Online Continuing Education Classes Explained

Hundreds of thousands of teenagers, adults, and professionals are going back to school to further their education. Many of them are choosing online classes and online degree programs. Not every course or program is the same, but many of them have similar characteristics. Whether you are a professional completing your required continuing education training or a student looking to complete a master's degree online; there is a program available for you. Today we are going to talk about what to expect in an online course and how they can benefit you.

Most professionals have to complete a certain amount of continuing education every 1-2 years. Online classes are very popular for full-time working adults. They are easier to complete and very flexible. Depending on the school, asynchronous courses are usually the preferred method of online classes. Asynchronous means the student does not have to be online at a specific time. They can log in and complete their work whenever they want. Industries including insurance, legal, nursing, and real estate, all require continuing education classes. You can log in, read the textbooks, and then take an exam. That is your typical course when it comes to completing your education online.

An online class at a college or University can be very different. There is usually much more involved in their courses. There will usually be a professor and sometimes even a facilitator conducting the course. There is usually a lot of interaction between the professor and the students in an online course. Support is very important for online students to succeed. Also, in an online college course you will get a syllabus and due dates for your assignments. These courses may be asynchronous or not. If they are not, you will have to log in for live chats with your classmates throughout the week. These can actually be very beneficial even though they seem like an inconvenience. In a live chat you can network with your other classmates and also ask the professor questions. It is easier than sending an email and having to wait for a reply.

As you can see there are different formats in online courses but they are all typically more flexible and more convenient than sitting in a classroom. If you have any questions you can always contact your state or the department of education for more information. They are a great resource for potential students.

Insurance Continuing Education - Elevation Certificates

An Elevation Certificate (EC) is mandatory on Post-FIRM construction, but is optional on Pre-FIRM construction.  It is required by the NFIP so that it can be certified by the NFIP as to the lowest floor of a building so that the policy can be properly rated:

POST-FIRM STRUCTURES

The EC is to be completed by a land surveyor, engineer or architect who is authorized to certify elevation information when it is required for Zones A1-A30, AE, AH, A(with base flood elevations), V1-V30, VE and V (with BFEs). Community officials who are authorized to complete this form may do so also.  For Zones AO and A (without BFEs) a building official, a property owner, or an owner's representative may also provide the information on this certification.  If the community is a CRS participating community, building elevation information may be available through the community official.

The lowest adjacent grade and diagram number are required for all new business applications effective on or after October 1, 1997 if the elevation certification date is on or after that date.

PRE-FIRM STRUCTURES RATED UNDER POST-FIRM RATES

Pre-FIRM construction can be elevation rated using the Post-FIRM EC rates, which are more favorable if the lowest floor of the building is at or above the BFE for the community.  Generally, the lowest floor level of a Pre-FIRM building is below the BFE, and it would not benefit the insured to pay the cost of the EC in an attempt to secure a later rate, but this is an insured's option.

AR AND AR DUAL ZONES

The EC is optional on all Post-FIRM and Pre-FIRM construction located in AR and AR dual Zones.  The decision to obtain an EC and to request Post-FIRM rating is at the discretion of the insured.  The EC includes the AR and AR dual Zone elevation requirements.

The producer is to attach the original of the completed EC to the Application.  A photocopy is to be forwarded to the policyholder and a copy is retained by the producer.

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

All new business application, including transfer of business, for elevation rated risks with a policy effective date of 1/1/07, or later, must be submitted with at least two recent photographs that show the front and back of the building and are taken and dated within 90 days of the submission date.  If the building is a split-level or has multi-level areas at ground level, at least two additional photographs showing views of both sides of the building must be submitted.

This requirement applies to all renewal and endorsement transactions adding elevation rating effective on or after 1/1/07.

The photographs must be submitted on the Building Photographs form that is part of the Elevation Certificate, and must include the date the photographs were taken.  All photographs must measure at least 3" x 3" and provide a good, clear image of the building's distinguishing features.  Analog or digital photographs are acceptable.  Color photographs are preferred.

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