Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Should the Workplace Adapt to the Millennial Generation?

Readers,


Last semester, I wrote a paper focused on college students' perceptions of work-life balance in their future professions. In this paper, the students stated their opinions regarding work-life balance and many of the students felt that their lives outside of work were more important than their life inside of the workplace. Research indicates that past generations (baby boomers, etc.) feel that their lives inside of the workplace were more important than life outside of the workplace.


Since an increasing number of millennials are currently working and/or preparing to enter the workplace, employers are starting to adapt their human resource policies to this new generation. Last year, one of the most widely read authors on the millennial generation, Dr. Neil Howe, released a book titled, "Millennials in the Workplace".




Although I have not had the pleasure of reading this book (I just added this book to my summer reading list), I strongly believe that this book would help organizational leaders and professors who teach human resources, communication, and sociology courses. 


I understand that some people do not believe that workplace environments should change their policies and procedures to adapt to the new population, but some workplaces are adopting flex-time polices to meet the needs of their millennial employees.




What do you think? Should employers adapt to this new generation? Should the millennial generation adapt to the workplace? Should the process involve both parties adapting to each other?


Sincerely,


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

Monday, May 30, 2011

I Remember 9/11, Do Your Students?

Youth Service America


Readers,


In a prior post, "Life After September 11, 2001 - A Millennial's Perspective", I began my reflective journey spanning the past ten years. 


Today, Memorial Day, I think it is a very appropriate day to tell all of you about a great grant opportunity! The YSA's Youth Council and State Farm will support youth and educators across the United States to learn, remember, and honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11 through service projects.


Here's the link - 9/11 Service-Learning Grants


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

Friday, May 27, 2011

Freebie Friday! - Free Sample of Avery Sticky Notes!


Readers,


Every morning and every evening, I follow three steps in my daily routine. Drinking six ounces of water from a BPA free container, checking personal and work e-mail on my iPad, and writing several "to do" items on a sticky note. Usually, I am very particular about the types of sticky notes that I choose to use, but lately I started to try something new, the Avery Sticky Note. I just requested a sample to add to my Avery Sticky Note pack. :) 


Request your sample here - LINK.


Thanks Desi Saving Mom (one of my former graduate assistants and current blog friend)!


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

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Life After September 11, 2001 - A Millennial's Perspective...

Readers,


On September 11, 2001, I was a sophomore at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. This day really changed the way that I have chosen to live my daily life. I love traveling and as a student from a small town, I dreamed of studying and traveling aboard. As a result of terrorism concerns and the invention of airport security levels, I have been very apprehensive in traveling beyond the borders of the United States. In fact, a few days ago, I tried to remember how airport travel functioned before September 11, 2001. I could not remember life without baggage scans, actually seeing loved ones upon walking through the airline gates of my destination, and taking large bottles of bottled water (and shampoo, etc.) in my rolling luggage.


One website that was launched slightly before the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden is "Growing Up in the Shadow of 9/11" through the American University School of Communication. Professor Amy Eisman's Writing for Convergent Media class partners with Gannett's Content one to examine the millennial generation's perceptions of life after 9/11/2001. This would be a great research study! :)




Check out their website here - http://www.growingup9-11.com/


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

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Wandering Wednesdays - Center for Teaching, Learning, and Academic Technology at Dillard University

Readers,


Last week, when I was searching for teaching and learning centers. I discovered a blog from the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Academic Technology at Dillard University (an HBCU in New Orleans). First of all, I am a fan of technology AND HBCUs and this blog combines both of my interests!


It seems that the DU CTLAT updates their blog on a daily basis. Their updates include: call for papers for journals and conferences, updates from the diverse issues in higher education, and teaching tips (and resources).


I visit this blog almost every day and it seems that the DU CTLAT updates their blog at least three times a day! :)


Sincerely,


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

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Become a Fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook!

Readers,

Become a FAN of Millennial Professor on Facebook! When the Facebook site reaches 50 fans, we will have a drawing for a huge gift pack of Post-It Notes and other neat items for your office/home!

Click here - 

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

Monday, May 23, 2011

My Online Academic Portfolio (ePortfolio) via Google Sites! - Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards


Readers,


Over the weekend, I decided to create an electronic academic portfolio using Google Sites. I chose Google Sites because I plan to use the free, online software in the fall for the Professional Communication upper-level communication studies classes). 


