Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Hello Fall 2011 - Post 3/5 - Wandering Wednesdays - The Theatre Prof Blog

Readers,

This is been a great week! In addition, to the amazing first week of classes, I also found a great blog to follow! This blog is called The Theatre Prof and Prof. Michelle Stephens seems to be a very active user of social media in her personal life and in her classes. :)

She is active on Google Plus and I hope to learn A LOT from her about this software, because I am LOST on Google Plus! :)

Here are her most recent posts on teaching in higher education...



Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Hello Fall 2011 (2/5) - Time Management Strategies for the Semester (Responding to E-mail)



Readers,

This semester, I decided that I need to refine my time management skills and to establish a better balance between work and personal life. I usually respond to messages from my online and face-to-face classes within an hour (or two), but this year, I think that I am going to move to a 12 hour time frame. Responding to e-mail messages can become a very time consuming process and I have to reduce the amount of time that I spend typing and retyping replies to e-mail messages.

Here are some time management strategies that I currently use:

1 - When a few students have the same question, I send the students an initial response and then I send the response to all students in a question and answer format.

2 - I save ALL of my received messages and sent messages every semester. The pdf documents from each semester have helped me to form a wonderful repository of message replies. Then, I copy and paste the answers to questions that I typically encounter every semester. :)

Here are some time management strategies that I plan to use:

1 - Replying to students within a 12 hour time frame (while I am at work and during office hours at home).

2  - Typing responses on my iPad. For some reason, I dislike my pop-up iPad keyboard and I started using the Apple bluetooth keyboard instead of the keyboard on the screen. I love this keyboard MUCH better than the keyboard on the screen!


Do you have any suggestions for me? I value your suggestions! :)

Sincerely,

J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, August 29, 2011

Hello Fall 2011 (1/5) - The First Day of Classes!

Readers,

Today was the first day of classes at my university. I have two upper-level classes on MWFs and I enjoy teaching these classes EARLY in the morning (9 a.m. and 10 a.m.). Each fall, I teach the same classes, but I change small aspects of the classes according to current research and student evaluations.

I look forward to the beginning of each fall semester, because I purchase a new dress (or suit) for the first day of classes! This year, I purchased a new dress and new shoes (tall shoes) for today's classes! I enjoyed wearing my new outfit for the first day and I always get that new burst of energy from the new clothes and new school supplies! Here's a picture of my new shoes! :)


The first class, Intercultural Communication, is one of my favorites! I enjoy hearing the students tell stories about their diverse experiences. The second class, Interpersonal Communication, is a mandatory class for the communication department and other departments on campus. This class is always filled with wonderful students and I am looking forward for an exciting semester!

Also, one of my dear friends, Prof. Cristi Horton placed the cutest gift on my desk last Friday for the first week of classes! I left the gift on my desk over the weekend, because I needed that extra burst of energy on Monday! I opened the gift and I was very pleased to find a portable post-it note holder for my bag! This gift was much appreciated, because my husband commented on my post-it note "to do list" last night. This summer, I started using 20 post-it notes per day. :) Yes, I recycle at home AND at the office! :)


Both Intercultural and Interpersonal students will work on group research projects this semester. Last semester these projects focused on diversity and the students presented their research at our university's research symposium. This year, we are focused on the Social Media Conference and the students will have to link social media and interpersonal/intercultural issues. 

Today in class, the students chose their topics and many of them are EXCITED about investigating their chosen topics! Last semester's students and this semester's students will be invited to submit their papers for the Tarleton Undergraduate Research Symposium in October, the Texas A&M University System Student Research Symposium in November, and the Southern States Communication Association in March. :)


I hope you had a great first day! 

Sincerely,

J. Edwards



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, August 26, 2011

New Semester Prep Week (5/5) - (Freebie Friday) - Coupons from 3M (Scotch Tape & Packing Tape)

Readers,


Here is a great opportunity for those of you who are highly organized, desire to be highly organized, or if you are planning to ship some books back to the publisher! On the 3M website, there are some wonderful coupons for Scotch products: http://www.3m.com/brands/scotch/promos/welcomecoupon.pdf

- Save $1.00 on Scotch Pop-Up Tape Desk Grip Dispenser
- Save $.50 on Scotch Poster Tape
- Save $1.00 when you purchase TWO rolls of Scotch Packing Tape
- Save $1.00 when you buy one pack of Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches 50 Pack
- Save $2.00 when you buy one Scotch Easy-Grip Packaging Tape Dispenser

Enjoy! 


