I am excited about having a small break! I always have a wealth of ideas after a semester ends and it is great to have a small amount of time to plan and reflect.
Next semester, I am teaching "Social Networking" and I am excited about writing a syllabus and planning their REAL assignment. We have an amazing. project at our university dedicated to providing students with ways to ENHANCE their degrees. REAL stands for real world experiences applied to learning and I have had almost 200 students complete the program! From undergraduate research and study away/abroad to internships and service learning, I stress the importance of this program to ALL of our undergraduate students.
Find out more information here - http://www.tarleton.edu/REAL/
Time for more goal setting and reflecting...
Christmas excitement!
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Almost Home for the Holidays! - The Academic Year in Review (Mommyhood & Administrative Role)
Readers,
This has been one amazing year! In Spring 2012, I became a new mom and the Texas Social Media Research Institute became 1 year old! Then, in June, I started my new position as Assistant Vice-President for Student Success and Multicultural Initiatives at my university. This has been an incredible journey and I am grateful for the opportunities this year!
In addition to this new role, I started my new blog - Millennial Professor Mommy, where I review products, talk about work life-balance, and chronicle my celebrations as an academic mommy!
In November, we had our second Social Media Conference at Tarleton State University and we had around 200 attendees. We plan to make the conference larger next year!
In addition, this blog celebrates six years this month and I am pleased with all of the opportunities that I have been able to experience through relationships created and sustained through this online resource!
This year, I am especially thankful for amazing friends, outstanding colleagues, a wonderful team at Tarleton, loyal readers, great undergraduate researchers, and an amazing family!
Most of all, I am grateful for everyone who believes in me and my "interesting" ideas. <- Including my husband and the members of the Texas Social Media Research Institute (TSMRI).
I hope you are having a wonderful time getting ready for the holidays!
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Adobe Education Exchange - 2012 Adobe Educators' Choice Awards
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - Journalism Eco-Course
Readers,
This is another one of the Brita Filter for Good projects. This one is slightly different, because this submission came from a student who proposed a course focused on Environmental Sustainability and Journalism at the University of California - Berkley focused on sustainability.
Wonderful project!
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - Working Out for the Campus Environment!
Readers,
Here's another winner from Brita's "Filter for Good Campaign". This idea was slightly different than the GWU filtration project. Davidson College has a sustainability project that focuses on the energy produced when students work out at a campus gym. Generally, this energy is not utilized, but Davidson College found an innovative way to use the energy generation through elliptical machines.
Very neat! Working out for sustainability!
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook -
http://goo.gl/gnN41
Friday, May 4, 2012
Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - Brita's Filter for Good Program and Residence Life
Readers,
A few years ago, Brita (one of my favorite companies) awarded a grant to George Washington University for one of their residence halls. Through this grant, GWU provided water bottles and water pitchers (with filters) to each student living in one particular residence halls. Through this program, it seems that the students built their community through common experiences with the filtration project.
What a neat idea!
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - You Cannot Purchase Water Bottles Here!
Readers,
Last summer, I had the pleasure of attending the Council on Undergraduate Research Councilor's conference at Washington University in St. Louis. While visiting the conference, I soon realized that this campus culture was significantly different from the experiences that I have had at Texas universities. At Washington University, the students, faculty, and staff are not given the option to purchase bottled water.
This is an innovative program that focuses on water consumption and waste reduction. Here's an article that focuses on this program:
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - UNC Community Garden
Readers,
Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile realize the importance of the environmental sustainability and higher education. I strongly believe that colleges and universities need to become more sustainability in an effort to reduce costs and to provide opportunities for students to learn about their environment.
One of the first websites/initiatives that I would like to highlight is the Carolina Campus Community Garden! This is an innovative initiative focused on sowing and cultivating vegetables for others.
They have garden workdays that includes faculty, staff, undergraduate students and also students from the summer bridge program!
Does your campus have a community garden?
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability (#envirohighered) - Introduction to the Series
Readers,
This month is dedicated to environmental sustainability in higher education. Throughout this month, we will focused on sustainability efforts from various colleges and universities from across the world. Also, I will integrate a few of my own ideas! :)
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Monday, April 30, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #21: Conducting Research with Undergraduate Students
Readers,
I value spending time with students outside of the traditional classroom environment. This includes taking students outside of the restricted 30 mile radius of campus. I like taking students to regional and national conferences to expose them to something new!
Here are some opportunities:
Council on Undergraduate Research
I am a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research and this organization provides a wealth of support for both faculty and students who are interest in investigating a topic of mutual interest.
