Don’t BUY it…RENT it instead!
August 25, 2010 at 3:47 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentA little chat with UTB’s Transcript Evaluator…
July 23, 2010 at 2:49 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
The University of Texas at Brownsville exposes the truth behind the mystery that is “transcript evaluation”. An interview with one of three transcript evaluators currently working at UTB/TSC leads me to answers I (and every other student) have been searching for since our inception to higher learning.
I started off slow, with some general questioning before tackling the major issues. Here’s the noted version…
How long does it take for a transcript to reach you personally (minus mail carrier time)?
- Bottom line, it can be anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks honestly. Once the transcript is received at the Admissions Office, it is processed by student workers who place the transcript information into a system, then it is passed over to an actual evaluator.
What do you do with it once it reaches your hands? How do you evaluate it?
- I immediately input the grades for common courses into Datatel. Typically, transcripts from local RGV colleges are quickly placed into the database since their academic core courses will transfer over. When I receive transcripts from other colleges outside the RGV or the state, I first
- Check accreditation of that college
- Research descriptions of courses that may transfer in
As you can imagine, this may take a while so we generally leave outside (the RGV) colleges for last.
Courses that absolutely do NOT transfer are remedials, certificate of completions, academies (Police Academy, etc.) or Graduate Study courses.
How does that work? Is there a rubric you use or point system to determine what courses are “worthy of transfer”?
- Honestly, it is technically up to each of our opinions. A bit of power on our side I suppose. I check for matching course descriptions, but generally I don’t evaluate every course unless the student asks.
Alright, KINE courses…spill it.
- I will generally give transfer credit into the college for any KINE course that involves a physical activity (even the online versions) except for KINE 1301. As far as KINE 1301 goes…if you took that course on or before Fall 2009, we will take it…if you took it Spring 2010 and on, we won’t.
How do you handle Foriegn Universities?
- That’s a horse of a different color…for another conversation.
Very well.
After that conversation, we decided to have a few follow up interviews in the future to dig more in depth on transfer questions. I’ll be out for a month on military training, but rest assured, I will be tackling this upon my arrival. If you have specific questions you’d like answered, this is your chance. Leave them in the comment section for me.
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TAMUK transfer equivalency courses are here!
July 15, 2010 at 9:19 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentTAMUKequivCourses.pdf (39 KB)
View this on posterous
Here are the most recent courses that are transferable to Texas A&M Kingsville from Texas State Technical College Harlingen.
Enjoy.
Updated List of UTB Course offerings at TSTC
July 14, 2010 at 4:22 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Technology will keep Advisors on their toes..
July 7, 2010 at 4:34 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentThere is a difference between ideal advising and a student's view of advising. Advising is helping students become self-sufficient. Effective advisors care about students and want to make a difference in their lives. Great advising is also interactive; both the student and advisor contribute.
The use of technology should not be an excuse to abandon the relationship or accountability aspect. Instead, it should be a tool to aid in enhancing those aspects. The tricky part is that with the use of technology, advisors must be true to the cause; advisors will have no choice but to keep up with the relationships and stay prepared to answer questions in a moment's notice. If the advisor is not organized and prepared then it will immediately show and the student will lose trust.
From the student's perspective…the advisor should automatically be accounting for the following questions:
– Web 2.0 tools and social media platforms are syncronous. This means virtually instant communication. Whether it be via e-mail, blog, instant message or the like…the communication is instantaneous. Students are well aware of this and expect instant, tangible results. If they send an e-mail to you with a question, they expect a response within minutes. 2) Increase in advisor accountability
– The instantaneous nature of communication technology creates a new sense of accountability on different scales. Keep in mind that students communicating with you via e-mail, blog, etc. have the ability to track their communications. This means that not only are they able to be made aware of when you opened or deleted their e-mail, but they are also able to track and record the information transfered between both parties. Advisors can no longer afford to make careless mistakes or answer a student without having done the proper research ahead of time. 3) Adjustment to daily activities/work style
– New technology sometimes requires an adjustment to current work styles. If you are a bit more on the traditional side when it comes to tools you are using for advisement, consider the adaptations you will need to make if you plan on incorporating new technologies. Aside from a possible learning curve, you will need to plan adjustments to keep up with the technologies and consider which mediums you will use to do so. The majority of web 2.0 tools are able to be accessed via smart phones, desktop applications, web applications, text message and email. Do some research on the tools you are considering to utilize. Instead of waking up in the morning to read the paper, you may have to alter that to checking your blog comments or email.
