Finals and Crashes and Colds, Oh My!

What a year it's been! This last semester really kicked my butt! I had to Audit Pre-Calculus and ended up withdrawing from Symbolic Logic. I fared well in my other classes of Women's Studies, Survey of Communication and Access Database, but I was getting a terrible case of the Sophomore Blues. Was college really for me? 

I buckled down and delved further into my studies and flourished in various activities with my Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As a member, I received no less than a dozen offers of scholarship from various four year institutions. Because of familial obligations, I like many Adult Learners, am unable to take advantage of these out of state opportunities.

from UNLV 

My acceptance email from UNLV cheered me though with "Congratulations, you're a Rebel now!" I laughed, because that's something my parents always knew. For those of you that don't know, the University of Nevada Las Vegas' mascot is a 'Runnin' Rebel'

The end of every semester always seems to bring its own Gremlins...

...and of course my Windows machine goes down right before my Access final. And no, I hadn't made a back up boot disk. Ah well, what's that they say about hindsight being 20/20? Oh, and a miserable cold had me down during study week. I even missed class, something I never do!

But I survived Yay! I finally decided on my Major - English. Yes, it's what I call a 'soft' major, but I'm good at it. Besides, it's a bridge to my ultimate goal, my Masters in Library Sciences. The only drawback is the required two years of a foreign language. That's OK - I'll give you one guess who's not too shabby at conversational German.

I have an appointment with my Academic Advisor at UNLV on the 3rd of January. I'll let you know how that went and what the Spring Semester entails after the meeting. I'll also put up the link to the photo tour and map of the campus - It is so BIG!

Until then I wish You and Yours the very, very best of the Holiday Season and a Wonderfully Prosperous New Year!

Christmas Card from Mom and Me Angels Baking Cookies

Christmas Card Happy Holidays from the 

Alpha Xi Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa

Also


Things I Think About When I Should be Studying


Windows 7 Recovery Disk/Boot Disk


Transfer to a Four Year Institution

Equality?

To get my Degree, I have to fulfill certain requirements. One of these requirements is a three credit course in Multiultural Studies. Why do I have to take a Women's Studies course? There's no such thing as discrimination or gender pay gaps anymore. All that was resolved in the '70's. Boy, was I ever wrong!

You would not believe what I learned while putting together my project for my Women's Studies Class. I have posted below, both my project and Secretary Solis' Discussion on Fair Pay from the United States Department of Labor Women's Bureau. Be sure and visit the links below the videos for more information.

Three Waves of the Women's Movement

According to the October 19, 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers Third Quarter 2010 Press Release: "Women who usually worked full time had a median weekly earnings of $662, or 81.4 percent of the $813 median for men." I was horrified! This inequity, according to Secretary of Labor,  Hilda L. Solis, means that a woman "...by the end of [her work] cycle, [has] lost out on over $365,000..." 

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis' 
Discussion on Fair Pay

Visit these Sites For More Information

United States Department of Labor Women's Bureau

Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers - Third Quarter 2010 [PDF]

PBS Indies Sisters of '77 on Hulu 

Independent Lens | Sisters of '77 

UNLV Approved Multicultural Courses for 2010-2012

Alice Paul Institute

Iron Jawed Angels Website 
 

Flickr Credits
bobster855
ibitmylip
psd

Just Imagine Everyone in Their Underwear

I was asked to give a Presentation on the Perpetual Andragogy Wiki and Blog for our Alpha Xi Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Yes, I was nervous! And of course I had some technical difficulties. A Word of Warning: When you give a Presentation, make sure to have a backup online somewhere, either in your mail or in a dropbox file.

This is not a recording of the Live Presentation. Instead, I made two short Screenrs for you and included the On This Wiki Animoto. As for that underwear thing, uh, that doesn't really work! (click on links below each clip for a larger, better view)

How Perpetual Andragogy Came to Be

The Perpetual Andragogy Wiki

What You Can Find on the Wiki

A Word About Phi Theta Kappa and Service Organizations

If you are ever invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, Do So! Some of  the many benefits, include the 5-Star Competitive Edge Program, Scholarly Discussions, and organized events where you can volunteer your time. More about Phi Theta Kappa.

If your college does not have a Phi Theta Kappa Chapter, seek out a club or organization that aligns with your interests. Every scholarship application, job application and, most recently, my  transfer application to UNLV has asked about my community, civic or volunteer activities. Schools and employers don't want people who just have good grades. They want good people that do good things that also happen to get good grades.

Remember, Saturday, October 23rd is National Make a Difference Day. It is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Look around your Community for some great opportunities. Here are  these two to get you started.

Make a Difference Day

Susan G. Komen for the Cure




Web 2.0 Links and References

I Need to Brush Up on my Technology
Dynamic Web Applications
Screenr
Animoto
DropBox
Building a Video Podcast Part 1 & Part 2

Westward Winds of Change

Wichita, Kansas in the 1970’s offered little cultural diversity or diversions for a Third Grade bookworm, proficient in two foreign languages, and still in awe of the Wonders of the World. The Grade school had not only mandatory tornado drills, but also mandatory Holy Rolling. Every Wednesday afternoon, a trailer overflowing with Bible Stories and the accompanying pages to color, influenced and instructed young minds in the ways of White Jesus and his unimpeachable good. White, it seems, was the only color attributed as good or right.

