Padd Solutions

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Pedestrians are people, too.

10/01/2010 05:42:00 PM • • 4 comments

Yes, I am new to this college experience and I am accustomed to being hand fed by public school with extended deadlines, assigned parking (until last year), and a cross guard in elementary school. Imagine my amazement when I stumble upon the free-for-all parking and unguarded cross walk on 22nd avenue.


On my first day of classes, I left supremely early - or what I thought to be early - and soon discovered: there is no such thing as “early” in the realm of the Washington Street Campus at 8:30AM. Unless you are willing to camp out in a single person tent the night before like you did for those concert tickets, the term “early” is nonexistent. (At least, in a car, you have a little more comfort than the ground .. and a tent isn’t required. Actually, this idea is becoming more and more appealing.)


I waited for - what seemed like - hours at the crosswalk. Student after student and not a single senior citizen with an orange flag in sight assisting both traffic and pedestrians. I’m pretty sure I heard the Creedence Clearwater Revival's version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” before I was able to make any sort of movement. Although I was smiling at each passing person, anger and impatience welled up within me and God must have extended his helping hand because the coast was clear.


Then what I failed to realize previously is: you are entering a sea of cars all searching for a prime spot, and what I adapted to - almost immediately - was the fact that I should give up and park next to the highway or perhaps by the downtown library and walk.


After the soles of my shoes resembled that of a tissue, I finally reached the crosswalk .. and what’s this? Cars are stopping for me (imagine that!) as I had stopped for my predecessors. I felt like Moses parting the Red Sea, or the Beatles crossing Abbey Road .. and if I had enough guts, I might have paused and pretended to be Paul McCartney for a split second. “How liberating,” I thought, “college rocks.” Arrogance consumed my usual clumsy swagger, and I held my chin high.


These crosswalks, I’m telling you, could serve as a psychological confidence booster and too bad Dr. Leo Marvin didn’t consider this for “Baby Steps”, because it is genius.


Pretty soon the World was my crosswalk. I was taking liberties at unmarked parts of the street - always with the lawful thought “I wonder if I’m jay walking” in the back of my head. Nevertheless, I didn’t care who stopped for me or if they were late - too bad.


So, the next time you’re waiting impatiently in your car at a crosswalk, think of poor souls, such as this blogger, who need this moment. Fellow pedestrians, hold your head up high and realize it is your civil right to uphold traffic!

The Ranger

9/30/2010 07:00:00 PM • • 0 comments

For those of you who didn't know, AC has an excellent school newspaper: The Ranger. Scattered across campus, you will find racks holding this gem. Upon first glance, The Ranger may seem slim, even flimsy. Once you start reading the various articles, however, you will soon find that quality is much more important than quantity. Every article is skillfully written with AC students in mind. From events on campus to new educational programs and opportunities, you can find everything about AC you need to know as a student.

If you are an internet news junkie like myself, The Ranger caters to you as well. Check out their website here. With video in addition to the usual newspaper attire, The Ranger's online sibling provides even more content for those wanting to be in the know.

If you haven't picked up a copy of The Ranger recently (or ever), grab one the next time you walk by the newsstand, or check them out on the web. It's a good thing to be in the loop.

JPowell

I am badger, hear me roar?

9/28/2010 08:36:00 PM • • 5 comments

[Apparently, I missed the memo on introducing myself. Since I can’t be bothered to write an entire post about myself - because frankly, I’m not that interesting - I will slowly reveal information pertaining to my life throughout blogposts with what I decided to title: Hilary Facts. Hilary Fact #1: My name is Hilary Hulsey, I was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas.]

As I sat and wondered what to write about, I began to think of something we all have in common: we are Amarillo College badgers. Badgers the ... uh ... the what? Then, I realized the badger is an animal I know absolutely nothing about. Does a badger roar, coo, howl, or create any noise at all? What are its characteristics and how should I feel as a badger? Passive? Some universities and colleges have the unfortunate task of tolerating a mascot of shame: the orange, a tree, a bumblebee. But, I am here to tell you, AC: Fear not! The badger is an animal to reckon with.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, a badger’s first mechanism of deception is its ability to appear “cute and shy” (and walk with a waddle or swagger). So, while we sit in our classes, nestled comfortably and quietly in our beautiful campus, it’s safe to say the world may not fully grasp the brains, intelligence, and competitive learning that is taking place due to our deceptive nature as badgers. We may be burrowed in our “setts”, but we are lurking and waiting for the proper moment of provocation.

Badgers also have a “keen sense of smell [...] second only to that of members of the dog family”. I’d say this defines our ability to sniff out the differences between right and wrong and seek out the advice of our doctors, professors, and staff alike to make important life decisions. (I am unsure if badgers are brown nosers.)

Lastly, and most importantly, badgers have “long, thick claws”, “emit an unpleasant musk” and “are ferocious fighters that should not be disturbed”. Not to say we are serial killers, and I certainly won’t lash out if someone confronts me on campus, but having the fighting capability is certainly a bonus. Badgers can take on much larger animals such as bears and wolves due to their ability to defend themselves.

Amarillo College may be a community college, but those who get their start or achieve their respective degrees and certificates in our deceptively cute and shy institution should be feared for the strength we’ve gained from being a badger - our passiveness unless provoked, our ability to sniff out and utilize guidance to our advantage, and our will to fight for our place in the world through our career choices or taking on “larger animals” like universities.

Badgers are fiercely adorable animals. But I can’t seem to decide on a final thought to leave you with. “I am badger, smell my musk” isn’t very effective, is it?