- Are the course and/or section number accurate?
- Do any of these courses conflict?
- Does the student have the necessary prerequisites, co-requisites, placement scores or other preparation to take the course?
- Are any courses for "instituitional credit only" that will not likely transfer to another institution?
- Is the student taking the courses in the proper sequence?
- Does the student need to take any courses this term that aren't offered in other terms?
- Have any course/program requirements changed from the previous semester?
The number one student problem is confusion. As the advisor, you are expected to be the expert.
How technology changes things… If you are considering implementing, or perhaps have already implemented, technology and social media into your daily operations then I suggest you be aware of the side effects. Technology brings three key factors to the equation of advisement: 1) Increase in turn-around time– Web 2.0 tools and social media platforms are syncronous. This means virtually instant communication. Whether it be via e-mail, blog, instant message or the like…the communication is instantaneous. Students are well aware of this and expect instant, tangible results. If they send an e-mail to you with a question, they expect a response within minutes. 2) Increase in advisor accountability
– The instantaneous nature of communication technology creates a new sense of accountability on different scales. Keep in mind that students communicating with you via e-mail, blog, etc. have the ability to track their communications. This means that not only are they able to be made aware of when you opened or deleted their e-mail, but they are also able to track and record the information transfered between both parties. Advisors can no longer afford to make careless mistakes or answer a student without having done the proper research ahead of time. 3) Adjustment to daily activities/work style
– New technology sometimes requires an adjustment to current work styles. If you are a bit more on the traditional side when it comes to tools you are using for advisement, consider the adaptations you will need to make if you plan on incorporating new technologies. Aside from a possible learning curve, you will need to plan adjustments to keep up with the technologies and consider which mediums you will use to do so. The majority of web 2.0 tools are able to be accessed via smart phones, desktop applications, web applications, text message and email. Do some research on the tools you are considering to utilize. Instead of waking up in the morning to read the paper, you may have to alter that to checking your blog comments or email.
3 “better” ways to get a hold of a student…
June 29, 2010 at 2:59 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
As many of you know…attempting to establish or re-establish communication with a student is similar to hunting down a Sasquatch. With the advent of Pocket, Cricket and other similar pay-as-you-go phone plans, a student's phone number can change three or four times within a semester!
This places the academic advisor in a bit of a predicament. An advisor is expected to maintain lines of communications regardless of a student's actions; with everything going on in a student's life, a student isn't always thinking about updating their resources with their new contact information. As a result, advisors are left with nothing more than a dried up trail of old communication avenues that may or may not work when you need them.
Through experience, I've reached a conclusion…it is time for advisors to get even more aggressive in their tactics. Here are three "better" ways to contact a student, aside from the traditional phone call and disconnection recording:
1) Collect Personal Email Addresses. Traditional students reaching the post-secondary level are all too exposed to solicitation. Since the birth of the non-static web, our students have been asked to give their email address up on a contact form only to find out their inbox is filled with SPAM two seconds after hitting "enter" or submitting the paper form. As a result, this new generation of students have adapted and now own 2 or more email addresses – specifically for this reason. Each email has it's purpose for the student. It would benefit us to collect these addresses in an attempt to obtain their "true" personal email. Here are a few tips:
– On any form that collects student information (whether via web or hard copy), add at least two slots for email addresses and label them "primary" and "secondary/alternate"…much like our phone number section.