My two best friends, Lukeeta, of African-American descent, and Elizabeth, of Hispanic descent, felt their “otherness” by lack of representation of each of their respective races in any school curriculum media. I felt their otherness through “guilt by association.” My Mother and German Grandmother forbade my going to “that side of town,” defined as The Projects for Lukeeta, and a trailer park for Elizabeth. My first taste of racial and class prejudice was served under the guise of parental concern for my safety. Their words heavily seeded the clouds of intolerance and made my air oppressive.

Amidst the banterings of Meathead and Archie of All in the Family fame, Helen Reddy’s ERA adopted anthem, I Am Woman, Cesar Chavez’s fight for migrant farm workers, and the end of the Vietnam War, I felt, even at this young age, the winds of change and I welcomed both the gentle breezes and tempestuous storms. Could there be such a United States of America where, truly, no person was judged by his or her race, class, gender or relationship life choices?

The 80’s answered the last part of this question with a resounding “NO!” The AIDS scare  brought Fundamentalist Christian Gay Bashing to unfathomable heights. Intolerance of sexual preferences dominated the days’ headlines. In 1985 women still earned only 68.1% of a man’s median weekly earnings, yet the cry of equal pay for equal work fall on ears tuned only to the fear of catching a ‘Gay Disease.’ “By the 1980s, Hispanic populations in regions outside the Southwest were growing faster” (USDA 1999) and received a modicum of press because this minority ‘stole white jobs.’

As Ronald and Nancy Reagan urge a country to “Just Say No” Billy Joel sings us a History lesson with We Didn’t Start the Fire, and a technological evolution beams bright on the Horizon in the way of the internet and more Freedoms to Information, I felt, even at this young age, the winds of change and I welcomed both the gentle breezes and tempestuous storms. The winds blew me Westward to a land of Decadence; Sin City; Las Vegas.

I was brought to, not the melting pot I had been taught was the United States of America, but to instead, a wonderfully eclectic cultural mix, more reminiscent of a beautifully woven tapestry, each culture represented by a unique thread and embellishment. As I walk the college campus, or shop in my community, my ears fill with foreign and unrecognizable languages; my eyes absorb the colors and hues of a myriad of skin colors, not just white. I see also non-traditional couples and observe the nonchalance of others towards them.

Though tolerance has grown considerably since 1973, prejudice still abounds. Tolerance in respect to race, class, gender, and sexuality in North America, should be abolished and replaced with acceptance. Diversity must be approached with enthusiastic curiosity. This goal can only be accomplished through education and exposure. As a member of my community it is my responsibility to affect change: to make the wind. For I know, even at this young age, I can harvest and direct the winds of change and embrace and nurture both the gentle breezes and tempestuous storms.

It's Not What You Say, But How You Say It

Do you recognize this?


"The diminutive Oompa Loompas were prey and had little hope of survival.  A mammalian quadruped would breakfast on no less than ten of them. I extended an invitation to the Oompa Loompas to reside with me away from the various dangerous indigenous species."

Hmmm, sounds vaguely familiar, but I'll bet you know it better as this:


“And the poor little Oompa Loompas were so small and helpless, they would get gobbled up right and left. A Wangdoodle would eat ten of them for breakfast and think nothing of it. And so, I said, "Come and live with me in peace and safety, away from all the Wangdoodles, and Hornswogglers, and Snozzwangers, and rotten, Vermicious Knids" (Dahl/Wilder/IMBD).

This is, of course, from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I refer to the Original with Gene Wilder.  I just love that movie!

Growing up, my Oma (granny in German) always told me "the tone makes the music." Or, it's not what you say, but how you say it.  I believed all this time that she was stressing both manners and speaking politely to people. Although this may likely be true as well, I realize now that Oma may have been much wiser than I realized.

Communication, whether it be written, oral or signed, defines us. (There's non-verbal or body language also, but more on that later) The words we use to craft a writing or speech is telling of our intellect, or lack thereof. CMC or Computer Mediated Communication brings it's own set of rules to this playing field. I know I find myself referencing the Urban Dictionary more than Webster's here lately. How about you?


If we abbreviate or acronym our words, split our infinitives or dangle our participles, are we really less intelligent? The short answer: not necessarily. This is just the way we choose to express ourselves. I mean, you wouldn't read this blog if I wrote in the style of  the first paragraph, all uppity and white paperish. That would be boring. No, instead I write pretty much like I would  speak if you were right here with me.

With these thoughts, and many more,  not to mention the demise of  the Informatics Program, I have come to the tentative decision of a Major in Communications with a Minor in Environmental Sciences. I say tentative as I have yet to meet with my Academic Advisor for my transfer to UNLV. There may be other options. (UPDATE on Major)

Speaking of  Transfer. When I first embarked upon my college career, I was very unsure of myself. I wasn't sure if I could hack college after 25 years of being out of school and I didn't know if I could make the grade, so to speak.