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, August 25, 2011

New Semester Prep Week (4/5) - The Importance of the Syllabus in Teaching (Stony Brook University)



Readers,

I strive to incorporate a video (or two) at least once a week in my lectures. As I prepare for the fall semester, I wanted to check to see if there were any videos focused on the syllabus and/or the importance of the syllabus in the college classroom. Stony Brook University had some very informational videos about this subject:

Stony Brook University - The Importance of the Syllabus in Teaching (Part 1)



Stony Brook University - The Importance of the Syllabus in Teaching (Part 2)


Enjoy!

J. Edwards



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

New Semester Prep Week (3/5) - (Wandering Wednesdays) - "Murphy’s Pondering Tree: Mark II" Blog


http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanfordedtech/ (Open Source)

Readers,

This week's Wandering Wednesday post is focused on the "Murphy’s Pondering Tree: Mark II" blog. The author, Steven Francis Murphy, serves as an adjunct instructor of history at a community college. His recent posts are focused on the upcoming semester:




Enjoy!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Encourage Your Students to Enter the Adobe Imagination Challenge - They Can Win $10,000!



Readers,

This week marks the official KICK OFF of the Adobe Imagination Challenge! This is an amazing opportunity for you and your students (academic affairs AND student services)! In the Imagination Challenge, you need to show your IMAGINATION by creating a flyer, newsletter, almost ANYTHING "neat" using the Adobe Create Suite 5.5 Student and Teacher Education software. 


Students will upload their creative images (flyer, newsletter, etc.) and your students will be entered in the contest for a chance to win $10,000! There are five chances to win $10,000 and 36 chances to win $550!

Here are some ways to get involved!

- Enter the Contest! - LINK
- Vote for the Most Creative, Innovative Image (Voting Begins 9/11)
- Check out all of the Entries in the Imagination Gallery - LINK
- Get Inspired and Test Your Visual Skills by Playing Real of Fake - LINK
- Interact! Use the Twitter Hashtag - #AdobeImagination

Good luck to you and your students! I hope you have a chance to participate in the challenge! :)

Thanks Adobe Education Exchange!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

New Semester Prep Week (2/5) - "Why Checklists Work"



Readers,

The Profhacker blog is famous for a wealth of wonderful posts focused on teaching, technology, and productivity tips. Recently, Natalie Houston (one of the ProfHacker writers), wrote a great piece titled "Why Checklists Work". 


Based on the book, The Checklist Manifesto, this post was very informative for professors who strive to become more productive in the fall semester. This was VERY exciting for me, because I use checklists on a daily basis!

In her post, she focuses on the following:

1 - Two Kinds of Checklists

*Read-Do

*Do-Confirm

2 - Creating Your Checklist

*Keep it simple.

*Make it usable.

*Try it out and edit as necessary.



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
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Monday, August 22, 2011

New Semester Prep Week (1/5) - My Long-Semester Checklist

Readers,


When preparing for a new semester, what game plan do you usually adopt? I refer to my long semester checklist, which includes the following:


1 - Write an pre-course e-mail to each of the students in my online courses. This includes my expectations for the semester, an overview of the course, the technical requirements for the course, and 


2 - Uploading the blackboard courses from the repository.


3 - Changing the dates on the assignments.


4 - Finalizing the last draft of the syllabus.


5 - Uploading the syllabus on blackboard.


6 - Check each of the widgets on blackboard (Twitter and Yahoo Instant Messenger) to make sure that they are compatible with the new blackboard course.


7 - Draft the e-mail for the first week of school (complete with action items for the week).


8 - Make paper copies of the syllabus.


9 - Print my roll for the semester.


10 - Check my notes for the first week of school! :)


What are some items on your to do list?


Sincerely,


J. Edwards




Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, August 19, 2011

Freebie Friday - Take Advantage of Back-to-School Savings Opportunities! - Texas Tax Free Holiday, Office Depot, & Staples

Readers,



In Texas, this is the LAST week before public school begins (K-12). Parents and their students are frantically purchasing the last items on their school supply lists and they are taking advantage of the TAX FREE HOLIDAY! This means that we will not have to pay taxes on school supplies and clothing items under $100.00. 

