them an ideal option for people who don’t want to move away from home or who need flexible scheduling options due to work and/or family commitments. Additionally, some two-year colleges offer online courses that allow students to complete their studies remotely if needed.
Conclusion
Attending a two-year technical college or community college can be beneficial in many ways - from cost savings to career preparation and convenience - making it an attractive option for many high school students and parents alike. If you are considering your educational options after high school graduation, be sure to keep this information in mind as you make your decision!
Thursday, August 18, 2022
PlaySpent.org personal finance game
PlaySpent.org, a game by Urban Ministries of Durham
You start with $1,000.00. You need to choose one from several job options, several different health insurance plans, and several housing options at the beginning of the game. Your goal is to survive the month without running out of money. Throughout the typical month, as in real life, a number of unexpected situations and expenses come up, and you'll be forced to make some very tough decisions. Expect the unexpected.
This is a very eye-opening, thought-provoking simulation. The decisions you'll have to make, and the situations you'll encounter, mirror everyday real life for a lot of people. You'll learn a lot about yourself, including your spending habits, your goals and ambitions, how you reason through decisions, and what you're willing, or not willing, to sacrifice. Along the way, you'll also learn a lot of real-life facts out there when it comes to paying for, and juggling, it all. The game does an awesome job of explaining the consequences, good and/or not-so-good, of all your decisions, all backed by real data. This game is great for any age, but if you're currently in high school, use this game to your advantage. Really study it. Time is on your side right now to figure a lot of this stuff out, before you end up in a real-world mess. If you are indeed still in high school, I highly recommend pairing this simulation with the Time for Payback game, which will help get you thinking about how you're going to manage the debt you'll accumulate during your college years, if you decide you'd like to pursue college.
Discussion and Reflection Questions
After playing the game, be totally honest with yourself when it comes to these questions, because this is how you'll truly learn. What did you learn about yourself? Would you say you tend to make decisions thoughtfully and carefully, or do you tend to make them more on a whim? Do you tend to pursue the easier-sounding path, whatever that is, or are you usually one that likes to (or at least willing to) put in more work and sacrifice up front? When it comes to your purchasing habits, do you usually find yourself needing all the bells and whistles, or do you try to find money-saving options that will still work for you? Do you have any kind of a savings plan/habit in place right now, no matter how small?
No matter your age, is there anything you'd like to change right now about your current journey to increase your chances of success in life, work and career, and wealth? If so, what changes do you need to make, starting right now? Put them in SMART goal format with this easy guide, "What are SMART goals?"
After playing this game, what do you want to learn more about? Scholarship opportunities? Career options? Choosing a college major? More personal finance subjects? Networking? Creating a resume? How can you make this learning possible - what are some resources you can consult, who can you talk to, etc.?
If you found this post helpful, you may also enjoy browsing our "Personal finance" category for our full catalog of posts, ideas, tips and strategies, resources, reflections, and more simulation games.
You start with $1,000.00. You need to choose one from several job options, several different health insurance plans, and several housing options at the beginning of the game. Your goal is to survive the month without running out of money. Throughout the typical month, as in real life, a number of unexpected situations and expenses come up, and you'll be forced to make some very tough decisions. Expect the unexpected.
This is a very eye-opening, thought-provoking simulation. The decisions you'll have to make, and the situations you'll encounter, mirror everyday real life for a lot of people. You'll learn a lot about yourself, including your spending habits, your goals and ambitions, how you reason through decisions, and what you're willing, or not willing, to sacrifice. Along the way, you'll also learn a lot of real-life facts out there when it comes to paying for, and juggling, it all. The game does an awesome job of explaining the consequences, good and/or not-so-good, of all your decisions, all backed by real data. This game is great for any age, but if you're currently in high school, use this game to your advantage. Really study it. Time is on your side right now to figure a lot of this stuff out, before you end up in a real-world mess. If you are indeed still in high school, I highly recommend pairing this simulation with the Time for Payback game, which will help get you thinking about how you're going to manage the debt you'll accumulate during your college years, if you decide you'd like to pursue college.
