Friday, April 29, 2011

Freebie Friday! - Emergen-C Samples

Readers


I strive to keep a flawless attendance record in my classes and I am willing to take any natural supplements to keep myself healthy. One of my favorite colleagues recommended the Emergen-C product a few months ago. This product tastes great and it is a boost of vitamin C for the working woman (or man) on the go! 





Visit the website to request a few sample - http://www.emergenc.com/free-samples


I hope that I can stay well until my last final this semester! :)


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Adopt This Technology - JoliPrint for Instant PDF Documents!




Readers,


JoliPrint (http://www.joliprint.com/) enables users to print webpages (documents, articles, etc.) without the color ads. This website would be helpful for instructors who teach online or hybrid courses, because they could post a link to the shared PDF document on blackboard (without uploading the entire PDF to their university's learning management system.


In addition, I plan to post job announcements on our Communication Studies Facebook and Twitter accounts via JoliPrint instead of saving the content to a Google Document and posting the link. Take a look at our current job postings! Become a fan of the Communication Studies Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/TarletonCOMSDept


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wandering Wednesday's Academic Blogger - Academichic - http://www.academichic.com

Readers,

I LOVE exploring new blogs and since our week-long program for Environmental Communication Week 2011 ended, I have had a few extra minutes in the day to explore a new blog, Academichic! Academichic is a neat blog dedicated to fashion in the academy! I love wearing suits on campus and this site is definitely one of my new favorites! Check it out!



                    black boots - banana republic


This website has various categories, which range from "Night Without Grading" and "Office Hours" to "Pregnancy in Academia" and "Visiting Lecturer". Very neat! Let me know what you think! :)


This is the first post in a new weekly featured titled "Wandering Wednesdays", which highlights an academic blog or a neat academic website. Enjoy! Come back soon! :)


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Goo.gl - A New Url Shortening Website (Thanks LifeHacker)

Readers,


I read the LifeHacker website on a weekly basis and recently the website focused on Goo.gl (http://lifehacker.com/5791974/googl-url-shortener-adds-easier-copying-better-dashboard-controls), a new url shortener website on Google. This seems like a great opportunity for those of us who regularly use bit.ly or tinyurl.com for links in our online and/or face-to-face classrooms.


http://www.thewwwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/goo-gl-shortener-extension.png



I always place a tinyurl link (after testing the link) beside each of the external links on Blackboard. Since every browser and every computer is different, this enables the students to access the links when clicking the link will not work for the student.


For example:


Action Item - Read COMS 101 Notes - http://www.tinyurl.com/COMS101CH1


Since I am a big fan of Google AND Tinyurl, I think this new Google Service might work for some instructors who wish to use a certain link, but the link title is already taken by another user. For example, if I needed http://www.tinyurl.com/COMS101SpeechNotes and the link was always taken on Tinyurl, I can use the COMS101SpeechNotes link on Goo.gl.


I hope this helps someone! Read the LifeHacker blog for more information...
http://lifehacker.com/5791974/googl-url-shortener-adds-easier-copying-better-dashboard-controls


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Environmental Communication Week 2011 @ Tarleton State University (Recap)

Readers,

We received some wonderful press from Environmental Communication Week 2011!

Here you go!

Library Online Lounge - Tarleton Libraries (Blog Post)

Environmental Communications Week Kicks Off (Newspaper Article)

Saving Paper With Green Printing (Newspaper Article)

Politics and Environmentalism (Newspaper Article)

Environmental Communication Week at Tarleton State University (Press Release)
http://www.tarleton.edu/scripts/press/display.asp?id=3453



BYOA (Bring Your Own Appliance) - 

Tarleton, Stephenville community to swap appliances at House Party in effort to recycle and reduce



Sincerely,

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Environmental Communication Week 2011 @ Tarleton State University - Day Five

Readers,

Today's Freebie Friday is dedicated to our Green Works Houseparty! Two months ago, we applied to host a Green Works houseparty through Houseparty.com. This has been an amazing experience because House Party sent us a free gift pack for our party!

Green Works New To You House Party

Here is the link to our House Party! - http://houseparty.com/party/484681


Our Party Pack contained:

  • Green Works® naturally derived Laundry Detergent samples
  • Green Works® naturally derived Compostable Cleaning Wipes samples
  • Sierra Club notecards
  • Reusable Nalgene® water bottle from Brita®
  • Green It Yourself Guide with Coupons from Green Works® and Lowe’s
  • Brita® water filtration system coupons
  • NEW Burt’s Bees® Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion Sample and Coupon


Each guest brought a household appliance to swap with the other attendees. We took an interesting, interactive quiz on house hold allergens and upon their departure, each guest was given a House Party goody bag. We had a blast!