I started small, taking only two classes, you know, just to get my feet wet. One of these classes was The History of Rock and Roll. I can't tell you how simultaneously thrilling and disturbing  it is to study musicians you have in your album collection. (yes, I said ALBUM ha ha)

But anyway, the point is I started at what was then a Community College. There are great advantages for the Adult Learner here. The class sizes are typically smaller and most importantly less expensive; a major factor to be sure. Yet if you wish to continue past either an Associates Degree or Vocational program, you must transfer to a Four Year Institution.

I have outlined these steps for you in a downloadable PDF on the wiki. There is also a video for you by Howcast. There may be more information added as I learn more, so check back often.



More

Why Go Back to School Now?

Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory ~ Film analysis for Communication Studies

The Perpetual Andragogy Wiki ~ Steps for Transfer to a Four Year Institution




This Blog Has a Bad Case of TMI

Too Much Information! That's what this Blog keeps getting. But I get so excited about all I've learned that I want to share it all with you. Doing this makes for a complicated 'Link Farm' where I ask you to follow the Blue Link Information Highway. Enough Already!

After four weeks in PBWorks Summer Camp (another week for tweaking and one for vacation - Yay!) I am now proud to introduce the Perpetual Andragogy Wiki.

Now, the page above is just one page. On this wiki you will find all kinds of resources for the Adult Learner, Career Changer, and a bit of Web 2.0 info. Maybe you, or someone you know, wants to go back to school; go through College by the Letters. Or your Mom, Dad or older friend would like to get online and get with it; send them to Boomers and Beyond.

Know that a wiki is an on going project. As my Professor said "...but when is a wiki ever finished." The very best part about a wiki is that YOU can contribute. Don't know a thing about wikis? Well, this is the perfect one to start on. Come on over, explore the links, try out the "Writer's Start Page" (scroll down on the first page) and request to be a writer. I'll be so glad to see you!

There are several ways to get to the Perpetual Andragogy Wiki. Click on the image above, the link at the top right, or here.

Oh, and one more thing. There are ways to access HELP all over the wiki. Go to the Writer's Start Page and watch the screenr I made for you. Give me feedback on the quick little survey below to let me know if this tutorial was helpful.

See You There! :D

I Want the T-Shirt Dammit!

I'm sure you're familiar with that old saying, "Been there, done  that, got the T-Shirt" but that's not the one I wanted.

This is the one I wanted. (Actually, the one I wanted said "Yesterday I couldn't spell eguneer, today I are one" but I couldn't find it)

When I had finally made the decision to return to college, I, like most purpose driven Adult Learners, had a specific goal in mind. Mine was a Degree in Social Informatics. These words, “Social informatics researchers are specially interested in developing reliable knowledge about information technology and social change, based on systematic empirical research, to inform both public policy debates and professional practice” (Kling) were my inspiration.


Informatics is inherently multi-disciplinary; perfect for my Renaissance Soul leanings. You can't just get a degree in Informatics without having a particular area of study. Pick a subject, any subject, Informatics applies.


Some of the more popular Informatics programs are in the Healthcare Industry, Environmental Sciences, and of course, Computer and Information Sciences. Perfect, I thought, as a base for a Masters in Library Sciences. And did  I mention that it comes out as an Engineering Degree. (Hence the T-Shirt)


The pursuit of any Degree is the outcome; a job. But you don't want 'just a job' that only puts food on your table; you want a career that both challenges and fulfills. As you pull into your driveway or parking space at the end of the day, you want to think "My work made a difference today." 


Informatics was that Degree for me. With my affinities for any and all informations and an insatiable pursuit of knowledge, what better endeavor than The Keeper of the Scrolls. But I would be The Keeper with new and emerging technology. How cool is that!


Did you notice the "was" in that last paragraph? Don't worry, I'm not quitting college only to make a 7th attempt later. (Did I ever mention that this is my 6th try at college?) Sadly, in spite of the excellent real world skills and knowledge I would gain, in spite of the required, much desired internship, and in spite of guaranteed placement of every Graduate of the UNLV Informatics program - it was eliminated on June 3rd of this year.


Disappointed, bitter, sad? You Betcha! I was darn near inconsolable. Oh, I ranted and raved for a while. My tirade included the economy, the United States Educational System, how Americans compare to the World in Education and advancement, and more. I even lashed out at our President, who told me at the beginning of my college career "Without a workforce trained in math, science, and technology and the other skills of the 21st century, our companies will innovate less, our economy will grow less, and our nation will be less competitive. If we want to outcompete the world tomorrow, we must out-educate the world today" (Obama).


I believed in the President's statement then. I believe in it now. Ultimately the Board of Regents, the economy or the President is not responsible for my education and pursuit of happiness. I am!


"So, watcha gonna do about it?" you may ask. I tell you what I'm gonna do. I am going to research another Degree that lends itself to my interests. And I won't stop there. I will augment my Degree with self-study classes and certificates that will help me achieve my goals. I hear I can do that on this new-fangled-thingy called The Internet.