Discussion and Reflection Questions
After playing the game, be totally honest with yourself when it comes to these questions, because this is how you'll truly learn. What did you learn about yourself? Would you say you tend to make decisions thoughtfully and carefully, or do you tend to make them more on a whim? Do you tend to pursue the easier-sounding path, whatever that is, or are you usually one that likes to (or at least willing to) put in more work and sacrifice up front? When it comes to your purchasing habits, do you usually find yourself needing all the bells and whistles, or do you try to find money-saving options that will still work for you? Do you have any kind of a savings plan/habit in place right now, no matter how small?
No matter your age, is there anything you'd like to change right now about your current journey to increase your chances of success in life, work and career, and wealth? If so, what changes do you need to make, starting right now? Put them in SMART goal format with this easy guide, "What are SMART goals?"
After playing this game, what do you want to learn more about? Scholarship opportunities? Career options? Choosing a college major? More personal finance subjects? Networking? Creating a resume? How can you make this learning possible - what are some resources you can consult, who can you talk to, etc.?
If you found this post helpful, you may also enjoy browsing our "Personal finance" category for our full catalog of posts, ideas, tips and strategies, resources, reflections, and more simulation games.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Time for Payback personal finance game
TimeForPayback.com, a game by Next Gen Personal Finance
Start the game by applying for colleges. You enter your GPA, your level of extracurricular involvement, and your home state. Based on your answers to these, you may get anywhere from 1-4 acceptance letters. What kind of college will you attend, based on your eligibility - in-state public, out-of-state public, private school, or community college? What will you do during the summer before you start college - will you be a couch potato and take it easy, or will you work and earn money? What will you major in? Will you buy new, buy used, or rent your textbooks? Will you get a nothing-fancy laptop, or do you need one with all the bells and whistles? Will you work while going to school? How will you balance school, family, work, and a social life? Along the way throughout the game, other challenges and decision-making moments will come your way. As with real life, expect the unexpected.
Your ultimate goal is to survive to the end of the game, meaning you graduated college, managed to juggle all your priorities, and found employment with a starting salary that adequately covers all the debt you accumulated during your college years through your various choices and decisions. Will you make it?
This is a very fun (or not-so-fun, depending on your perspective) and educational game, and I'm happy to share it with all of you here. At the very least, fun or not (you decide), it's certainly eye-opening. You'll learn a lot - about yourself, your goals and ambitions, how you arrive at decisions, as well as learning a lot of real-life facts out there when it comes to paying for, and juggling, it all. The game does a great job of explaining the consequences, good and/or not-so-good, of all your decisions, all backed by real data. If you're currently in high school, use this game to your advantage. Time is on your side right now to figure a lot of this stuff out, before you end up in a real-world mess.
Discussion and Reflection Questions, more geared to high school students
Try playing this game twice, back-to-back. Be honest with your current GPA and your current level of extracurricular involvement (clubs, activities, and sports). Briefly compare the two games. Did you make it to the finish line in either game? Did you notice yourself making any changes in the second game compared to how you played the first? Be totally honest with yourself when it comes to these questions, because this is how you'll truly learn - What did you learn about yourself during the games? Would you say you tend to make decisions thoughtfully and carefully, or do you tend to make them more on a whim? Do you tend to choose the easier path, whatever that is, or are you usually one that likes to (or at least willing to) put in more work and sacrifice? When it comes to your purchasing habits, do you usually find yourself needing all the bells and whistles, or do you try to find money-saving options that will still work for you?
Is there anything you'd like to change right now about your current high school journey to increase your chances of success in college and career? If so, what changes do you need to make, starting right now? Put them in SMART goal format with this easy guide, "What are SMART goals?"
After playing this game, what do you want to learn more about? Scholarship opportunities? Career options? Choosing a college major? More personal finance subjects? How can you make this learning possible - what are some resources you can consult, who can you talk to, etc.?
If you found this post helpful, you may also enjoy browsing our "Personal finance" category for our full catalog of posts, ideas, tips and strategies, resources, reflections, and more simulation games.
