From the time you're a toddler, through your adulthood, the choices you make or those made for you regarding your education will have a direct impact on the successes you enjoy as you journey through life. Your level of education can determine how far you advance in your career, whether you are equipped

to begin a new career, your ability to educate your children, and many other facets of your life. Whether you're learning for the sake of learning or updating your résumé, an education should always be considered a good choice. We'll discuss just how education impacts all aspects of your life in this month's newsletter, from your finances to your family life to your career. Enjoy!

As always, we encourage you to e-mail us with your comments, suggestions or contributions about our "Paths to Success" e-letter, including your ideas for possible story topics, news items, sponsorship suggestions and advice for novice students - anything you think would help us bring you relevant and timely information that's useful to you!  Ideas can be e-mailed to submit@almedauniversity.org. 

Only a few years back, education obtained online wasn't considered to be of the same caliber as the education one received by sitting in a classroom. But with the advent of the Internet and advances in technology, some may ask if you really need to attend school in person to learn, or whether you can obtain the same information via your own personal computer?

Until recently, it was difficult for many to understand that it is indeed possible to utilize your home computer and Internet to learn, study and earn a degree. It seemed too easy and convenient. However, now, distance education has not only conquered the negativity expressed by those comfortable with the brick-and-mortar classroom experience, but it is becoming a standard way to obtain an education and a degree. In fact, a recent Sloan Consortium study showed that learning online can be just as effective as - if not better than - obtaining a degree in the classroom. Fifty-seven percent of academic leaders feel that an online

education can meet or outperform instruction gained face-to-face. Therefore, considering online education is now as effective as in-person classroom education, one can be assured that the tuition you pay to learn online will bring you the knowledge you need to start or further your career, upgrade your résumé, and earn more money, all without leaving your home.

When taking classes online, you'll be able to keep your current job and complete school assignments when your work schedule allows. You won't have to take a financial hit just because you're trying to enhance your education.

You'll also save money on commuting (subway tokens, bus passes, gas, or parking fees), food and even books. All of the additional expenses that quickly add up when you're commuting to class can be avoided by taking classes over the Internet.

And think of the creative juices that can flow when you're in a relaxed home environment. PJs and slippers make a fine school wardrobe. Click here for information on Almeda's Life Experience degrees and begin your online learning today.

Many parents swear by home schooling their children, and many children receive a very thorough education with this technique. However, home schooling is not for everyone, and before you make this important decision, it's wise to determine whether you and your child will receive greater benefit from being home schooled rather than attending school in the traditional classroom environment.

You'll first want to consider the ways that home schooling will affect your child. Many parents choose not to home school their children because they feel that by doing so, they are isolating their children from other children. Equally, though, it can be argued that children who are home schooled still play and interact with others after school and on weekends.

One of the primary questions, therefore, is whether your child will learn better alone or among other children who are learning the same material.

As long as your child continues to enjoy a significant amount of social time with other children at or near his or her age, you may find that by home schooling, you'll have the chance to interact together in a way that wouldn't otherwise be possible. Furthermore, your child will receive a learning experience that can cater specifically to his or her learning needs, and you can offer your child greater insight into various topics than a classroom-bound education could accomplish.

One of the main struggles faced by parents and children who take part in home schooling is motivation. There are many distractions in a house that are not present in a classroom, such as a television, the Internet, video games, toys, and younger siblings. You need to be able to keep yourself and your child on the right learning track.

You must also remember that you will be the teacher. Thus, you need to be absolutely certain that you can instruct following standards set by local school authorities.

Many families find that home schooling can allow for good,

effective and stimulating format for children to gain an education. In fact, recent statistics have shown that there has been a substantial increase in the number of families who have chosen to home school their children. That being said, there has also been an increase in the number of children who begin their education as home schooled students, and then move into state education full-time. This doesn't at all mean that home schooling is not effective, but it means that it is not for every child, and sometimes it's impossible to know whether it's right for your family until you give it a try.

Before deciding to home school your children, do your research. Read various online resources (that are both in favor of and against the technique), speak to your child or children about what home schooling will entail, and talk to your local education representatives for advice. Guidance from education experts can ensure that you are covering the same curriculum as children who are learning in the classroom. Check into home school support groups as well and ask questions. If you do your homework, you'll discover the best way for your kids to do theirs.

If you feel that you've gone about as far as you can in your career without beefing up your résumé, or if you aren't climbing the ladder at work as quickly as you feel you should be, a small educational upgrade may just be the answer you've been looking for.

In the contemporary business environment, returning to school to gain the necessary education to move up in your career is something quite common - especially now that reputable and respected online universities like Almeda exist that offer job-specific career education programs to better your career opportunities.

Around the globe, census departments and surveys show that when comparing annual income, people with Bachelor's degrees earn thousands of dollars more than those with high school diplomas. This is well known information. 

But trends show that when business professionals add small, regular upgrades to their education - especially in areas that align with their industry - annual income continues to rise.  The difference is so significant, that many countries offer government-supplemented education programs for career training and college upgrades. 

Many medium- to large-sized companies will also help employees pay for career-related education as long as it's in the same industry.

You may even be able to take time off work, though this may be paid or unpaid time, depending on the company.  And you may be surprised to learn about benefits your company is willing to offer if you decide to continue or enhance your education.

Career-specific training will improve your chances of a better job within your current career or help you get started on a new career path if you have gone as far as you care to in your current job.  Almeda University offers all the right tools, regardless of where your path is leading.  Find out more by clicking here.

Though the majority of men and women pursue education to ensure success on the job, there is something to be said about learning for the sake of simply knowing more.  Sometimes  'learning for fun' can be misconstrued as limited, with false assumptions that line dancing, yoga, pottery or dog obedience are the only offerings available.  However, 'fun' education doesn't have to stop at recreational or leisure interests. 

If you're interested in a particular topic or subject, the odds are that a course or study program is available.  And though just-for-fun learning will likely be beneficial to your career and résumé, it will certainly be enjoyable since you've selected a topic that piques your personal interest and isn't necessarily tied to your career.

Education for the sake of learning is beneficial not merely for enhancing job skills, but  also in

building confidence and an overall understanding of the world we live in.  You've heard about 'well-rounded' people who seem to be wise about just about everything.  That's what 'learning for fun' can do for you.  Besides learning about your topic of interest, you'll also build on your self-knowledge,self-belief and willingness to participate more in your own community.  Learning is considered by many to be an active form of citizenship. 

You can find educational opportunities just about everywhere you look, including your local church group, garden club, business networking group, community center and naturally, online universities like Almeda, offering an abundance of degrees, including Life Experience programs.

The funny thing about learning for the sake of learning is that many people discover that it is the first

step to a new life journey.  Often, many discover whole new sides to themselves and may even change career or personal paths to better reflect tastes they've uncovered by opening their minds and learning just for the fun of it.   

Best of all, learning is something that everyone can do, no matter their age, gender, tastes or educational background.  Even in an entire lifetime, one could never exhaust all there is to know in this world, but it sure is fun trying.