Here's the link - http://www.tinyurl.com/drjennifertedwards


Should I include anything else? Is anything missing?


I think that all students should have a competitive chance to obtain a job after graduating from college and it seems that electronic portfolios will help them during their journey.


I have to learn how to use the technology and then actively use the technology for at least two weeks before teaching others how to use the technology! :) Hopefully, by the fall semester, I can help my students develop their own online portfolios! :)


Sincerely,


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

Friday, May 20, 2011

Freebie Friday - Arby's Market Fresh Grilled Chicken and Pecan Salad Sandwich

Readers,


I am a huge fan of Arby's Restaurants! Recently, I tried the Market Fresh Grilled Chicken and Pecan Salad Sandwich and I loved it! Today's freebie for Friday is a wonderful FREE Market Fresh Grilled Chicken and Pecan Salad! Print your coupon here - LINK.


Thanks Coupon Cravings and Bargain Briana!


Enjoy!


Sincerely,


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

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Funding Opportunities - Electronic Links to University Research Office Blogs, etc.

Readers,


I hope to write at least one NSF proposal this year. My colleague and I worked on one of our mutual interests this semester (ECW2011) and I rediscovered my love of renewable energy and sustainability. As communicators, we plan to work with the science department on campus on a program proposal. I am really looking forward to this!


As a result, a large part of my summer break will be spent teaching, researching, and writing grants. Here are some great resources for grant announcements and information focused on grants.:


NMU Grants and Research Blog
http://nmugrantsandresearch.blogspot.com/


Grantopedia: From Proposal to Practice - Research Matters
http://www.grantopedia.com/


Dolores' List of CFPs
http://www.personal.psu.edu/dxf19/blogs/dolores_list_of_cfps/


Office of Research and Sponsored Programs - Appalachian State University
http://www.orsp.appstate.edu/blog


University of Texas at Austin - Research Alerts
http://www.utexas.edu/research/resources/research-alerts


University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Research Support
http://research.unc.edu/news-events/research-support/index.htm


University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Funding Opportunities
http://research.unc.edu/news-events/research-support/funding-opportunities/index.htm


Grantwriter's Blog
http://grantwritersblog.blogspot.com/


Enjoy the resources!


Sincerely,


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

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Wandering Wednesdays - The Tenure Track Blog Graveyard & Hope


Readers,

For this Wednesday's Wandering blog posts, I decided to look for blogs that fit my current situation....the tenure track. Unfortunately, almost every blog that I encountered did not have current posts. For example, one blog focused on one person's first year, but the person never persisted to the second year of their tenure track blog posts. Here are some examples:

Life on the Tenure-Track for a CJ Prof

Teaching and Service and Scholarship! Oh My!

Tenure Track Woman

After looking at these forgotten blogs, it makes me wonder about the individuals who started the blogs (mostly women) and their ultimate fate. Did they receive tenure? Did they become stay-at-home mothers? Did they become discouraged in their blogging journey? Unfortunately, these blogs are like forgotten tombstones in a overgrown cemetery. Just left and forgotten without any flowers (blog comments) or mentions (on others' blogs).

Then, I started looking for recent blogs on the tenure track process (updated in the past month).

Communication and Higher Education: Life on the Tenure Track at a Teaching Institution

Balanced Instability: Adventures on the Tenure Track

On the Fence: A Blog for Indecisive Academics Who are on the Market, or Currently Employed in Academe, But Considering Non-Academic Job Options

Babies, a PhD and Me

Now these blogs were inspiring. Most of them are written by women and most of them focus on work-life balance, a subject for which I have a large interest. I am very excited about following these four blogs focused on the tenure-track journey and I hope you will follow them as well!

Sincerely,

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

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Eight Ways to Protect Your Facebook Privacy - A Great Article from USA Today!

Readers,


Recently, I received an e-mail from a colleague from another university in Texas and she was wondering how I handle Facebook friendships with students. I stated that I did not become friends with my current students on Facebook, but I did become friends with students who recently graduated from our communication program. The only exceptions to this rule are students from student organizations whom I advise through service roles at my university.


USA Today's Tech and Trends featured an article titled, "Eight Ways to Protect Your Facebook Privacy". Through this article, readers can discover how to protect themselves from internet hackers and unwanted communication from friends (and those who are not friends) on social networking websites. 