Everybody Likes a Do Over


Has your program been eliminated? Were you downsized at your job? Are you having a hard time keeping up with the kids and their technological superiority? I have some great Resources for you  in the Perpetual Andragogy Wiki; coming in a short two weeks. In the meantime, here are a couple of springboards for you.


Take a Web 2.0 Class

I took one last semester, and you know what? When you take this class, except for the basics, it will be totally different. Technology's double edged sword: Emergence and Obsolescence. Check out BNET for a great video on Web 2.0 Business Integration.




From My Bookshelf *Note* This is on my To Read Bookshelf. It has great reviews plus don't you just love the title?
                                                             




Hop on The Green Bandwagon.


United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Measuring Green Jobs
Green Careers Guide


Get an Informatics Degree with your cognate. Here is a list of Colleges with Informatics Programs. I hope there is one near you.


Rob Kling Center for Social Informatics ~ Indiana University Bloomington
"Social Informatics overlaps other areas including computer-mediated communication (CMC), information systems, information science, “Internet Research,” and even parts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)."  (more)

Employment and total job openings by postsecondary education or training category, 2008-2018. Table 9

Summertime and the Living is Easy

That's what I thought, anyway, when I decided to take the Summer Semester off. But three months is a long time to "Do Nothing."

I realized that it had been a full semester since I had a math class. A higher math is required and that means Pre-Calculus. I had struggled towards the end of my combined Elementary/Intermediate Algebra, so I'm doing a couple of things. First I got out my big ol' math book and just started going through the odd numbered problems (the answers are in the back) in the Intermediate Algebra section.  I also decided to give the For Dummies series a whirl.      

Pre-Calculus For Dummies Pre-Calculus Workbook For Dummies I also got Logic For Dummies because Symbolic Logic sounds daunting!

Overall I like the For Dummies series. They are written towards a specific audience - Us! We get these books because we want to learn more or learn better. My favorite line in the Introduction under Foolish Assumptions of the Pre-Cal is "We can't assume that just because we absolutely love math that you share the same enthusiasm for the subject." A word of warning: There are errors in the Pre-Calculus Workbook for Dummies. Go here to download the Errata. While you are there, you might want to look around to see if there are any corrections for other For Dummies books you may have.

I didn't stop with just the above books either. Remember the Wiki Post? I told you then I would learn more about Wikis and share with you what I've learned in future installments. I just finished the first week's assignment with my Summer Camp for PBWiki. In another three to four weeks I hope to have a Perpetual Andragogy Wiki up and running. There you will find more in-depth information for Adult Learners, Career Changers, and College as a Non-Traditional Student. AND you can contribute also. Want some info now? Go to the PBWorks Support Center. There's a great intro video also.

Now I'm not all work and no play. I'm a big proponent for giving the brain downtime. I give myself permission to "Do Nothing." Dan Bingham's article, Mad Men's Guide to Managing Creative People, gives great perspective on the Do Nothing/Brain Downtime position I advocate. 

I also believe in Field Trips; you know something Outside! I'm hoping to make it to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, WA. We have a  RAIN FOREST ! In the U.S ! I gotta go. 

Photo brockzilla

Learning: It's More Than the Courses You Take

Remember this?

And this: "So, does all this added information benefit me? I'll let you know after my first "A."" (FYI the "Y" denotes a retake.)

Was this class easier this time around? Well, sort of. I did a few things that I would recommend to anyone that is in a similar situation. First, don't just drop the class. Your school may or may not have this option, but I was able to "Audit" Astronomy the first time around.

It was after the official withdrawal date, and I did not want an "F" on my transcript; it seemed far too ominous and would seriously harm my GPA. I audited the class and continued to attend the class to learn and absorb as much as possible.

What I did next was and is very important to ANY college career. I researched my Professors. Having the right one can make all the difference. If the Professor does not explain the information to you in a way that you can make sense of, find another.

There are a few ways you can go about this. Rate My Professors is a good start, but don't stop there. Remember to take what is said about each Professor with a grain of salt. You should be able to get a good feel though.

You've found a Professor or two that you think you might like? Good, now go to his or her home page in the College Directory. This may take a little bit of digging and not every Professor will have a home page. You can search the college website by the his or her name, area or school of study, or department. Some will even come up in a Google search of their name.

Want to know more? Send an email. Keep in mind, Professors have hundreds of students, and believe it or not lives too. Ask pointed questions such as "I'm an audio-visual learner. Do you use media to help explain your concepts." Instead of "Hey Prof, what's your teaching style?" Don't be disappointed if you do not receive a reply right away, or at all, but do continue your research. Which brings me to my next suggestion.

Ask around! There are other students that you have come to know, like and whose opinions you trust. Most will be glad to tell you their experiences. Some good questions to ask: "How much time did you devote to this class?" "How many papers and tests?" And "Did you enjoy and/or "get" the information presented?"

