As technology continues to evolve, an increasing number of time-saving conveniences become available. The modern computer is one such tool. When combined with the Internet, it presents an efficient means to conduct research, compile information and communicate with people and institutions all over the world. Educational planning especially benefits from computer use for the purpose of locating and comparing schools, as well as requesting additional information and connecting with people and professionals of similar interests.
Educational planning applies to two primary areas: student education planning and committee education planning. The individual student typically engages in educational planning in preparation for his degree program. The student considers such factors as school choice, degree program options, degree level (certificate, associate, bachelor, master, doctorate), location (in state, out of state, online) and cost (financial aid, student loans, grants, scholarships, work-study programs). Committee education planning incorporates such considerations as management of students, administration of personnel, programs, standards and allocation of funds.
Prospective students and their parents or other concerned parties can benefit in many ways from computer use during their educational planning. First, they can compile details into a Microsoft Word document that covers general ideas about their interests: type of school and degree program, location, budget and other key factors. Then, students can utilize search functions to locate schools and degree programs that meet their pre-determined criteria. Finally, students can request additional information online, chat with live help or join online communities to network about various schools and degree programs prior to making decisions.
Students can use computers for a number of purposes, including enrolling in courses, and printing schedules and school calendars. Students also may research information about potential career paths. Additional educational planning can provide students with the opportunity to get involved in choosing specific concentrations, accepting accountability for their own educational and career goals, and connecting to additional resources available at a college. Students also may have the option to complete online assessments of skills and values.
Similar to the benefits described for individual prospective students, committees can likewise take advantage of computer use to accomplish their educational planning goals. In addition to collecting relevant material into Word documents and printing them for all members to review, committees may set up Internet conferences through any number of online services, such as GoToMeeting, to collaborate on various aspects of educational planning. Committees also can use computers to send group emails to keep members updated or to notify them about upcoming meetings.