Here's my list:
- BIC Stick Pens (great for classroom giveaways throughout the semester AND paper surveys)
- Post-It Notes and Tabs
- Vera Bradley Calculator
- White Blouse from Gap
- Nine West Pumps and Flats
- Knock Knock Notebooks (and note pads) - I hope these are tax free.
***I plan to make most of my purchases online.*** :)

This includes backpacks as well. This item looks great for weekend writing sessions:


***Discover MORE about the tax free holiday here - http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html.

Also, if you are NOT in Texas, take advantage of these great coupons from Office Depot AND Staples:

Office Depot:

Staples:

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Online Professional Development Opportunity - Join NGLC for Using Openness to Bridge to Success

Readers,


The Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) website always offers amazing webinars! Here's some information about their next one. :)


For students who struggle with core developmental math concepts, the journey to a postsecondary credential can often be disrupted or delayed. The Open University (OU), a fully online and open university that currently serves more than 250,000 students worldwide, has found that "bridging content"—offering open access to key developmental concepts—can increase learner capability and confidence, encourage participation, and contribute to progression and completion. Recognized as a world leader in distance learning, OU will be partnering with 10 U.S. colleges in the next year as part of a Next Generation Learning Challenges grant aimed at bringing resources from the university to bear for American students. On August 23, you're invited to join Patrick McAndrew, associate director of the Institute for Educational Technology, to learn more about the OU method and their plans for scale.


Topic: Using Openness to Bridge to Success
Speakers: Patrick McAndrew, The Open University
Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT, 11:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. PT)


NGLC web seminars are free and open to all, but virtual seats are limited. Attendance is first come, first served. The session will be recorded and archived for later viewing.




Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Wandering Wednesdays - Pilot Pens - "Get It Done Fun" (Printable Personal Organization Forms)





Career Goals PDF
Readers,

As part of my organization journey, I am always seeking neat templates for everyday activities. Pilot Pens (http://www.notjustapen.com/) published a website focused on daily organization essentials and everything is free (just the cost of paper and ink for your printer). Here are some examples:



Enjoy!

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

From Web 2.0 to Your Desktop - A Neat Training Guide on Acquiring Media from the Web


Readers,

Have you ever been interested in saving a copy of Web 2.0 media to your desktop or your external drive? Well, here's a great post from OSU's Office of the Chief Information Officer - Digital Union blog, "Downloading vs. Ripping: Acquiring Media from the Web 2.0"


Great post!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, August 15, 2011

Teaching Organizational Communication Online - Summer Reflection


Readers,


I enjoy teaching Organizational Communication online every summer. This opportunity enables me to interact with students from our three campuses (Fort Worth, Stephenville, and Waco) and TAMU Central Texas through the internet. I value this experience because each of the students in the course brings a wealth of diversity to the virtual classroom.


This year, we created an online training and development handbook for non-profit organizations and small businesses who are interested in using social media for communication within their organization. Very interesting project.


We used Google Documents to create the 10 sections of the handbook. The students focused on Google Documents, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Instant Messenger, and other social media technologies. 


Social Media Conference 2011 - 12.2.2011 - The Texas Social Media Research Institute


The handbook will debut at the Social Media Conference at Tarleton State University on Friday, December 2, 2011. I think it will be a great, free resource for organizations who are interested in using social media. :)


Also, service learning projects are usually not incorporated in online courses and I think it will be a great opportunity for other professors who are interested in service learning in the online classroom.


Enjoy!


Sincerely,


J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, August 12, 2011

Freebie Friday - $.50 Off Uniball Pens! Great for Grading and Writing!



Readers,

Here's a great opportunity to save some money on your grading/research supplies! I use Uniball Pens ALL OF THE TIME! Here's a great coupon for $.50 off of these pens!



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Masterchef and Hell's Kitchen in the Classroom - Interpersonal Communication and Organizational Communication



Readers,

This summer, I became a loyal viewer of the show "Masterchef" on Fox. Whenever I watch a new show or have a new experience, I try to apply this experience in my face-to-face and online classrooms.


This year, I think that I will incorporate Masterchef in Interpersonal Communication this fall. Despite the small group aspect of the show, Masterchef gives viewers a wealth of positive and negative interpersonal communication examples. In addition, this show presents viewers with an interesting dynamic between the hosts/Masterchefs and the contestants.

In addition to Masterchef, I became a casual viewer (at first) of Hell's Kitchen. Now, this show is FILLED with examples for the Small Group Communication courses. In this course, the teams compete against each other in weekly challenges.



I RARELY show movies in class, but I do incorporate 30 minute television shows in class because it allows the class to review the concept before watching the show and then to have an oral reflection period after the show.

Which television show and/or movies do you incorporate in your classes?