The Professor is just one component. You, of course, are the most important one. How do you approach a class or subject? With fear and loathing or with eagerness and curiosity? Your attitude  makes a difference. Very important: Don't get discouraged! If you are having a problem with a particular course, make the time to speak with the Professor.

Included in your tuition you have a certain amount of office hours with each of your Professors and free or discounted tutoring. Take advantage of these valuable resources. A little bit of extra effort on your part can mean the difference between a so-so B or a fabulous A.

Lastly, know your limitations. Do you honestly think you can take six courses, in which you have to devote 2 to 3 hours of study per each course credit hour, hold down a full or part time job, contribute to your community or civic responsibilities, attend to familial obligations, run here and do that? Your brain needs downtime to process what you are inputing. Don't overextend.

Will your Degree be worth it? According to  JF Stewar at CNC.edu "On average, from age 19 to age 65, college graduates earn $16,426 PER YEAR more than high school graduates..." And according to the Wall Street Journal "College graduates in general earn at least 60% more than high-school grads on average, both annually and over their lifetimes..."

Hmm, make more money AND do something I love and was born to do? Sounds like a win/win to me. 

Google Docs Spreadsheets

What a fun class this has been! With this assignment: Google Docs Spreadsheet, I finish CIT 198B, Web 2.0 This Dynamic Web. I have learned much, had fun collaborating with my classmates, and made some new friends and valuable contacts along the way. The end of this class does not mean the end of this Blog. After all, it does say "Perpetual." : D

I will be post my ongoing adventures about once or month or so. My next post will most likely be a semester summary so that you can know a bit of what I know; which classes and Professors to choose, and transfer preparations amongst other things.

For this assignment I have set up the fictitious company of ABC Marketing. I have 6 positions available, and a TBD (To Be Determined) position also. Do you see a niche at ABC Marketing that you can fill? If the answer is "yes" please do so.

Visit the spreadsheet, choose your position, and fill in what you think you might be worth for a week of Holiday Pay at the end of July. Please try not to exceed my budget and remember that you must have your job description wiki finished before you can collect your Holiday pay. [Of course you don't have to furnish a job description - just substitute your name for contributor at the top and enter a $ amount next to the color that corresponds with your position.]
 

Deadlines and Drop Boxes - The Drop Box Side

Well Hello There!

I've missed you! With assignments pending and Finals looming, I've been pretty busy. A few posts ago I told you about Video Podcasting. Since then, I've found a nifty podcasting program that goes with my Cannon camera.  More on that later.


Screencasting is a kind of video podcasting as well.  For my next assignment in my Web 2.0 class, Professor Fightmaster introduced us to Jing. What a neat little tool this is!  I've created a screencast for you below on Online Campus Courses. Here I'll show you around the online campus. Below my screencast is a link, produced by the fine staff of CSN, that shows how to actually use the dropbox, 


There are limitations on what Jing will let me do; one of them is switching from 'microphone in' to another input channel. Please see below for links to any programs you may need to do your own screencasting and captures. So, without further ado: I present my first screencast. (For a Larger view go HERE)

For a Larger view go HERE

Here is the Tutorial on how to do a Drop Box, courtesy of the fine Staff of CSN

Useful Links



Jing



Soundflower 



Audacity

What's a Wiki?

If you're like me, your answer is something like "It's that online, unreliable reference the kids use to do their homework." Turns out a wiki is more extensive, interactive and useful than I had originally thought. Common Craft's video, Wikis In Plain English, gives a nice example of how a wiki can be used as a collaborative information medium. Here is another video from sfhomeless.net on how to edit a wiki page.

How to Edit a Wiki Page from sfhomeless.net on Vimeo.

I wondered if there were any wikis (plus it was part of my wiki assignment for my Web 2.0 class) that related to Andragogy and Adult Learning. Were they reference only, or would you and I be able to contribute as well? Here's what I found.

In Wikipedia 

• Andragogy Basic information here; the article could be expounded upon but great links
• Lifelong learning This article is most pertinent to this Adult Learner's approach to college/life
• Learning Plan This I found through a link from the Andragogy article. I'm looking forward to blogging on this and the following article
• Electronic Portfolio

Now, I have yet to, except for a small contribution to a wiki, delve into this very deeply. With this wiki assignment, I will learn more and be able to share with you how to wiki in future installments.  If you would like to learn a bit about how to edit a wiki before I get back to you, go to this Wikiversity article. Be sure to create an account otherwise your IP address is recorded until you return next time.

And an FYI ~ No I have not forgotten the rest of the installments on how to Video Podcast; I just have to get assignments and schoolwork in first. Darn those measly 168 hours in a week!

Connectivism and The Adult Learner

OK, raise your hand if you still can't program your VCR. I see a few of you out there, and I am one of them, so don't feel like the Lone Ranger. Technology is, and ever will be, growing, expanding and affecting our lives. Can any of us remember a time before ATM's, cell phones, automated gas pumps or home computers?

Exponential growth in technologies affects our education as well. My first time around at college, I used a typewriter (what's that? haha) to type my term papers. There was also this great big piece of furniture in the Library called Stacks or The Stacks that you would use to find your book. My home computer and the digital library reference that I now use is optimal. I couldn't imagine doing without either one.