– Add a disclaimer that you will not use their contact information for solicitations or allow access to any third party affiliates, even other departments in the college.
– Use their personal email in addition to their student/college email address to ensure your communication is delivered.
2) Facebook/Myspace REQUIRED. Over 95% of traditional student entering or currently in college have either a Facebook or Myspace account, depending on the region you live in. It takes time and effort to set these accounts up and establish their social community, especially if they have "custom" page names as part of their URL. Take advantage of this and set up a Facebook or Myspace account for your specific department. You will get better return rates on communication via social sites than a typical phone number. Here are some tips when using these social media sites:
– On any form that collects student information (whether via web or hard copy), add a section that allows them to write in their social media links. Not only will this save time, but it's an official way of a student giving you permission to contact them in this manner. A disclaimer for this would be a good idea as well.
– If you are going to use this method as a contact source, you must remember that it comes with rules and a dedication to building that personal rapport. In doing so, you will be amazed at how much access to a student you can have and the perks of seeing "status updates" work well when you are having trouble finding out what a student may need to improve their grades, etc.
– If you have the ability to do so, I'd recommend making their involvement on your Facebook or Myspace account mandatory for your program/department/club, etc. The key is to keep them engaged or request "friend status" with your account.
3) U shld IM them. Virtually every student has a smart phone. With that, comes mobile accessibility to IM services and providers such as Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, Digsby, etc. Find out (via surveys, etc.) which services are most popular in your student base and set up professional accounts with those services. Not only will you be making your services more convenient for them, but you will also be able to see when they are online or reachable. All IM transcriptions can be logged and tracked, downloaded and emailed.
Trust me, these methods work. It is all a matter of preparation before the execution. Check to see what your college's policies are regarding social media and communication with students prior to establishing these methods. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the response you get.
Education’s version of Facebook…
June 28, 2010 at 9:27 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentA report in eSchool News documents the combination of learning and social networking by dissecting a new social site, Grockit. This site is eventually going to be geared toward creating a "collaborative learning space online where students can help one another solve homework problems and study".
I could personally see how that would work, so long as there are students in your region using this site. There wouldn't be too much use for it if there is nobody in your area utilizing the service. Ideally though, you'd be able to access your peer's homework assignments 24/7. The enticing aspect is that a student can receive aid and advice from peers – instantly. Since Grockit is an altered social networking platform, those individuals participating in the community will be graded and rated by their peers for integrity and service…much like eBay.
At the moment, Grockit only serves grades 8-12 (Math and English) and Test Prep for the SAT, ACT, GRE and GMAT. I've registered an account at www.grockit.com to explore the service more in depth. So far…I've been impressed by how they go about analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. You start off by creating a profile and taking some exams depending on what service you will be using (GRE, SAT, etc). These exams will test your Verbal, Quantitative and other skills. From then on, it is up to you to take Lessons to work with instructors in group classes and one-on-one, partake in a Group Study where you can chat live with other students, exchange tips, and learn by teaching, or Practice Solo and focus on areas all on your own.
Of course..everything comes with a price…so in that aspect, it really isn't anything like Facebook…
BEWARE!
The "Introductory" plan is free…which comes with unlimited Group Study Questions, 20 solo questions, etc…you don't get progress reports or performance reports. The online personalized tutoring is a "pay as you go" plan..with is pretty pricey, $50 an hour for the GRE section!
The "Standard", "Tutoring" and "Course" plans range from $79.99 to $399.99 one-time fee for a year's membership.
My Opinion:
The site seems to be well thought out but over all projects the "I'm here to make money" vibe. E-learning is relatively new and many studies are being conducted on the pros/cons of e-learning and social groups. The concept rocks; the "business" side doesn't.
As it stands, I'd recommend using Grockit for the free "Introductory" offer to see where you may need some improvement on your skills then find other means of studying…BUT the product is there if you want it.
