This is an exciting time to be in school, as there are more opportunities and ways to learn. For 2012, you’ll see a continuation of trends and some new efforts that point the way for how students will be learning from community colleges, two-year and four-year public and private universities, and for-profit online schools in the future.

Education in emerging markets
Businesses are thinking globally, and so are colleges and universities. From the growth in study abroad programs to graduate education, more U.S. universities are expanding with overseas programs. In 2012, for example, Harvard Business School will have four executive education programs in India.

Sciences will stand out even more
The national STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) initiative is seeking to boost students’ knowledge in public schools. At the college level, schools are working to prepare students with the math and science skills to get hired in high-demand fields such as engineering and technology.

Campuses get more social
Tweeting, sharing content, “likes” on Facebook … it’s all part of how colleges and universities are going to continue interacting with their students, and students interacting with each other and their professors.

Online learning gets more tools
Online learning continues to evolve, and one trend that students will see is how learning management systems like Blackboard and OpenClass will integrate more social media. Cloud computing also will become more of a factor, making it easier for you to access reading material or the paper you’re working on from anywhere. That’s going to make it easier for you to collaborate with other students and share content, which can help you succeed in your classes.

Campuses get greener
Colleges and universities realize that they need to train students to fill the exploding number of high-paying green jobs. Community colleges, for example, are working to update their curriculum so that its students will contribute to the green economy and sustainability movement.

Let us know some of the trends you’re seeing in education in 2012!

Happy New Year!

-Lori Johnston

In case you missed them, here’s a look back at the top posts that received the most visitors this year. As you can see, we’ve touched on everything from zombies to animation to iPhones to the challenging job market.

Which one is your favorite? And what would you like to read about in 2012? Share your thoughts in the comments or tweet me: @CollegeSurfing.

1. 15 Post-Apocalyptic College Hipster Survival Tips – You guys are really worried about this, aren’t you?
2. Top 8 Higher Education Trends of the Decade – Now that 2011 is almost over, what do you think the new trends will be?
3. Geek Heroes: 26 Geeks Before They Were Stars – It’s always fun to look back to see what folks like J.K. Rowling and Patrick Stewart did before they became famous.
4. Hoops & YoYo Creators Bob Holt and Mike Adair Interview – One of the most fun interviews I’ve done — check it out!
5. 5 Reasons I Should Sue My College – Breaking down some myths about college life.
6. Beat the Economic Crisis: 5 “Safe” Careers – Always a hot topic, a look at the industries with the most staying power.
7. Wacky Job Interview Questions – And some fun answers to get you thinking!
8. Hot Trend: iPhone App Development Course – Break into this still-smokin’ field.
9. 8 Offbeat, Odd & Wacky College Majors – These are real, we swear!
10. Top Schools for Video Game Design – There’s no denying the cool factor of this career path, which is why it’s in our top 10.

-Dawn Papandrea

My 5-year-old son’s letter to Santa this year includes Legos, Green Lantern and Batman action figures, and something to play Angry Birds with (instead of always asking for my iPhone). For him, my wish for Santa is that he continues to learn to spell, read, and develop a strong work ethic in kindergarten through his future school years.

If adult learners made a list for Santa, there’s six things we think would be great wishes for Santa (and we’d give him extra cookies and coffee to keep him caffeinated on Christmas Eve, too!).

1. Faster Internet access
Whether you’re taking online classes or trying to do online research, there’s nothing more frustrating for an adult learner than being bogged down by a slow Internet connection. Or worse, when there’s no Internet at all, due to tech problems in your home, office, or a coffee shop, or storm outages.

2. A tablet
The high-tech movement is evident in education. A tablet can be easier to tote than a laptop if you’re going to class or work, and there’s the option to sync information between computers and tablets, and a ton of apps that can help with taking notes and test prep. iPads and other tablets are pricey, so no being naughty this year – you want to be on Santa’s good side. Tablets and e-readers like the Kindle and Nook also can make it more affordable to buy digital textbooks, newspapers, magazines, and other required reading for school.

3. Peace in the house
Peace on earth is a big wish, but some peace and quiet in your home is necessary as you’re studying for tests or finishing up assignments on deadline. If that seems impossible, maybe Santa can help provide a babysitter for those times when you need to be secluded and studying, away from the kids.