The following video, The Networked Student, shows how we can all be learning now, and will all be learning in the future. The idea is presented for a 10th grade Psychology Student, but it applies to all students.

Connectivism is a Godsend for the Adult Learner only after having mastered the technologies. And how does one do that? Play with the programs/software and use the tutorials. Visit the discussion boards and ask questions. Don't be afraid of being a stupid ninny. There are undoubtedly others in the disussion forums who have the same or similar questions as you. 

Have you found a useful technology or program other than those mentioned in the video? If so, please leave them in the comments. We can all benefit from each others input and knowledge.

Building a Video Podcast Part 2

This is Part Two in the Series: How to Build a Video Podcast

In part one of this series I told you that I had looked all over for video podcasting software, and could only find the two standards; Vimeo and youtube. These will work for a quickie-cast, but I was looking for something a bit more professional.  Since that posting, I have done some research.  This book report/review is also an Assignment for my Dynamic Web Application Class. (Say hi to Professor Fightmaster when you sign up for this fabulous class! :)

I found some invaluable information in these two books; Absolute Beginners Guide to Podcasting by George Colombo & Curtis Franklin, Jr. and Podcasting and Blogging with GarageBand and iWeb by Robin Williams and John Tollett.

I chose these two books so that I could learn how to Video Podcast in two different platforms. I may use my Mac for home and school, but Windows is the norm for most workplaces. Let's start with the similarities.

• Plan your podcast. What do you want to say? Who do you want to reach? How long will your podcast be? Will you be doing a series, perpetual, one time or intermittent podcast?
• Research some other podcasts through iTunes. iTunes comes with a Mac and can also be downloaded free for Windows. 
• The Steps:  Plan, Record, Edit & Mix (Groom), Publish, Promote.

Williams and Tollett gives an easy no-geek speak illustrated step by step on how to create your podcast in GarageBand and then incorporate it into your blog page in iWeb. Though this book is a mere 158 pages and it was published in 2006, the information is still relevant.

 

 Colombo and Franklin go into a little more depth. Section IV, Day to Day Issues You'll Face as Podcaster, Chapter 13 deals with Generating Income with your Podcast. In this chapter you will find the Four Basic Revenue Models; The Associate/Affiliate Model, Donations, The Sponsorship Model, and Distribution to Paid Subscribers. 
 
Something that both Podcasting and Blogging with Garage Band and iWeb and Absolute Beginner's Guide to Podcasting address is Bandwidth. With a mobilme subscription for $99 per year you get 20GB of combined email and file storage and 200GB of monthly data transfer.  Colombo and Franklin list  Libsyn, among others,  in their Resources for Podcasters, (p 212).

In GarageBand and iTunes the file format is automatically MP3. If you are using Audicity, as suggested by Colombo and Franklin to create your podcast, you will need an MP3 enocoder like winLame. The Appendices in this book are worth the price alone. Here you will find a list for each: Audio Software for Podcasters, Pod-catching (Aggregator) Software, Audio Equipment Manufacturers, Podcasting Directories, Online Resources for Podcasters, The Podcasting Community Online, and Web Hosting and RSS Feed Software and Services.

Yeah, but you said you were going to tell us how to build a Video Podcast. And so I will.

With a Mac all I need is a digital camera, iMovie and space on my iDisk. According to Williams and Tollett "A video podcast is basically a standard audio podcast with video added" (p 152). I create the video in iMovie and then send it to GarageBand. Colombo and Franklin suggest "Wrapping Your Podcast in a Good Website" (p194). Photos, slide-shows, and an accompanying video clip that you have uploaded to either youtube or Vimeo makes the visit more inviting.

OK, I'm off to create my first Video Podcast. I'll have it here for you in Part 3 of the Series: Building a Video Podcast.

Some Helpful Sites I Found

Public Domain Music 

How To Create a Podcast With Mixcraft 3

How to Podcast

My Podcasting Pipeline

Girls Gone Wild

That's what most people think of when they hear Spring Break. But at this time in my life I would much rather settle for a Lady's Life of Leisure. Seems that other plans await me though. Spring Break entails planning the garden, having the air conditioning serviced, and preparing the house for the long hot shut in days of Summer.

I was curious about the origins of Spring Break and found a site or two of interest.  It seems this tradition, originally associated with Easter, was seen by out predecessors as a time for renewal. Trips to the beach for some; healing, restorative springs and spas for others.

 Photo courtesy of Dennis Wong under Creative Commons License

Ahhh; spa time! Now I'm not one to go somewhere and have people touching all over me, (I don't know, call me pedestrian),  'spa' is  more a rejuvenation of the mind and spirit; something to make my soul sing. I can read a book that's not a text, catch a show, or movie, go for a hike, and listen to lots of music.

What does this have to do with Andragogy? Everything, really. With age comes experience. At this point in our lives we have learned that if we don't take care of ourselves, replenish and recharge, then we are no good for ourselves, our loved ones, or our studies.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go do something you love! See ya in a week or so.