Here's the neat thing, as we tweeted about the company during ECW2011, the Green Works and House Party company actually responded to our students' tweets and became a FAN of our week! It was amazing! In addition to the extra curricular activities, we also talked about the Green Works company in our persuasion, interpersonal communication, and organizational communication courses.

Sincerely,

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Environmental Communication Week 2011 @ Tarleton State University - Day Four

Readers,


Today was the LAST day of Environmental Communication Week 2011 (since tomorrow is good Friday)! 

Environmental Communication Week Logo

2PM - 3PM
Recycling Contest – 100 Uses for a _________ Contest
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Calendar: Environmental Communication Week 2011 @ Tarleton State University
Description: Think of common items around your residence hall room or your home that can be reused! Bring those CREATIVE ideas to our RECYCLING CONTEST! Participants will form teams to complete against one another to create the LONGEST list of alternative uses for everyday products!

We also had attendance punch cards available during each event and each attendee will receive an e-mail (at the end of May) with an itemized listing of each event he/she attended during Environmental Communication Week!



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Environmental Communication Week 2011 @ Tarleton State University - Day Three

Readers,


Thanks for Prof. Cristi Horton and the other people in the Communication Studies Department (and our wonderful students), this has been one of the most amazing days of my life! Today, during the Air, Wind, and Solar session, the president of our university, Dr. Dottavio and the vice presidents of our university presented me with the Barry B. Thompson Service Award. My department head, dean, and wonderful colleagues were successful in keeping the award a surprise!


Here is a picture from the presentation (more to follow)...






Here is a list of today's events...



ALL DAY
Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Swap (Bring a Book, Take a Book)
Where: Library Foyer (By the Circulation Desk)
Description: Do you need new books to read over the summer? Do you have some books to give away? Participate in the Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Swap! Thanks to you, many used books (new to you) will be available daily!
9AM - 1PM
Where Do I Recycle? What Can I Recycle? - Recycling Info. Booth
Presented By: The Tarleton Environmental Advisory Council
Where: Dick Smith Library
Description: Ask questions about recycling at Tarleton and enter for a chance to win a free t-shirt (and other prizes).
10AM - 11AM
Wind and Solar 101
Presented By: Mr. Eric Graff, Owner of the Air, Wind, and Solar Energy Store
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: Discover the basics of wind and solar energy! Door prizes will be available!
11AM - 1PM
Where Do I Recycle? What Can I Recycle? - Recycling Info. Booth
Presented By: The Tarleton Environmental Advisory Council
Where: Thompson Student Center Foyer
Description: Ask questions about recycling at Tarleton and enter for a chance to win a free t-shirt (and other prizes).
12pm - 1pm
Green Works – New To You House Party (Door Prizes). Please RSVP by clicking this link - Tarleton New to You Recycling Party
Where: MATH 135
Description: Bring your own appliance (BYOA) or other household item to this green exchange! Through this interactive session, you will have an opportunity to switch your old coffee maker/blender, etc. with another participant (recycling and reducing)! Then, the Green Works company provided free cleaning products for you to clean your "new to you" appliance during the house party! Fifteen door prizes will be provided to participants!
1PM - 2PM
Panel Discussion – Ordinary People Who Are Doing Extraordinary Things to Go Green
Panelists:
Mr. Paul Risse, Owner of Bearfoot Market
Mr. Eric Graff, Owner of Air, Wind, and Solar Energy Store
Mrs. Pam Huckabee, Assistant Director of the Tarleton School Leadership Alliance (Solar Energy: From a Consumer's Perspective & the Advantages of Purchasing Food from a Natural Food Co-op)
Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Communication Studies (Frugal Gardening - Using Recycled Materials in Your Garden)
Dr. Robert Anderson, Communication Studies (Invited) (Driving a Hybrid Vehicle)
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: Meet everyday Tarleton Texans who are doing extraordinary things to do green! Ask questions and hear great responses at this interactive panel. Door prizes will be provided to participants.
2PM - 3PM
The Southwest Regional Dairy Center and Environmental Sustainability of Animal Agriculture - Presented By: Dr. Barry Lambert, Dr. Donald McGahan, Dr. Don Cawthon, and Dr. Patti Locke
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: Discover how the new Southwest Regional Dairy Center is contributing to environmental sustainability!
3PM - 4PM
Water Gardening 101
Presented By: Dr. Forrest Mitchell
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: Discover how water gardening can be an enjoyable activity for everyone!
4PM - 5PM
How to Conserve Water and Harvest Your Own Rainwater
Presented By: The Stephenville Water Conservation Board (Featuring Dr. Hennen Cummings and Dr. Carol Thompson)
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: Discover how you can take an active role in water conversation by adopting a few simple habits! In addition, find out how to harvest your OWN rainwater through a simple rainwater collection system!