4. Time
Santa’s the ultimate multi-tasker, placing presents under trees around the world in the span of one night. Adult students have the same tough task – trying to fit in studying, working, caring for family, and other activities – in their schedule. The gift of time would be incredible. As you enter 2012, you could take another look at your schedule to see ways you can pare down activities or prioritize so that school doesn’t suffer from the lack of time in your life.

5. Instant knowledge
Being able to master tough concepts in your subject area and quickly grasp the information you need in required classes leading up to your major would be incredible. Until those abilities are possible, adult learners will need to continue to prioritize time to study do required reading, work ahead on projects, and ask plenty of questions to ace the class.

6. A frame
For your diploma, of course!

Happy and merry holidays to all!

-Lori Johnston

I’m sitting in the movie theater, watching “The Muppets” with my 5-year-old son, and I realize that amid the references to past decades, musical numbers, and appearance of favorites like Animal and Beaker, a comeback story like this can apply to going back to college, too.

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Before you say “mahna mahna,” check out these four ways “The Muppets” might inspire you to get on the path to a new career.

1. It’s not too late to do it.

Fozzie Bear’s eyebrows are graying, and a robot from the ’80s drives them around the country. It may seem like The Muppets are past their prime (it is, after all, their first new movie in 12 years), but they don’t let changes in technology or pop culture get them down in their quest to save their old theater. If you’re concerned you’re too out of date to go back to school, it doesn’t have to be that way.

2. Don’t let no stop you.

From TV executives to baddie Tex Richman, who plans to buy the theater and tear it down, there’s plenty of reasons for the Kermit and the Muppets to give up. It’s the same for you – people may make comments that could put holes in your college or career dreams, but don’t let them affect your decision.

3. Have your support team.

New Muppet Walter and humans Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) are huge fans on the Muppets, convincing them to get together again. The Muppets also enlisted the help of old and new friends, with Neil Patrick Harris, Selena Gomez, Whoopie Goldberg, and other celebrities supporting the furry cast during the telethon. Find your own support team who can encourage you along the way as you head back to school to learn more about your field or a new career.

4. If a Muppet can do it, so can you…

Miss Piggy as a high-profile fashion editor; Gonzo as the owner of a successful plumbing company … OK, if a Muppet can have a new or second career, what’s stopping you?

-Lori Johnston

For all of our holiday traditions, it takes hard work to make them happen year after year. We’re not just talking about baking those special cookies, reading holiday books with kids, finding the perfect gift for someone, or taking a little one to meet Santa.

Throughout the holidays, you’ll be coming into contact with people in careers that are super busy this time of year. But some of these fields need workers, and if you’re considering a career change, see how holiday activities and traditions might lead you to one of these five professions.

Event planner
From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to seasonal tree lightings and parades in other metro areas and small towns, event planners are needed to coordinate all the details and volunteers. Programs such as hospitality management give folks the education to work as an event planner, which also are in demand for company parties and social events tied to the holidays.

Advertising manager
If your child keeps telling you about the toy they’ve seen on TV and just have to have, you have experienced the power of advertising. Toy makers ramp up the marketing this time of year, so that their products become the must-have item, and professionals with advertising expertise and training from advertising programs help generate buzz for companies.

Financial adviser
Before the year comes to an end, many folks touch base with their financial advisor or planner to make contributions to 401(k) and other steps that can help lower their taxes. The know-how you get from a financial planning school prepares you to help individuals and families seeking to save as the year comes to an end.

Nonprofit director
If you’re volunteering with a charitable group or donating money, cans, clothes, toys, or other items to those in need during the holidays, the spirit of giving could take you into a new career. The nonprofit industry is seeking people who are passionate about a cause, who can use their knowledge of business, marketing, finance, technology, and other areas to help a nonprofit group reach more people, all throughout the year.

Photographer
Family and pet photos are the focal point of all of those holiday cards, and it’s wonderful to see kids grow up and people share photos during the holidays.

Phil Bekker, a faculty member in the photographic imaging department at The Art Institute of Atlanta, says there can be enormous satisfaction in being involved in a creative field like photography. To be successful, though, a key skill that a photographer needs is people skills, which will endear them to potential clients. He adds that a personal style sets a photographer apart from others and makes them more in demand that other photographers.