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook -
http://goo.gl/gnN41
Friday, April 27, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #20: Take Attendance Every Class Session
Readers,
Here's another teaching tip...
When I teach face-to-face courses, I take attendance every class session. This keeps the students accountable, provides me with an opportunity to learn the students's names, and also it provides me with a few minutes of mental debriefing time before class begins.
I use the Gradekeeper program on the classroom computer and this program's spreadsheet is automatically populated with the students' information (gathered from my external drive).
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #19: Communicating with Students Via Text Messaging
Readers,
Every semester, I adopt a new teaching method. Usually, this teaching method is technology-related, but sometimes it is more focused on face-to-face student engagement.
Text Messaging
I started TEXT MESSAGING with my students. It is amazing, because the students respond almost immediately and they are provided with an immediate response from me as well. I appreciate this mobile technology and I admit that I was not completely sold on mobile technologies for teaching, but I absolutely love this one!
Google Voice
I do not use my personal cell phone number to communicate with the students, but I use Google Voice to communicate with them. Google Voice transcribes their voice messages and also provides an automatic notification for users on iPads and iPods. This has been a great technology to adopt!
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #18 : Flipping the Classroom (Faculty Video Testimony)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #17 : Flipping the Classroom (Video Explanation)
Monday, April 23, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #16 : Flipping the Classroom (Background)
Readers,
I am interested in the "flipping the classroom" concept that my husband has been referring to for the past three years. So, next semester I plan to flip my classroom, but I need some tips for the university environment! This week, you will help me gather some tips for FLIPPING my classroom! :)
Here's a neat blog post about the concept of FLIPPING THE CLASSROOM...
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Friday, April 20, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #15 : Read Teaching Tips from College Students
Thursday, April 19, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #14 : Learning Outcomes (Otis College)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #13 : Reflective Writing (Otis College)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #12 : Integrate Items that Your Students Care About... Half Price Slushes at Sonic!
Readers,
Why am I super excited about half-price slushes at Sonic tomorrow? Yay!!! Enjoy tax day!
Take a break and visit Sonic for a nice form of refreshment during lunch or breakfast tomorrow. :)
Sincerely,
Millennial Professor
Why am I super excited about half-price slushes at Sonic tomorrow? Yay!!! Enjoy tax day!
Take a break and visit Sonic for a nice form of refreshment during lunch or breakfast tomorrow. :)
Sincerely,
Millennial Professor
Monday, April 16, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #11 : Leading Classroom Discussions
Readers,
I admit that I have never heard of Otis College, but they have an AMAZING Youtube Channel. Their tips are easy to follow! This tip is focused on leading classroom discussions...
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook -
http://goo.gl/gnN41
I admit that I have never heard of Otis College, but they have an AMAZING Youtube Channel. Their tips are easy to follow! This tip is focused on leading classroom discussions...
Friday, April 13, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #10 : Improving Student Writing (IDEA Paper)
Readers,
The last IDEA Center white paper in our series is titled, "Strategies to Improve Student Writing". This paper was written by David Smit from Kansas State University.
This article advocates the use of the following..
- journals
- microthemes
Thursday, April 12, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #9 : Effective Lecturing (IDEA Paper)
Readers,
This is the fourth article in the "A Month of College Teaching Tips" focused on the white papers from the IDEA Center. This article was written by William Cashin (Professor Emeritus) Kansas State University.
1 - Define your learning objectives.
2 - Choose a format.
3 - Outline your lecture notes.
4 - Choose examples carefully.
5 - Includes notes for yourself.
6 - Deliver your points with the listeners in mind.
7 - Review the major points from your last lecture.
8 - Put up an outline and give cues.
9 - Connect the new information with previous content.
10 - Pace your presentation according to the complexity of the material.
Enjoy!
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook -
http://goo.gl/gnN41
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #8 : Learning Portfolios (IDEA Paper)
Readers,
Do you use learning portfolios for your students? Here's a paper from the IDEA Center titled, "The Learning Portfolio: A Powerful Idea for Significant Learning" by John Zubizarreta from Columbia College, SC.
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #7 : Getting Students to Read (IDEA Paper)
Readers,
Today's IDEA paper is focused on "Getting Students to Read: Fourteen Tips" (written by Eric H. Hobson from Georgia Southern University).
These tips range from "Every Course is Served By Requiring a Textbook" and "Use Syllabus as a Teaching Tool" to "Assign Reading Close to Use Date" and "Require Prior Reading".