This has been a successful week-long event and we have one additional event tomorrow! However, I have to travel to San Antonio for the Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association Conference AND the Texas Distance Learning Association Conference. I am attending TWO conferences in TWO days! :) Saving on those travel funds! :)


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Environmental Communication Week 2011 @ Tarleton State University - Day Two

Readers,


The second day of Environmental Communication Week was amazing! Here is a list of today's events...








ALL DAY
Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Swap (Bring a Book, Take a Book)
Where: Library Foyer (By the Circulation Desk)
Description: Do you need new books to read over the summer? Do you have some books to give away? Participate in the Fiction/Non-Fiction Book Swap! Thanks to you, many used books (new to you) will be available daily!
11AM - 12PM
Human Health and Ecological Consequences of Occurrence of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment -
Presented By: Dr.Sudarshan Kurwadkar
Where: Library Instruction Classroom (LIC 139)
Description: How DO you properly dispose of your pharmaceutical medicines to minimize your affect on the environment? Attend this interactive lecture to find out!
12PM - 1PM
Webinar – Earth Day: The Impact of the Gulf Oil Spill One Year Later
Where: Library Instruction Classroom (LIC 139)
Description: How DID last year's oil spill affect the environment? Come to this session to find out!
1PM - 2PM
WATER TRIVIA! (Door Prizes) & What IS a Watershed and Why Is It Important?
Presented By: The Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER)
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: Win awesome door prizes through water trivia! Find out about the Clean Water Act and discover the TRUE definition of a WATERSHED!
2:30PM - 4PM
Movie – No Impact Man
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: Discover how one REGULAR family lives in the city and reduces their carbon footprint to MINIMAL levels in their year-long journey to go green! No electricity, no Starbucks, no new clothes, etc.
4PM - 5PM
Horticulture Club – Gardening 101 Workshop
Where: Tarleton Horticulture Center
Description: A fun and interactive workshop for beginning gardeners AND seasoned gardeners! Discover how to grow your own produce (and save money in the process).





This has been one amazing day! I love engaging students in fun, educational activities and working with my planning partner, Prof. Cristi Horton to promote the Communication Studies Department by working with other departments on campus! :)


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Environmental Communication Week 2011 @ Tarleton State University - Day One

Readers,

The first day of Environmental Communication Week 2011 was a success! Here is a list of the events we had today...

12PM - 1PM
Minute to Win It - Green Edition (Environmental Communication Week Kickoff!) 
Where: MATH 109
Description: Just like the popular TV show, this event will enable participants to progress through increasingly difficult levels to win the ULTIMATE GRAND PRIZE for Environmental Communication Week!!!
To discover more information about Minute to Win It, CLICK HERE.
1PM - 2PM
Texas: The STATE of Water (How Water Affected Our Past, Affects Our Present, and Will Affect Our Future
Presented By: Dr. Carol Thompson
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: An interactive lecture on the global water crisis and how it affects YOU!
2PM - 3PM
Green Printing @ Tarleton: Can You Accept the Challenge?
Presented By: The Dick Smith Library and the Center for Instructional Technology and Distributed Education
Where: Dick Smith Library Multipurpose Room
Description: Participate in an interactive session focused on how to GO GREEN while accomplishing your research tasks and/or working in your office! Find out about HOW to adopt a green printing lifestyle at Tarleton for individuals AND offices! Door prizes will be available.
3PM - 4PM
Political Perceptions of Environmental Problems in Europe
Presented By: Dr. Jeff Justice
Where: Dick Smith Library Instruction Classroom
Description: How do individuals from various political parties view the environmental problems? Discover the role of politics in addressing environment problems in America. This is an interactive lecture.

