AUTC's 8th Annual Academic Conference

Argosy University's Twin Cities campus presented it's 8th annual academic conference this past thursday. This year's theme was titled The Learnins Environment and included a number of fascinating speakers. This year the keynote speaker was Sarah Dennison who spoke on the importance of assisting students to "learn and prepare to grow a career" and gave the AU faculty a few pointers on how to facilitate and support them. The afternoon was comprised of two breakout sessions.

Don St. Dennis lead one session entitled "The Multiccultural Classroom." Mr. St. Dennis' program focused on interpersonal communication issues in a multicultural environment. He touched on a range of topics that included stereotyping, intercultureal competence, cultural values, and verbal & non-verbal communication.

I had the unique opportunity to lead the other breakout session which focused on Web 2.0 tools for educators. We discussed blogs, wikis, social networking, social bookmaring, microblogging, and photosharing. The Student Centered Cutlure Task Force also presented a panel which included a number of representatives from all areas of the campus.

Optimists and Pessimists...

I was recently going through some of my old PowerPoint presentations and came across a great story I'd like to share. It's a little fable imparted to me by one of my classmates in the Argosy University Doctorate of Education program...I think it's entitled the Horse or something; either way, it is a great illustration of the difference between optomists and pessimists...

There once was a father who had twin sons. One son was an optimist, the other a pessimist. On the twins’ birthday, while the boys were at school, the father loaded the pessimist’s room with every imaginable toy and game. The optimist’s room he loaded with horse manure.

That night the father passed by the pessimist’s room and found him sitting amid his new gifts crying bitterly. “Why are you crying?” the father asked. “Because my friends will be jealous, and I’ll have to read the instructions, and I’ll constantly need batteries and my toys will get broken," answered the pessimist.

Passing the optimist’s room, the father found him dancing for joy in the pile of manure. “What are you so happy about?” asked the father. To which the optimist replied, “There’s got to be a pony in here somewhere!”

I think this speaks to the fact that life is what you make of it. If you look for the good, guess what you find: good things.

If you choose to look for the bad, guess what you find: the bad.

Sometimes, however, you have to look reeeeeaaaallly hard to see those good things. Even through all of the "stuff" life has to throw at you.

Atlanta Residency - Days 3, 4, and gone!

Well, I've finally arrived home after spending the weekend meeting a number of online students and faculty at the AUO Atlanta residency. It was a blast and extremely rewarding. I figured I should finish what I started. Here is what happened on Saturday

Day 3
On the second day I set up shop and waited for a number of appoints that had been scheduled the night before. Of the 11 who signed up for sessions, only 6 actually came in. Day 3, however, was a whole different story. I was going from 8 am to 2:45 pm with students coming in every 15 minutes. I was able to see 17 students over all and answered questions ranging from specific reference research (mainly students in the psychology program) to APA style. I also found out that there ere 280 students at the conference; 110 in the psychology program, 90 in the education program, and the rest were made up of Business (DBA) and Organizational Leadership. I also gave two presentations that afternoon, one to the Residency II students (those who have either taken comps or will soon) and the Psychology students.
After the day had concluded, the cadre had a very nice dinner at the City Restaurant (I think that was the name of it), which was formerly a Federal Reserve building (lots of marble). It was great!

Day 4
The last day of the residency was as smooth as can be. I had two presentations in the morning and headed to the airport around 12:30. My flight didn't leave until 3:30, but I thought it would be a great opportunity to grade some papers. On the way home, I listened to 80's music on the XM satellite and took pictures of the clouds, the ground, and the cabin (I actually got a window seat!). The other passengers probably thought I was a little off with all the snapping that was going on.

Argosy Online Residendcy - Atlanta!!!

Wow! I'm psyched that this is my first bonefied blog posting! It's nice to finally have a reason to impart those thoughts and reflections. I've chosen as the first assignment to write about my experience teaching Information Literacy skills at the Argosy University Online residency in Atlanta.

Day 1
Actually, yesterday was the first day, which was spent mostly on a plane. Once I arrived at the hotel (Renaissance Concourse), I had the opportunity to sample some finger food, drink some wine (merlot hit the spot), and mingle with faculty and students. Eventually, I made it to my room and started to settle in. I was ecstatic to have internet access, but was way too tired to attempt to grade papers for my English 099 class (of course I set the alarm clock for 4 am, which for me is a good time to start the grading process). I also realized how close I was to the airfield...the planes literally take off and land in my back yard! I spent some time on my patio watching them while drinking a cup of coffee (yes, it's always coffee time).

Day 2
Right now, I'm sitting in the "Library," which consists of 4 chairs, 4 tables, and a pitcher of water. It's 10 am, and I've got a full slate of students (11 to be exact; I get one every 15 minutes!) that have signed up for one on one assistance with our library resources between 1 and 3:30 pm. So, I've got some time to kill. I plan on catching up on email, going over my presentation, and, of course, having another cup of coffee. My first presentation is at 4 pm with the students in the Doctorate in Organizational Leaderhsip program. It'll be a hoot! Anyway, more later. I'll get some pics up in a bit...I must be on the Delta side of the airport...

Thing #23!!!

Go back to your thoughts/ideas about Library 2.0. Has anything changed as a result of this experience?
I've become more aware of the enviornment, that's for sure! I'm planning to finally start incorporating this technology into the library where I feel it'll be most effective.

What were your favorite Things and discoveries?
Widgets! I love the ability to do live reference in that manner. I like Wikis too.

How did you connect with others doing the 23 Things On a Stick?
I didn't really...I checked out a website or two, but never really bonded with my classmates.

Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
Twitter is interesting...being able to let people know where you are at the virtual drop of a hat.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or content?
Nothing. I was upset with the directions for adding videos...it didn't look as it was described, but other than that...nothing. Maybe some screenshots to give a better representation.

If we offered a 23 More Things On a Stick program like this in the future would you participate?
You bet'cha!

How would you describe your learning experience in one word or in one sentence, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things On a Stick learning activities to others?
A fast-paced roadtrip through the in's and out's of the information superhighway (does anyone call it that anymore?)

Thing #22

Blog about how you plan to keep up with the Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 tools.
Well, I've been planning to blog about my experiences for quite some time. I just haven't made the time. I've got a number of leadership issues that I'd like to address and now a pretty good forum to do so. I think it'll be nice to do some "public journaling"

Recommend a way to keep up that you have found useful.
Mark time on your calendar...write a few postit notes about topics you'ld like to address...read, read, read.

Thing #21

Are you a member of any online communities?
Really only an active member of Facebook. I really don't have a lot of time to spare on social networking. I'd like to get into Ning, but hadn't had the time to investigate it. Some interesting posts...I didn't see Library Afterdark or Library Nightclub; that would be a very catchy title. Maybe I'll have to look into that one.

Are any of these social networks appealing to you?
Ning is appealing, but again there is a time issue. I like Webjunction as well.

What did you find that was interesting and that you might use later?
I'd like to join the Library Advocacy group on Ning just because I feel it's so important.