Here are the main privacy suggestions in the article...
1 - Who Can See What
2 - Place Your Friends on Lists
3 - Who Can Find You
4 - Browse Facebook Securely
5 - Who is Logging In as You?
6 - Which Apps Know You?
7 - Even Your Friends' Apps Know You, Too
8 - Who Can Post On Your Wall


Overall, the article is extremely informative and I think the most important part of the article was under the "who is logging in as you" subheading. I was able to look under my privacy settings to discover that my iPad was currently logged on to Facebook (however it states that I am logged in to Facebook in another location). Hmmm... However, great read!


Sincerely,


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

Monday, May 16, 2011




Readers,


I cannot wait to purchase this new device! It is a wireless drive made for iPads, iPhones, and iPod touch devices. This device can store up to 300 movies and I plan to load the device with many of my wonderful photos that are filling my iPad and iPod touch. I wonder will this device store anything besides photos, videos, music, and videos.


We shall see! I think the device will have great educational uses for professors on the go! Access the article here - http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2011/05/look-ma-no-wires--seagates-new-hard-drive-for-ipad-iphone-and-ipod-touch/1?csp=Tech.


Sincerely,


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

Friday, May 13, 2011

Freebie Friday! - Download the Moleskine App (Electronic Writing)





Readers,


I love quality stationary materials like Moleskine and Circa, because I am able to integrate these materials into my personal and professional life. Now, Moleskine 
is offering a FREE iPhone/iPad application for users. I downloaded this application a few weeks ago and I love the functionality! 


I can type documents and integrate pictures/handwriting into the electronic document. Love it! :) I WILL use the Moleskine app to write scholarly papers and perhaps an electronic journal.





Check it out - http://lifehacker.com/5793859/moleskine-turns-ios-devices-into-classic-journals



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

Thursday, May 12, 2011

From College to Career - Helping College Students Prepare for their Post-College Career

Readers,


One of my favorite times of the year is the biannual graduation ceremony. I love to see our students walk across the stage to end one part of their lives and to begin a new journey as a post-college professional. I take pictures like I am a family member and I post these pictures on our department's Facebook page. However, before I start celebrating the students' accomplishments on their graduation day, I start working with the students on the application process and I emphasize the importance of networking.


This semester, we read one of my favorite books, "From College to Career" by Lindsay Pollack. This has been one of the best career-related books that I have ever read. In addition, after the class presentation focused on the book, several students wanted to purchase the book for their personal libraries.


In addition to the presentation on the book, I wish that I could have shown the students this presentation from ABC News:




Enjoy!


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

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wandering Wednesdays - Mobile Computing 5-Day Sprint (Electronic Resources)

Mobile Sprint Page header



Readers,


A couple of weeks ago (April 25-29, 2011), EDUCAUSE sponsored a Mobile Computing 5-Day Sprint. Unfortunately, this wonderful opportunity was held during the busiest part of my semester. 


Here are some ideas from the sprint - http://educause.ideascale.com/


Each day had a different emphasis!



Monday: The Future of Mobile Computing

Thursday: Security, Privacy and Policy



Each of the links above includes a recorded session, a video of the day, and recommended resources.

Enjoy!


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

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Twitter in the Classroom - Twitter Meets the Breakfast Club (Chronicle of Higher Education)


Readers,


I incorporate Twitter in each of my online and hybrid courses. However, most of this communication is optional and takes place through extra credit assignments. In a recent post by the Chronicle of Higher Education, David Silver wrote about his classroom experiences with Twitter. Silver requires his students to create a twitter account and to use the account to communicate with him and their peers.


The most interested part of this article when Silver explains that another professor contacted him through Twitter to find out more about his assignment. Then, this professor adopted the assignment for her classroom. Read about their experience here - Twitter Meets the Breakfast Club.


I hope to write a book about Twitter in the classroom and how to incorporate this communication technology in online and hybrid courses.


Sincerely,


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

Monday, May 9, 2011

Adopt This Technology! - SIEMENS STEM Academy



Readers,


During Environmental Communication Week 2011, formed co-sponsorships with the Dick Smith Library, the University's Staff Council, and various local businesses in the Stephenville area. However, when we released the first "call for papers", we did not receive any proposals for workshops or paper submissions. This was not a positive start to a week-long program! As a result, we began looking for free webinars online. 