Start the game by applying for colleges. You enter your GPA, your level of extracurricular involvement, and your home state. Based on your answers to these, you may get anywhere from 1-4 acceptance letters. What kind of college will you attend, based on your eligibility - in-state public, out-of-state public, private school, or community college? What will you do during the summer before you start college - will you be a couch potato and take it easy, or will you work and earn money? What will you major in? Will you buy new, buy used, or rent your textbooks? Will you get a nothing-fancy laptop, or do you need one with all the bells and whistles? Will you work while going to school? How will you balance school, family, work, and a social life? Along the way throughout the game, other challenges and decision-making moments will come your way. As with real life, expect the unexpected.
Your ultimate goal is to survive to the end of the game, meaning you graduated college, managed to juggle all your priorities, and found employment with a starting salary that adequately covers all the debt you accumulated during your college years through your various choices and decisions. Will you make it?
This is a very fun (or not-so-fun, depending on your perspective) and educational game, and I'm happy to share it with all of you here. At the very least, fun or not (you decide), it's certainly eye-opening. You'll learn a lot - about yourself, your goals and ambitions, how you arrive at decisions, as well as learning a lot of real-life facts out there when it comes to paying for, and juggling, it all. The game does a great job of explaining the consequences, good and/or not-so-good, of all your decisions, all backed by real data. If you're currently in high school, use this game to your advantage. Time is on your side right now to figure a lot of this stuff out, before you end up in a real-world mess.
Discussion and Reflection Questions, more geared to high school students
Try playing this game twice, back-to-back. Be honest with your current GPA and your current level of extracurricular involvement (clubs, activities, and sports). Briefly compare the two games. Did you make it to the finish line in either game? Did you notice yourself making any changes in the second game compared to how you played the first? Be totally honest with yourself when it comes to these questions, because this is how you'll truly learn - What did you learn about yourself during the games? Would you say you tend to make decisions thoughtfully and carefully, or do you tend to make them more on a whim? Do you tend to choose the easier path, whatever that is, or are you usually one that likes to (or at least willing to) put in more work and sacrifice? When it comes to your purchasing habits, do you usually find yourself needing all the bells and whistles, or do you try to find money-saving options that will still work for you?
Is there anything you'd like to change right now about your current high school journey to increase your chances of success in college and career? If so, what changes do you need to make, starting right now? Put them in SMART goal format with this easy guide, "What are SMART goals?"
After playing this game, what do you want to learn more about? Scholarship opportunities? Career options? Choosing a college major? More personal finance subjects? How can you make this learning possible - what are some resources you can consult, who can you talk to, etc.?
If you found this post helpful, you may also enjoy browsing our "Personal finance" category for our full catalog of posts, ideas, tips and strategies, resources, reflections, and more simulation games.
Monday, July 4, 2022
Advice for new high school graduates
A few weeks back, shortly before the school year ended, at a high school I had been subbing at frequently during the last several months, I came across a student I recognized in the hallway during passing time between classes. A senior getting ready to graduate, I had gotten to know him fairly well during these last few months in a variety of classes. A fine young man with a bright future ahead of him. I really appreciated the opportunity to build some rapport with him and learn from him.
We greeted each other, and then I asked him something along the lines of, "Are you excited to graduate? Here we are, bud, finally at the finish line!" He didn't seem too excited. He explained to me that there were mixed emotions, and that he was actually a little nervous - a little scared of what may lie ahead. The uncertainty of it all, he said. He told me he plans on working for at least a year, see what happens with that. College is off the table, for now, at least.
Here was my advice to him, with a few additional thoughts, if it's of any help to you or to a newly-minted high school graduate you may know:
Indeed, it can definitely be a little distressing, not being able to fully see or understand what lies ahead for you. Perhaps that's one of our flaws as human beings, at any age, at any stage in our lives. All too often, we want - we demand - to see all the puzzle pieces clearly laid out before us. We desire to be fully in control and fully aware of the immediate future, and when that doesn't happen, we get a little nervous, and yes, we get scared.
My young friend, at the time of our conversation, didn't quite know or understand what lies ahead for him beyond high school. He was getting ready to trade, in an instant, the certainty and stability of a clearly defined, regimented schedule and set of expectations he had known for his entire life up to this point - for the unknown.