We had a great time today! I cannot wait to see what tomorrow has in store for our students! :)

Sincerely,

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Freebie Friday! - "Go Green" Products! (Trees AND Reusable Bags)

Readers,


Today's Freebie Friday post is focused on environmental products! Order these products and use them for examples in your classroom and/or as classroom giveaways!


I plan to feature these products on next week's Twitter feed for Environmental Communication Week! Follow us TarletonSpeech OR use the hashtag #ECW2011! :)




FREE TREE @ Lowes!
On Saturday, April 23rd, Lowes will give away one million trees! The grading crunch is starting! Visit the store on this day to start your backyard (stress free) zone! For more information - LINK




FREE REUSABLE BAG @ Target!
Visit Target on Sunday, April 17th and receive a free reusable bag! Use this bag to take homework (or goodies) to your students in class OR give the bag away next week as part of a classroom learning opportunity! For more information - LINK.


Have a great weekend!


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Undergraduate Research Week 2011 - Campus and Local Events



Readers,


I am very happy to recognize several universities for their programming initiatives during Undergraduate Research Week! While our university did not have a designated event, but we received an awesome e-mail from the Student Research and Creative Activities Director who highlighted the national initiative! :) 


I am also very pleased to see several Texas higher education institutions on the list! 


University of North Texas
University of Texas El Paso
University of Texas Permian Basin


Here is a link to the list: http://www.cur.org/urwevents.html

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Undergraduate Research Week 2011 - Incorporating Undergraduate Research in My Courses (A Reflection)



Readers,

This semester has been filled of great ideas, wonderful opportunities, and enjoyable experiences. One of these wonderful opportunities include my presentations at various academic conferences and traveling with students and listening to their presentation at the Southern States Communication Association Annual Conference. Through these experiences, I have had time to gain new points of view of my research and research strategies through the eyes of my undergraduate students.

Each semester, I integrate undergraduate research in each of my upper-level undergraduate courses (Fall - Interpersonal Communication and Intercultural Communication; Spring - Interpersonal Communication and Organizational Communication).  Through this integration process, I adopt a scaffolding approach to teach my undergraduate students about the research process and we progress through the steps of the process every week.

During the first week of class, I introduce the undergraduate research experience in my syllabus. Most of the students have never had an undergraduate research experience and an overwhelming majority of the students feel undergraduate research is something that happens in the science department. After explaining the social science research approach and helping the students realize that they CAN do it, the process becomes easier and the students start to select their groups and their research topics. Through their selection of their own topic and creating the problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions, the students start the process of creating a literature review.

They start to take ownership of their projects and become "experts" in their chosen section of their research topic. As a professor (especially near the end of the research project), I discover that the students truly embrace their research and they are able to apply the results of their research as they form conclusions, implications, and suggestions for further research. Usually, the research projects conclude around five to six weeks before the end of the semester we are able to apply the results from their research to the final chapters of their textbook. I think that research is one of the best ways of helping students understand the course material and it enables undergraduate students to "own" their research and to hone (or merely start) the critical thinking process (which is important for higher education and the workplace).

Sincerely,

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Life on the Tenure-Track - A Millennial's Perspective

Readers,

The past two days have been some of the most interesting days of my career. This week, I attended the AERA Division J - Early Career Scholars Session. Over the few days of the session, I formed a higher education research network several new people (with whom I plan to collaborate on a few research projects), learned new tricks of the tenure track, discovered the items for which you can negotiate in the academic job search process, and then I listened to how several other early career academics carve their research time each day. 



After my posts for undergraduate research week (next week) and environmental education week (the week after), I will post my notes from this very important workshop on the blog. Look forward to reading notes from this very important session!


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Happy Undergraduate Research Week! - April 11th - 15th

Readers,


As many of you can probably tell, undergraduate research is near and dear to my heart. On November 16, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to declare April 11th - 15th as Undergraduate Research Week! 


Encourage your college students to conduct an independent study project with you OR to help you with one of your undergraduate research projects! They are wonderful helpers and it seems that they learn many incredible skills from their undergraduate research experiences!


Here's a video from their important vote!






Enjoy!


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Life on the Tenure Track - Questions and Answers (AERA Division J Emerging Scholars Pre-Conference)



Readers,

Last week, we had a great discussion focused on the tenure track. Here are the questions and answers from the panel discussion:

Question - What are the requirements for tenure?
Answer - The institution type determines the tenure track. If you are
 in doubt about the tenure process, just ask the people who are in your department and/or people who will be voting on your tenure.


