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