Glimpse into the future of online education

The digital disruption of higher education: College is going online, whether we like it or not theatln.tc/12hgKBZ
— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) May 17, 2013

I came across an excellent article in a recent Sunday Boston Globe focusing on what some area colleges and universities are doing to enhance their online offerings.  Specifically when it comes to earning graduate degrees and the challenges that many face in finding the time to actually attend classes.

Having recently completed an online graduate program and working in higher education for nearly 20 years, this certainly piqued my interest.

Professionals have realized the need for advanced degrees to not only move up the proverbial corporate ladder, but it is almost a must as we face an ever-changing and advancing workplace in all areas such as law, corporate taxes, and international relations, and technology. 

But the challenge again lies with finding the time to do so.  Many of us are already working full time, which really means to six to seven o'clock, and balancing family responsibilities with our working spouse who is also likely to be occupied with a full-time work schedule. 

Limitations also extend into the physical location of available graduate school offerings. If you live in a metro area, such as Boston, there are several excellent choices within reach.  School's in remote areas are limited to a radius of potential applicants who could physically attend a class two or three nights a week.

Technology has changing that. Or should I say, is changing the way many school's are looking at making access that much easier and available. Many, according the Globe's report, are offering a "hybrid" program to allow flexibility of learning online, and face-to-face interaction on campus. 

Online education that fits your schedule.

While a majority of the work is done online, there are requirements to meet at least one weekend a month or even in some cases, twice a year.  This greatly expands the reach for many schools to draw from outside the region and even in some cases, from around the country. 

My experience was wonderful and was all that I expected, and even more. There were very little barriers to communication and the interaction and learning process was quite intense and beneficial, and fit my busy schedule perfectly. 

As technology continues to improve with better broadband service and video conferencing capabilities are made available to just about every desktop, laptop, iPad and smart phone, school's can only benefit by being a leader in this new offering.

It's the simple things

I always love a great idea. 

Mobile pet services simply makes life much easier. 

Customer service these days can be rare. We have access to pretty much every kind of convenience we need. Malls and shopping plazas with just about every variety of need can be found on just about on every block.

But what about a businesses that comes to you?

This isn't about the pizza delivery guy or the cable company that comes to your house in the only time slot available: anytime between 8 and 4.  Which really means, 3:55 p.m.

But how about a new trend, particularly in the area of pet services.  Sure there are veterinarian offices in just about every town, and you go visit any of those shopping centers and usually find a big-box pet store anchored in one of the corner spots.

However, we've kind of stumbled upon a pair of services that has proven to be a wonderful experience.  And one that fits our busy schedules:  mobile pet groomers and mobile vets.

That's right, make an appointment, and then take a look out your window as soon enough there'll be a friendly white customized mobile offices that has everything you need.  Having stepped inside, these air-conditioned offices-on-wheels are quite elaborate and loaded with just about everything you'd find in a doctors office.

Of course, if your pet (in our case our dog) has a keen sense that we're up to something when he hears the beeping sound of the van backing up, but to us, it's a luxury and convenience that simply works.

Perhaps there'll soon be other "mobile" services that will make their way into our daily lives. A few glass companies have caught on with windshield repairs already.  But if you have a pet, be sure to do a simple search and see if one of these services has made its way into your areas.

It's kind of nice.