Question - 
Do you ask "how many publications do I need" in the faculty job search process.

Answer - If your department does not require an annual review process, then just ask for one and then document your annual review.

Question - 
What about service?

Answer - It depends on university and their requirements. Some universities REALLY value service and others do not. 
What do you define as meaningful service? Service at the national, regional, local, etc. 

Answer - (By the way, a really neat piece of advice.) -> C

onnect your service to your scholarship. Take the findings from your paper that may be valuable for practice. Have a brown bag and facilitate a discussion in the community. Marry the two (research and service).

 Make your teaching, research, and service fit with one another.
 Make sure your research and your personal interests merge with one another.

Question -
How do you protect your research time? 
Answer - Try to carve one or two writing days a week.

Question - How do you make yourself stand out on your CV? 
Answer - Market yourself through your experience and your research. 
Strategize! In your doctoral program, try to figure out what will make you stand out! Run for an office position and gain a national platform. Network with others who can mentor you!

What question would you ask the panel?


Sincerely,

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Life on the Tenure Track - I Was Invited to Attend the Division J Emerging Scholar Preconference!!!

Readers,

Today, I am attending the AERA Division J - Emerging Scholars Workshop in New Orleans, LA. It is very exciting! The attendees are from a variety of different univeristies from across the nation! The attendees are from a various universities and I think this is a great opportunity for new and emerging faculty in the field!


Yesterday, I worked for most of the day and night responding to student emails and grading student papers. When I finished my communication for the evening, I visited the concierge lounge. To my suprise, I discovered that they served a FREE meal! Okay, I have to tell you about a wonderful meal - sun dried tomato pasta, turkey tetrazini, salad with balsamic vingerette, french onion soup, and mini cheese cakes! Yum! I am going to have to watch my waistline here. :)


Everyone just finished their introductions and I am so excited to network with such amazing people! They also have a panel discussion focused on higher education research and the tenure track.


Sincerely,


Millennial Professor - Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Adopt This Technology - Prezi (A Great Review from Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason)


Readers,

Have you heard of a great online software called Prezi? Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason, a good friend and fellow blogger, recently posted a great blog entry on Prezi! 

Here is a small exert from her blog post!

Prezi, found at www.prezi.com, creates a zooming flow or conceptual map of your presentation that is not limited to the confines of a slide. When you are ready for a certain topic, the screen zooms toward that topic, it becomes the center of the screen and sized to be viewed as the focal point. When you transition, the screen shifts to your next topic and again situates that as the new focal point. Though PowerPoint can be incredibly useful and professional, students often type every word of their presentation on each slide and then read from it. Prezi allows a less-rigid display of knowledge which seems to enhance the students' abilities to speak extemporaneously.
Prezi sounds like a GREAT instructional tool and it seems relatively easy to learn! After reading Dr. Lora's recommendation, I will definitely take a few days to learn how to use Prezi in my classroom! Great job, Dr. Lora!

Sincerely,

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Going Green on Campus - A Professor's Personal Journey Towards a Green Lifestyle



Readers,


Over the past few semesters, I adopted a green lifestyle to help myself (and my students) make a small attempt to save the planet. Here are some lifestyle changes that I adopted:


1 - I stopped my daily dates with the department copier and I placed all of my class handouts and activities online. The only item that I give my students is a six page syllabus (front and back).


2 - I converted my midterm and final examinations from paper to electronic format by coping and pasting the items to Blackboard, our university's content management system, Blackboard.


3 - I give students a "note card" mini-quiz, in which the students complete two questions related to the chapter. These note cards use less paper and consume less space in my briefcase, while also enabling me to "go green" at the same time.


4 - I recycle all my printed paper. This include materials received via mail, articles, and students' notes.


5 - I print on both sides of pieces of paper. 


6 - I do not print conference schedules and also I do not take home conference bags. As a result, I minimize the amount of materials in my luggage. :)


7 - I use a reusable water bottle.


8 - I decorate my office with professional, yet trendy items from Goodwill.


9 - I use florescent light bulbs in my office.


10 - I use Google Documents in class to help the students avoid printing costs. Through this process, I always have access to the students' papers and they do not have to print a final copy of their papers.


11 - I practice organic gardening and consume my own veggies!


12 - I use my iPad to read academic papers and books.


These are my SIMPLE, yet effective ways to go green. I would love to read your green practices as well! :)


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.