*Just to let you know - I will have the rest of "Building a Video Podcast" posted here in a few days.

Life Stream

This is my Life Stream ~ I call the Headwaters "Knowledge"

I am now in my fifth semester of classes. In my first semester I only had two classes; "just to get my feet wet." I also took two classes during summer session. It was time to evaluate my goals, do an Academic appraisal of my courses and degrees and further research what the future held for my chosen career as a Librarian.
 

The Academic Pool I had dipped my feet in felt just fine, so I took the plunge; but not before consulting with a counselor. I told her of my desire to be a Librarian and my interest in Informatics, specifically Social Informatics. My counselor worked up an Articulation Worksheet for a Bachelor of Science in Informatics accompanied by an Articulation Worksheet for  what works out to be an Associates Degree in Public Administration. 

Time now to check out OOH. or the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 edition. The site tells you "the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job, [and] working conditions." Here I found valuable information on the expected growth of my career as a Librarian and eventually as a Digital Archivist. It is still early enough in my college career to adjust for changes. I would be foolish to invest all this time, money, study and effort only to find no employment options upon graduation.

My Motivation to Learn, Malcolm S. Knowles' sixth principle, envelopes both intrinsic value and personal payoff. Also applicable is principle four, Readiness to Learn as my want of education is life related.  Every class I take, every bit of information I readily absorb or conversely struggle to comprehend, contributes to my future and improves me as a human being. This is my intellectual sauna and mind spa. So, what are you waiting for? Come join me in the Academic Pool.

Building a Video Podcast

This is Part One in the series: How To Build a Video Podcast

I get to learn it and so do you :)

I looked all over for a free place to put my video podcast (this isn't it. This is to compare quality and sound and torture you with German music hehhehheh) I could only find the two standards; youtube and Vimeo. Each needs an account to upload and both are free at the basic level. But how is the quality? 

Below, find the comparison of youtube (top) and Vimeo (bottom) Notice how youtube "doesn't quite fit?" I know it will if I use a different layout, but I want to dabble around some more first to see if I can make it fit. 'You will conform muwahaaaaaaaaa!" 

youtube

The Garden in June from Kathleen Ackroyd on Vimeo.

Vimeo

Don't forget to watch in large screen for both as well. Does one have better visual? Does one have better audio? Which one looks best at what size? These questions matter; especially for a Master's Thesis, job interview or client presentation.

Of course by then, you should be writing you own code and building your own presentations. But for now I will leave that to the experts (to right in bloglist) at Techie Tipz and Addicted to Code.

It's Due When?

I looked around, what did I see? Time itself was escaping me.

"Are you managing your time wisely? If the work is spread out it is not excessive, but do not let it go until the night before it is due." Professor's words startled me. I smiled and flashed my computer camera a peace sign, you know, just in case she was watching. (kidding) Seriously though, it seems that lately I have been chasing my tail. Assignments pile up, reading, study, note taking, quizzes, tests, chores, errands, home, hearth, family and pets all want a piece of me, and they want it right NOW! 

Is this an Adult Learner specific problem? No, but how I choose to resolve my time management issues does reflect in Malcolm S. Knowles' Core Adult Learning Principles Principle three: Prior Experience of the Learner; Resource and Mental Models. I know what has worked for me before; I just forgot to keep up the good habit(s).

Eternal clock by Robert van deer Steeg

In my first post, I spoke of a wonderful class called College Success. This class dedicates an entire chapter to time. The Time Monitor/Time Plan is rather extensive and very involved. It also helps "transform time into a knowable and predictable resource (Ellis).

Everybody, no matter who they are or what their station in life, has only168 hours in each week. Take away eating, sleeping, travel time and other human necessities and there's not much left. Use this worksheet to see exactly where your time is going. Keep in mind that for every Undergraduate class hour taken, (or spent in class)  two to three hours of study is required if you wish to succeed.

As simplistic as it may sound, use a Calendar. Better yet, use Google Calendar and share it with your co-workers, friends and family. Even if your family lives under the same roof, seeing your schedule in black and white lets them know just how precious your time is. Who knows, you might even get lucky and a family member may volunteer to help out with an errand or two. It's worth a try. Bonus: Set Google Calendar to send alerts to your email or phone. 

Make a To Do List. Adapt the list to your style. Do you like to make a weekly or daily list? Perhaps you even like long term planning. Whichever you choose, keep these strategies in mind: Rate each task by priority. Cross off your tasks once done - It feels GREAT! Schedule some "Me Time." You're no good to yourself or anyone else if you don't take time to breathe and/or reward yourself for all the hard work and study you have invested.

Also Useful

Becoming a Master Student by Dave Ellis Companion Site 

Study Guides and Strategies: Time Management

Now, if you'll excuse me; I think I have a paper due.

 

Textbook Treasure Troves

I can't part with my textbooks. Each and every one, even from non-favorite classes, is a part of me and a part of my ever growing, vast and varied library. I hold onto them because I am semi-mental, er, sentimental and each is a great reference. What I failed to realize until just recently, is how valuable these 'old' texts really are.