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Monday, April 9, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #6 : Establishing Rapport with Students (IDEA Paper)
Readers,
I always enjoy reading white papers focused on higher education. The IDEA center has short, white papers (4-5 pages) focused on higher education. This week, I will focused on one of these papers a day to further our "A Month of College Teaching Tips" series.
Establishing Rapport: Personal Interaction and Learning
By: Neil Fleming
This paper is divided into four sections:
1 - Why Rapport Matters
2 - Are Student Ratings of Rapport Accurate>
3 - Improving Performance: Rationale and Strategies
4 - Conclusion and Bibliography
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
I always enjoy reading white papers focused on higher education. The IDEA center has short, white papers (4-5 pages) focused on higher education. This week, I will focused on one of these papers a day to further our "A Month of College Teaching Tips" series.
Establishing Rapport: Personal Interaction and Learning
By: Neil Fleming
This paper is divided into four sections:
1 - Why Rapport Matters
2 - Are Student Ratings of Rapport Accurate>
3 - Improving Performance: Rationale and Strategies
4 - Conclusion and Bibliography
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Friday, April 6, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #5 : Read Other Professors's Student Engagement Tips!
Readers,
I have never had the opportunity to attend the Teaching Professor Conference (some of my colleagues have), but it is super expensive. I like the fact that you can download materials from this conference FOR FREE!
Here's a great resource...
It seems that these tips emerged from an interactive conference session in which attendees contributed a wealth of ideas. Here are some of their ideas...
Emphasize life skills and life balance in the “start” class for all adult degree programs
a. Associates’ degree-study skills
b. Bachelors degree-org. behavior & work
c. Master’s degree-business, technology thinking skills
a. Associates’ degree-study skills
b. Bachelors degree-org. behavior & work
c. Master’s degree-business, technology thinking skills
Community: I teach a module on using the library’s resources (primarily online resources) in two courses for English majors-one undergraduate, one graduate. I make assignments, and grade them, for 20-25% of the course grade. I have students choose a partner at the beginning of that module and work with the partner, in class, every time we do database research activities. Some of the students have hold of what they need outside of class to work together on their homework assignments for me-and then also on other assignments in other courses.
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook -
http://goo.gl/gnN41
Thursday, April 5, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #4 : Using Hubii to Gain a Different Perspective on Current Events
Readers,
My daily newspaper routine usually includes reading the Fort Worth Star Telegram (paper format), listening to NPR, and occasionally listening to the BBC. Unfortunately, this is not a well-rounded approach to getting the news (to gain a world-wide perspective).
As a result, I might start using Hubii. This website enables users to discover newspaper articles by browsing an interactive map.
Pros: The stories are timely and the graphics are crisp!
Cons: The websites try to convince users to track their location. :(
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #3 : Adopt a Speed Dating Approach to Public Speaking
Readers,
One of my good friends, Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason is very focused on engaging students in the public speaking classroom. Recently, Dr. Helvie-Mason was asked to author an article for Faculty Focus titled, "Helping Students Find Their Voices: Four Corners of the Classroom".
Read about the activity here - http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/helping-students-find-their-voices-four-corners-of-the-classroom/
Enjoy!
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #2 : Dress Like a Professor...
Readers,
Dress the part! I usually wear a suit and heels everyday. It is amazing how a simple clothing switch can make a difference in the classroom environment. When I decide to wear slacks and a nice sweater, the students actually react to me slightly differently than they usually react in most situations.
Here are few Pinterest boards related to the topic...
Dream Closet: Professor Fashion
Teacher Fashion
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Monday, April 2, 2012
A Month of College Teaching Tips - Tip #1 : Attendance is A Beneficial Practice
Readers,
Next year will be my seventh year of teaching and I have always taken attendance in my classes. I realize that students might think that this practice is antiquated, but I strongly believe in a rigorous attendance policy because of the following...
1 - I believe that attendance is pivotal for student success.
Article - Link
2 - I care about my students when they are not present in the classroom.
3 - I want to make sure that my students obtain the total class experience (interaction with classmates, interaction with the professor, etc.)
4 - I enjoy interacting with the students and observing their reactions to the course content.
5 - If anything happens to a student, I am able to verify that the student attended class on a certain day (or days).
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook -
http://goo.gl/gnN41
Friday, March 30, 2012
Save Your Data Week! - SanDisk Cruzer USB Drive
Readers,
Here is my favorite way to back up my data - SanDisk 64GB drive. I enjoy using this nifty drive to plug into my laptop computers.
I hang this drive on my Vera Bradley lanyard and my data is accessible on almost any computer.