Or was he? I explained to him, and I share with all of you here now, a different way of looking at this situation. Let's turn it on its head. He doesn't know what lies ahead, because he simply hasn't created it yet. He - along with every other high school graduate - has just been given a brand new, totally blank, spotless canvass. You're going to decide what goes on it. It doesn't matter if you're off to college right away, or the workforce, or the military. It doesn't matter if you have concrete goals at this moment, or if you're taking it more in stride. You have each been given this blank canvass.
You're going to create a masterpiece based on your goals, expectations, values, dreams, faith, work ethic, skills and talents, interests, and yes, a bit of the unknown. This masterpiece, of course, is you. It's not going to be created and completed overnight. It will be created, revised, and taken in new directions for the remainder of your life, however long that will be. There are going to be some unexpected personal and professional turns and bumps on the journey, but that's all part of the brilliant masterpiece in the end - you. You won't be able to clearly see all the puzzle pieces laid out before you. You won't be able to instantly - or perhaps ever - understand some of the situations that will come your way on the journey. There will be times when you step back to look at what you've done with this precious gift, and you're going to absolutely love it. There will be other times when you look at it, and you'll just want to scream. But through it all, hold strong to your faith and your values. Keep your nose to the grindstone, make use of your resources like your time and money wisely, and stay positive. You're about to start a truly one-of-a-kind work of art that no one else can duplicate, and no one else can fully understand or appreciate.
Best of luck to all of you freshly-minted high school graduates. Work hard, remember the things that are truly important in this life, develop your God-given talents and gifts for both yourself and others, use your resources wisely, and expect the unexpected. Now, get to work on that canvass.
We greeted each other, and then I asked him something along the lines of, "Are you excited to graduate? Here we are, bud, finally at the finish line!" He didn't seem too excited. He explained to me that there were mixed emotions, and that he was actually a little nervous - a little scared of what may lie ahead. The uncertainty of it all, he said. He told me he plans on working for at least a year, see what happens with that. College is off the table, for now, at least.
Here was my advice to him, with a few additional thoughts, if it's of any help to you or to a newly-minted high school graduate you may know:
Indeed, it can definitely be a little distressing, not being able to fully see or understand what lies ahead for you. Perhaps that's one of our flaws as human beings, at any age, at any stage in our lives. All too often, we want - we demand - to see all the puzzle pieces clearly laid out before us. We desire to be fully in control and fully aware of the immediate future, and when that doesn't happen, we get a little nervous, and yes, we get scared.
My young friend, at the time of our conversation, didn't quite know or understand what lies ahead for him beyond high school. He was getting ready to trade, in an instant, the certainty and stability of a clearly defined, regimented schedule and set of expectations he had known for his entire life up to this point - for the unknown.
Or was he? I explained to him, and I share with all of you here now, a different way of looking at this situation. Let's turn it on its head. He doesn't know what lies ahead, because he simply hasn't created it yet. He - along with every other high school graduate - has just been given a brand new, totally blank, spotless canvass. You're going to decide what goes on it. It doesn't matter if you're off to college right away, or the workforce, or the military. It doesn't matter if you have concrete goals at this moment, or if you're taking it more in stride. You have each been given this blank canvass.
You're going to create a masterpiece based on your goals, expectations, values, dreams, faith, work ethic, skills and talents, interests, and yes, a bit of the unknown. This masterpiece, of course, is you. It's not going to be created and completed overnight. It will be created, revised, and taken in new directions for the remainder of your life, however long that will be. There are going to be some unexpected personal and professional turns and bumps on the journey, but that's all part of the brilliant masterpiece in the end - you. You won't be able to clearly see all the puzzle pieces laid out before you. You won't be able to instantly - or perhaps ever - understand some of the situations that will come your way on the journey. There will be times when you step back to look at what you've done with this precious gift, and you're going to absolutely love it. There will be other times when you look at it, and you'll just want to scream. But through it all, hold strong to your faith and your values. Keep your nose to the grindstone, make use of your resources like your time and money wisely, and stay positive. You're about to start a truly one-of-a-kind work of art that no one else can duplicate, and no one else can fully understand or appreciate.
Best of luck to all of you freshly-minted high school graduates. Work hard, remember the things that are truly important in this life, develop your God-given talents and gifts for both yourself and others, use your resources wisely, and expect the unexpected. Now, get to work on that canvass.
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