My first time around in college, I don't remember a www anything in any of my texts. Now, you would be hard pressed to find one without a web address. Even my favorite Literature Book, A World of Ideas by Lee A. Jacobus, has a companion website.  Admittedly, Jacobus had me, when in his preface he told of a student that had written to him and "demonstrated that every one of the selections in the book had been used as the basis of a Star Trek episode" (Jacobus).

If you followed the link to A World of Ideas, you will find the other reason I hold onto my texts. Granted this is an older edition, but the value it holds for me now and in the future far surpasses any sell back price I could get. Knowledge I absorb from each class, is at best, cursory. It is my responsibility to cultivate and reinforce what is given me if I am to make use of it in the future.

Companion websites are the venue for the Adult Learner. The second principle of Malcolm S. Knowles' six Core Adult Learning Principles is the Self Concept of the Learner: Autonomous and Self-Directing.  Perhaps the Adult Learner wants to know more about the time and time period of a particular author's setting. Living conditions, social status, or lack thereof, gives the author a perspective on life that the reader, the inquisitive Adult Learner, can relate to. Companion sites hold annotated author and idea links, podcasts, tutorials, exercises, power-point presentations, quizzes, and a plethora of rich and varied multi-media. Some even have 24-hour interactive tutors or links to discussion boards on your topic of interest. E-Gads! I'm giddy at the thought of it all!

So, grab your old text, blow the dust off, look on the back cover, inside cover, or in some texts, on the bottom right hand side of the pages for the www, or as I like to call it: the Wide World of Wonder.  Happy Treasure Hunting!

No Text on Hand? No worries. Use these to get you started

Bedfordstmartins.com

wwnorton.com/rockhistory  (the two w's are intentional)

http://www.pearsonhighered.com/harrison/

Lippershey, Schmippershey

I failed Astronomy. How could a Star Trek fan, Science Fiction fanatic, meteor shower and moon phase follower,  Nasa.gov and Astronomy Picture of the Day addict fail Astronomy?  I learned the hard way that more than fifteen class hours is far too much given my familial responsibilities and other obligations.  As  College textbooks are notorious for changing editions every other year or so, and with some rudimentary Astronomy still lurking about in my head, I promptly signed up to retake the class this semester.

Photo Courtesy of NASA

Of the six Core Adult Learning Principles by Malcolm S. Knowles, number six, Motivation to Learn: intrinsic value and personal payoff, seems most applicable. Knowing that we are all made of stars and my affinity for all things space, is in itself, my intrinsic. Passing this class and passing with a better than average grade, well that, is my personal payoff.

In class, I hang on every word, furiously take notes, refuse to let my mind wander and I refrain from asking too many questions.  It was in this quasi-maniacal state,  during a lecture on Gallileo and the telescope, that I fell of the wagon, so to speak.

"Does anybody know who invented the telescope?" Professor asked the class. "Lippershey?" someone responded. "That's right, in the 1600's." "Wait a minute!" a voice in my head screamed "Didn't I see something on The History Channel about Ancient Astronomers and wasn't there glass making technology in ancient times?" And yes, to my horror, that voice escaped my head and flew right out of my mouth. My poor patient Professor just looked at me and said "Yes, but they would have had to been able to make convex lenses." "I'll look it up." I said sheepishly.

Enter Knowles' Principle one: the Learners Need to Know. Why did I know something different than what was being taught in a college classroom. What is the actual truth? And how will this added, albeit oppositional information, benefit me? That night I came home and did some serious research on ancient astronomy, ancient observatories and glass making techniques.

The information I found was startling. Most notable was an article from The Astronomical Society of New South Whales. An ancient observatory was discovered in Baghdad, circa 600 B.C. More importantly, there was evidence of a Herschellian telescope. The finding of this and other information gives me, the Adult Learner, a sense of control of my learning. According to Knowles, "...individuals want to have control over their learning based on their personal goals... learning will increase as a result" (Knowles, p 123).

So, does all this added information benefit me? I'll let you know after my first "A."

Look What I Found

Use these links to draw your own conclusions. As my Oma always said "God gave you a brain, use it."

"The oldest fragments of glass vases (evidence of the origins of the hollow glass industry), however, date back to the 16th century BC and were found in Mesopotamia"


"One of the most famous ancient lenses is a small piece of shaped rock crystal, thicker in the middle than at the edge, and dating to the seventh century BC."

In his book 'The Crystal Sun', author Robert Temple describes more than 450 lenses and magnifying glasses, dating back as far as 3300 BC, retrieved from archaeological sites from Crete to Turkey to Carthage.

Ten Ancient Observatories Spied from Space

Hans Lippershey Biography

Telescopes and the Ancients by Larry Brian Radka

Be sure to scroll down to "V. Of Experiments in Artificial Sight" in the article Telescopes, Lenses and Other Ancient Technology mentioned by Roger Bacon.
The Babylonian Seal pictured really sold me.

Hubblesite

Study Break: We Are All Made of Stars by Moby   Put your headphones on and Dance!