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wandering Wednesdays - "The Center for Instructional Innovation and Assessment" (Youtube Channel)



Readers,

My husband, a high school science teacher, practices informal professional development by watching online teaching videos from the textbook companies and Youtube. So, I caught his professional development virus and I started watching online videos on instructional development. Western Washington University's "The Center for Instructional Innovation and Assessment" has a wonderful channel on Youtube that provides viewers with a wealth of videos focused on faculty development! :)

Here are a couple of the videos:

Western Washington University - Teaching, Dialogue, and Tolerance

Western Washington University - Taking Exams Online


Enjoy!

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

An Intrapersonal Reflection Activity - Write Your Own Obituary


Readers,

This activity may sound a little morbid, but I think it is a very important reflection and goal-oriented activity for almost anyone! What do you want inscribed on your tombstone? What do you want others to say about you at your funeral?

Here's an activity for you (perhaps for others you know as well)...

***This information was gathered from a blog post titled, "Wake-Up Call: Write Your Obituary" by Marelisa at Stepcase Lifehack.***

WRITE YOUR OWN OBITUARY!

Here are some "prompts" for you:

- If I died today, would I be happy?
- Am I satisfied with the direction in which my life is headed?
- Am I happy with the legacy that I'm creating?
- What's missing from my life?
- What do I need to do in order for my obituary to be "complete"?

Thanks Marelisa at Stepcase Lifehack! :)

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
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Monday, August 8, 2011

My Summer Reflection - A Wealth of Opportunities and Experiences


Readers,

This summer has been incredibly busy! I am teaching two 10-week online classes (upper-level communication studies courses), working with an undergraduate researcher on a project, and organizing my home for the upcoming semester!

Despite the number of projects that I have this summer, I am very grateful for this small amount of time with my friends and family. I value my vegetable garden (in spite of the Texas heat) and my fruit trees. This summer, I tried a new activity...yoga! It has been a great stress reducer for me and my husband.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/waynesutton/
Unfortunately, my online teaching schedule and academic conference schedules have left little time for research. So, I will definitely have to play catch up in the fall semester. Since I started the undergraduate research projects in my upper-level communication courses, I am forced to "model the way" for the students and write a complete research paper for them to create their research papers. None of the topics are the same and their papers follow a similar format to my papers, but they take their own research approaches! :) Very rewarding! I cannot wait for the students to submit their papers to a journal! :) I need to submit my papers to a journal as well! :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/umkc
I hope you are having a great summer and that you are experiencing a slightly more productive summer with your research! :)

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, August 5, 2011

Freebie Friday - Start Your Day with STARBUCKS and Gain an Opportunity for a Cool Evening!

Readers,


Are you addicted to Starbucks? Do you always start your mornings with a dark cup of joe? Well, if you purchase a cup in the morning and return in the afternoon (after 2 pm), you can receive a grande cold drink for $2! Amazing offer! 

Start the day with a jolt and end the day with a relaxing cool drink!


Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, August 4, 2011

A Bookless Library on a College Campus?



Readers,

I thought this video about bookless libraries was very interesting given the fact that Borders Bookstore is closing its doors soon. Will all libraries adopt this approach in the future?
Bookless Library at Stanford University

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wandering Wednesday - "The Worst Professor Ever: Alternative Adult Education"


http://www.flickr.com/photos/mazer73/ (Creative Commons)
Readers,

This week's "Wandering Wednesday" post is focused on the "Worst Professor Ever: Alternative Adult Education" blog. This is a neat blog by a female professor, Amanda Krauss who decided to leave the academy to "get a life in Austin". I think her blog is very interesting and I will definitely add her RSS feed to my Google Reader! :)


Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

A WONDERFUL List of Teaching and Learning Journals and Conferences!


Readers,

Kennesaw State University's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning recently published a comprehensive list of journals that focus on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.


- General or Interdisciplinary Journals on Teaching
- Teaching with Technology Journals
- Discipline-Specific Journals on Teaching
- Journals Addressing General Issues in Higher Education

In addition to the journal list, Kennesaw State also published a 2011-2012 Calendar of Teaching Conferences!


- General and Interdisciplinary Conferences
- Discipline-Specific Conferences

Enjoy! 

Sincerely,

J. Edwards



Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, August 1, 2011

How Do You Grade a Presentation Minus Content (Campus Technology)



Readers,

Here's a great post from the Campus Technology website titled, "How Do you Grade a Presentation Minus Content?" As a speech professor, I have my own rubrics, but this is a great start for many of you who require oral presentations in your classes! 


Enjoy!

J. Edwards


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