I used this brand for the past 10 years and I LOVE it! SanDisk, if you ever want to host a giveaway on my blog, please let me know! ;)
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook -
http://goo.gl/gnN41
Here is my favorite way to back up my data - SanDisk 64GB drive. I enjoy using this nifty drive to plug into my laptop computers.
I hang this drive on my Vera Bradley lanyard and my data is accessible on almost any computer.
I used this brand for the past 10 years and I LOVE it! SanDisk, if you ever want to host a giveaway on my blog, please let me know! ;)
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Save Your Data Week! - Where Do You Keep Your Academic Portfolio?
Readers,
I know that this might sounds crazy, but one night I had a weird dream about something happening to my academic portfolio which I kept at my office. So, I decided to relocate my academic portfolio to my home in a Rubbermaid container (to protect it from water, etc.).
Do you scan the items in your academic portfolio?
Do you keep multiple copies of your CV?
Do you have the original copies of your diplomas (which you probably have hanging in your office)?
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook -
http://goo.gl/gnN41
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Save Your Data Week! - iCloud by Apple
Readers,
Another way to back up your data is to use iCloud by Apple. Personally, I do not use iCloud for my e-mail, etc. because I do not want others to potentially have access to my e-mail.
However, I really think that iCloud would be a great resource for some faculty and staff.
Do any of you use iCloud?
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Save Your Data Week! - Using Google Docs!
Readers,
Now, I save almost everything in the "CLOUD". In fact, I use Google Docs for a lot of my research endeavors and writing assignments with students. Here's a neat video about Google Docs!
Do you use Google Docs?
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Save Your Data Week! - Backing Up Your Data by Using 5 Methods (Printing EVERYTHING)
Readers,
Some "old school" professors actually print everything they create on the internet. This method costs their colleges and universities a wealth of money in paper and ink. Sometimes it is great to have that high level of reassurance that your research article or your notes are in print, but the paper can encounter many negative outcomes before it reaches its final destination (i.e. - water, wind, etc.).
Do any of you save everything in print?
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Grant Writing in Higher Education - Grant Writing Video (Vanderbilt University)
Readers,
I frequently watch videos focused on grant writing to gain more information on funding resources. Here's a good resource from Vanderbilt University.
Vanderbilt University - Instructional Improvement and Grant Writing
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Opportunity - (Last Reminder) TSMRI seeks fellows for its 2012-2013 fellowship program
TSMRI seeks fellows for its 2012-2013 fellowship program
The Texas Social Media Research Institute (TSMRI) announces its 2012-2013 fellowship program. An online application to become a TSMRI Fellow is available at http://www.tinyurl.com/TSMRIfellowapp. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 23 and fellows will be announced May 1.
TSMRI is a multidisciplinary collaboration based at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. The institute provides research and training focused on communication technology and social media for K-12 education, higher education, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
The Texas Social Media Research Institute Fellowship Program aims to foster research on social media and provide researchers and practitioners resources for discovery, both applied and scholarly. Fellows will work with TSMRI to connect social media to their research agendas. Fellows will receive early access to the Journal of Social Media in Society, complimentary registration to the 2012 Social Media Conference and TSMRI workshops and a one-year membership to TSMRI. Fellowships are for one year (June 1 to May 31) and applicants may re-apply for one additional year.
We are excited about offering opportunities to scholars wishing to study issues in social media. We expect to have between 2 and 5 scholars for the inaugural year of the fellowship program and hope to have applicants from universities across the United States, various disciplines and research paradigms.
For more information about TSMRI, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/tsmri/ or contact texassocialmediaresearch@gmail.com.
Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Grant Writing in Higher Education - Serving on Federal Grant Boards/Serving as a Reviewer
Readers,
I have only served on a review board for a state grant, but I have never reserved on a federal board. The State University System of Florida has an incredible resource for people who are interested in serving on a federal review board!
Check it out! - http://www.unf.edu/uploadedFiles/aa/research/SUSResources.pdf
Serve on the National Science Foundation Review Boards...
Why You Should Serve on an NSF Board - http://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/meritreview/reviewer.jsp
Sincerely,
J. Edwards
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Grant Writing in Higher Education - Duke University's Funding Opportunities Database
Readers,
Today's resource is from Duke University! This university has an online database with NOTHING but research grant opportunities!
You can search the database according to upcoming deadlines, discipline, eligibility, etc. Sometimes the result list is quite overwhelming, but it is definitely one of the BETTER funding resources available for the higher education community.
Check it out! - https://researchfunding.duke.edu/
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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