Another University program available on TSTC Harlingen’s Campus!
May 24, 2010 at 8:02 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentTimes…they are a-changin'.
Earlier I announced some specifics for the University of Texas at Brownsville's BA of Business Administration in Management to be housed on Texas State Technical College Harlingen's campus this Fall 2010. There are a few colleges and universities that have already begun to implement a pathway to their bachelor degree(s) and Graduate programs without the inconvenience of leaving the Rio Grande Valley.
Welcome Our Lady of the Lake University – San Antonio!
Our Lady of the Lake University started with the implementation of a local graduate program, the Doctoral Degree in Leadership Studies program, that proved to be a hit. They now have plans to introduce a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Computer Information Systems and Security (which is certified by the National Security Agency) at TSTC Harlingen. This program is offered through OLLU's Weekend College Program and will meet eight times per semester which comes out to be every other Saturday and housed here in Harlingen. According to Charles Puente, the Program Management and Advisor for Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio Weekend College, students with an Associate in Applied Science technical field will receive approximately 54 to 60 credits toward their Bachelor degree! That's practically two years worth of credits.
Of course, the total amount of courses that transfer over depend on your associate degree field. Professor Ahlberg, the Department Chair of the BAS.CISS program, tells me that the TSTC program with the most transferable courses is the Computer Networking and Security Technology (CNST) with a total of 60 transferable credits (including the Academic Core).
So far, the breakdown of courses available only extends to Fall of 2010. A cohort of 15 students must be established before OLLU can continue the planning process for the remaining semesters. Professor Ahlberg explained a portion of it to me earlier today. Students who participate in this program can expect to receive 6 courses per year for an average of 3 years. Granted, this is a slower process than the traditional amount of time for a Bachelor degree BUT what one sacrifices in time, one makes up for in convenience. After you complete your academic core, and transfer over your associate degree credits, the average student will be looking at approximately 22 courses left (which is 1/2 the battle for a bachelor degree).
I'm still doing some more research into it in order to provide everyone with a transfer equivalency chart. This will allow us to see exactly what we have to play with. In the meantime, I welcome any questions you may have.
Our Lady of the Lake University Department Chair and advisors will be on campus to answer questions regarding their program on:
Wednesday, June 16
1 – 6 PM
Building "S" – 122
10 AM – 3 PM
Building "S" – 122
To RSVP for the event/forum…please follow this link.
For a list of degrees offered from OLLU at TSTC or OLLU online…please follow this link.
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Surviving Online Courses
May 19, 2010 at 7:23 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentTaking an online course is very very very different from the traditional classroom environment, which you may have guessed (or noticed). Many students come through my office inquiring about online courses or requesting general advice on completing them without dying. :-/
I've taken MANY online courses through TSTC, DeVry, AIU and UTB. Every college had different requirements and course set-up. I've put together my top three pieces of advice:
1) READ the syllabus. This course information sheet will be your best friend when attempting to knock out an online course. It will have ALL the important information like Instructor Contact Info, Course Requirements and Materials, and above all…it will state the weight of all assignments, quizzes, and tests.
2) Print out the Grade section. Every course I've taken online has a section that clearly outlines the items you must turn in for a grade. This section is typically an automatic creation due to the software program(s) (Learning Management Systems) that schools use. It is very helpful when an instructor says you are "required" to participate in discussion boards/forums but in all actuality, she isn't officially giving you a grade for it.
3) Print out the Grading Rubric. The reason for this is that since the course is online, the only way to "officially" measure a student's knowledge is to compare assignments, tasks, etc. with a grading rubric. This grading rubric is what instructors must go by when grading your assignments. The BEST thing to do is review the rubric prior to completing the assignment and specifically mention those requirements. With online grading, there is a huge sense of "business is done in writing" approach. Instructors need to prove their reasoning behind the grades they give.
The above may sound like odd items of advice, but I promise you…it helps. I've learned a lot from my experience and trust…lessons have been learned.