For many holiday cards, those amazing portrait shots require a photographer with the training to get the right shot, and that includes one with all family members smiling!

-Lori Johnston

If you’re at a career crossroads, or simply need to make a change (hey, resolution time is right around the corner!), a new book can help you gain some perspective and get you on the road to change. Justin Ahrens’ “Life Kerning: Creative Ways to Fine Tune Your Perspective on Career and Life,” makes for a great stocking stuffer for yourself, the recent grad, or career changer in your life.

CollegeSurfing.com had the chance to chat with Ahrens for some further insight… read on.

CS: Tell me a bit about your background and schooling.
JA: I attended Illinois Wesleyan University, a small liberal arts University in central Illinois. Sort of hard to believe now because my view of the world has changed so much. But it was perfect for me because I was challenged by my peers and that is when I realized it was up to me to make my life and experiences what they could be. I think I always knew that, but college really drove it home. So I took extra classes and had four internships to do what I could to be prepared.

CS: How did you come up with the idea for the book?
JA: I moved around a lot when I was a kid. I went to a new school every year, except maybe one until I got to High School. All of that school readjustment really made me conscious of social environments. I think this book is a group of life observations to this point. I came up with the idea originally as a talk for a conference based on a bunch of notes I had taken from people who asked me many of the same questions. And the name just came from thinking about ways to call slight adjustments — kerning seemed just perfect, plus I liked that it was unique.

CS: I love the idea of creating space for yourself. I think most people do this around New Year’s resolution time. Can you talk about why it’s important to not limit this activity to just once a year? And what doing so can accomplish?
JA: How many resolutions have we made and not fallen through on? And is your peace and happiness a constant goal, or will a once a year realignment do the trick? I think the most important part of consistent check in is being conscious or aware of yourself on a regular basis. A once a year “check up” or realignment is not going to have a lasting effect.

CS: You talk about the importance of learning someone’s name and handwritten thank-yous in the book. Any other little things we should all be doing to help shape and develop our careers?
JA: The main power behind those points is to be purposeful. Second it’s to be aware of the world around us. How can you do that? Learning someone’s name or writing a thank you causes you to slow down and pay attention. Apply that concept across the board, especially in those areas of your life that keep you most egocentric or lacking in satisfaction. Be purposeful, be present, and you can make some headway.

CS: How do find the fine line of how much time to devote to social media without becoming overloaded?
JA: That really varies per person. But for me it’s when I’m not getting my stuff done consistently or if I’m using that as the majority of my “social” interaction.

CS: The section on evolving in which you say to think of yourself as a lifelong student is very in line with our blog’s theme. Can you talk a bit about that idea?
JA: We have to understand, and be OK with (because we really have no choice), that as we live our lives, we are constantly changing. We can’t do anything about it. Life of course parallels that. The world, the weather, all things around us, are in constant flux. It’s a very American thing to strive to be comfortable, and work to reach or be at that “finished” state. The reality is that the happiest we will ever be is when we are actively living our life. I think that is a result of being engaged with the world around you and the larger world. Studying what makes you tick, brings you joy, tears your heart apart, is all incredibly important. These items are what motivates you and limits you. Knowing these will help you expand or contract those areas of your life.

CS: Most of our readers are career changers, or people just starting out and heading back to school to decide what they want to do. Any specific advice for them in how to find the right career fit?
JA: We spend the majority of our life at work… I know that can be a depressing thought. So the question to ask is what role do you want work to play in your life. Is it just a means to an end? Is it part of what feeds your soul? Neither are more right or more wrong, but we should do something that brings us some level of satisfaction. I believe a lot of that starts with how you look at your job. Having an honest understanding of its role and its purpose to you is question one. The second is to find a job that helps fit that perspective and designing your life to work within that construct. Maybe it’s working on a cause so you may need to take a pay cut. Maybe it’s taking on a little debt going back to school to do what you wish you had done. Whatever the reason, be honest with what it’s role is and why you are doing it. This will help in your decision making processes and your overall enjoyment.

-Dawn Papandrea