Since we were focusing on environmental communication and my husband is a science teacher who is very interested in STEM education, we started looking for STEM resources. We found the Siemens STEM Academy's website - http://siemensstemacademy.com. Since we were hosting a week-long event, we found a webinar focused on environmental education that occurred during ECW 2011, Earth Day: The Impact of the Gulf Oil Spill One Year Later with Jeff Corwin". 


At first, I was reluctant to choose a webinar from this website because its primary audience was junior high and high school students. However, the information was VERY informative and our audience (myself included) throughly enjoyed the presentation! I would definitely recommendation this wonderful resource for other college classes who are interested in environmental education/environmental communication.


Sincerely,


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

Friday, May 6, 2011

Freebie Friday - Seasoning Packets for Professors-On-The-Go Who Love to Cook!

Readers,


As a professor-on-the-go, I strive to create healthy meals for my family. However, my crazy schedule only enables me to go shopping at our local Kroger store only one time a week. To make my life easier, I purchase frozen skillet meals (i.e. PF Changs, and Romanos Macaroni Grill, and Stouffers) and seasoning packets for my fresh meats and garden veggies. 


Recently, I discovered a free sample from Emeril's and I look forwarding to using this seasoning packet with a future meal! :) Enjoy!


Sincerely,


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

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wandering Wednesdays - The Teaching, Learning, and Technology Group (The TLT Group)



Readers,


Since last summer, I have been a huge fan of the Teaching, Learning, and Technology (TLT Group). I visit their website almost every week and I faithfully read their blog. They usually host free workshops, like last week's "FridayLive Twitter: Forbid It, Ignore It, or Use It?" - http://tltgroup.roundtablelive.org/events?eventId=310889&EventViewMode=EventDetails.


In addition to their wonderful free workshops, they also have a great blog, "TLT-SWG". Recently, this blog featured a post titled, "A Course is Not a Pizza", which focuses on the importance of interaction in online courses - http://tlt-swg.blogspot.com/2011/05/course-is-not-pizza.html.


Check out their website as well!  http://www.tltgroup.org/


Enjoy!


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

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

College Students, Technology, and Free Food = Food-Bot

Home


Readers,

As a former college student, I appreciate free food. As a millennial, I really appreciate awesome technology! Greg Woloschyn, a student at Carnegie Mellon University, created an awesome website titled, Food-Bot. This website searches every mailing list on campus, searching for food-related keywords like “snack,” “cookie,” and “pizza.” last year. Sometimes the website fails to provide accurate results, for example a "bring your own lunch" entry was on the website's fail list. Woloschyn's invention enabled WoloSchyn and his friends to spend their funds on other items.

Check out his website - http://food-bot.com/home

Currently, only a few universities (Stanford, Carnegie Melton, Berkeley, Duke, UIllinois, MIT, Pittsburgh, Wootster, Case Western, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, Purdue) are included on the website, but it seems that the website is expanding (i.e. - the sentence on the website "Don't see your university? Request for it to be added so you can get in on the free food"...)

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

Monday, May 2, 2011

Green Printing for Students, Faculty, and Staff! - Some Great Tips from Environmental Communication Week @ Tarleton State University


Readers,


During Environmental Communication Week 2011, we were fortunate to have two wonderful presenters from our university's library (the Dick Smith library) and the Center for Instructional Technology and Distributed Education (CITDE) facilitate a session on Green Printing. Our university library (like many other university libraries) usually has a stack of papers that are left on the printers after the library closes each day. This presents a potential problem for our university (wasted paper) and the environment.


Here are some tips from their presentation...


- Be Patient (try not to print twice).
- Print Only What You Need (when listening to a presentation or lecture, ask which notes should be printed and which notes can remain electronic).
- Print Selectively (highlight the section of a document that you need to print and only print this section instead of the entire page)
- Print On Both Sides of Paper (duplex printing).
- Print Power Point Slides as Handouts Instead of the Actual Slides.
- Use Electronic Handouts (distribute a tinyurl link in class).
- Select the CENTURY GOTHIC font to save ink/toner. 


Here's their handout - LINK


This was a neat presentation and I adopted some of the suggestions from the presentation in my classes. I cannot wait to prepare "green" power point/Google Doc slides for the fall semester. 


Sincerely,


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