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

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:

http://f.chtah.com/i/48/1237020949/081711_InStore_Coupon_29530897_.pdf?cm_mmc=InternalEmail-_-20110817WedSoloENT-_-MiniBanner-_-F%26Fprint

Staples:

http://akimages.crossmediaservices.com/listingimages/Retailers/Staples/event_images/175x175_060131_New_Site/110816_14273_coupon.pdf

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

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

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.

Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41

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

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