My Introduction

9/28/2010 07:23:00 AM • • 3 comments


Hello everyone, I am Edna Wischkaemper, one of the official bloggers for AC Online.
It is my pleasure to be part of this community and I thank you in advance for reading our posts.
I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. When I was a child, I remember that at my home, education was always a priority and my parents even made sacrifices to send us to school. Bogota is a big city with almost 6 million inhabitants. As in any city, people were always in a rush, driving, walking, striving to live and survive in a competitive and challenging environment.
A normal day in my life back then, in my teenage years, consisted of getting up at 4 a.m., taking English classes from 6 to 7 a.m. (to have better opportunities), working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., then going to school from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. I worked basically to pay the bills, to pay my college education and to help my parents. After several years of hard work, perseverance and discipline, I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University Autonoma of Colombia, as a Systems Engineer in 1993. I worked for the Colombian affiliate of CPC International in Bogota. I worked in several positions in the organization, as an Assistant, Systems Analyst, Systems Coordinator, and Financial Analyst. In my last position in the company, my boss sent me to several countries in South America, including Peru and Venezuela, to implement some financial applications. In fact, on one of those trips overseas, I met a nice man from Shamrock, TX, who is today my husband of 11 years. He is the reason I am living in Amarillo, TX. In my early years living in Amarillo, TX, I worked for the American Quarter Horse Association, AQHA, as a Programmer Analyst for almost 2 years. My husband and I decided that I should quit working to take care of our first baby, who is 9 years old today. Then our second child (who is 5 now) came 3½ years later. So, basically I have been a stay at home mom for 9 years.
Now, during the time I spent at home taking care of my kids, I founded a Web Design and Development business. Also, I pursued extensive training to become a Certified Dale Carnegie Trainer for the Texas Panhandle. I recently started teaching the class in Amarillo on Monday evenings. Four years ago, I started taking classes at Amarillo College to pursue an Associate Degree in Mass Media and Communication. It is never too late to go back to school as long as we are doing the best we can.
Two years ago I read a book named “One Person/Multiple Careers” by Marci Alboher. I really identify with this book. You probably already figured that out!
I am thrilled to share with you some of my experiences as a student at Amarillo College, and also in my daily life…I literally change hats throughout my day… as a mother, a wife, a student, an entrepreneur, a trainer, a friend…a human being who keeps dreaming and enjoys seeing her dreams come true!
See you online!

Newest AC Blogger

9/21/2010 04:44:00 PM • • 1 comments

Hey guys and girls, my name is Jacob Powell and I am the newest contributor to the AC blog. I will be chiming in here with thoughts from my experiences here at Amarillo College.
I thought I would give you a little information about myself so you know where my posts will be coming from. First off, I’m a Criminal Justice major. I hope to become a police officer for APD after finishing school. I have lived in Amarillo my entire life and graduated from Amarillo High.
I had originally planned to attend Texas Tech and get a degree in Engineering Technology. However, I received word that their program would be shut down, and to choose a new major. Having only planned on Tech my entire life, I was faced with AC or WTAMU. I chose AC, seeing lower prices for the same credits. I must admit I was not looking forward to attending a community college, having had my eyes set on The Big 12 for so long. Fortunately, this school has surprised me.
I’m a full time student in my first semester here at AC. What this means is that I get to take all those classes which appear horribly boring. On my plate are A Survey of Art and Music, Intro to Sociology, Intro to Mass Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Government of the US. I have been excited to find that these classes are not only very interesting and well taught, but the students alongside me in class are just as much fun to get to know.
A Survey of Art and Music is a wide spread class, covering many different aspects of what we consider the “arts”. Film, dance, painting, sculpture, photography: it’s all here. While I don’t consider myself in the least bit artistic or creative, this course is opening my eyes to these fields.
Intro to Sociology and Intro to Mass Communications are both quite possibly my favorite classes. The instructors for these courses shared in winning The John F. Mead Award for 2010. Dr. Deborah J. Harding is my Sociology professor and, as any former student can vouch, more than keeps your attention while in class. She holds true to her beliefs while not forcing them upon you, allowing you to speak your own mind in class. Jill Gibson, my Mass Comm. Instructor, is equally impressive. She almost always starts off class with a funny video clip or web find, getting you ready for a mind-opening look into the work of mass communications and media.
Interpersonal Communication, or IPC, is another class which is expanding my views on life and those around me. While I’m not normally the type to look into my thought processes and wonder why they are the way they are, this class is certainly making me more aware of just that. Plus, everyone in my class tends to be very open, making for a very interesting discussion every day.
Government of the US is just that. It is your typical government class. In this case though, class discussions often go very deep, into the core values each student has and how they relate to the operation of government. .
I hope that this introduction has given you some insight into who I am and where my posts will originate. I look forward to sharing my experiences her at Amarillo College with you all.
Thanks for reading,
JPowell

Choosing the right Teacher for the Class

8/10/2010 09:58:00 PM • • 1 comments

One of the most difficult decisions to make about a class is whether you will like the professor or teacher of the class. Often times you have no idea what you are going to get when you sign up for a academic class.

We all hate the teacher description of "Staff." How does one know if a class is going to be hard because the teacher is difficult or the materials are hard to understand. Is the class more participate oriented or is it all reading and memorizing?

Thanks to the web it is easy to find what that class is like and what to expect from the teacher. Just so you can be prepared of what to expect and know what to steer clear of. Here are 2 sites to rate and review teachers or professors and classes offered. Oh, watch those comments, you might just have a tech-savy teacher who might just fire back about your own classroom performance.

RateMyProfessors.com is actually a MTV U site. So expect lots of advertisements. I did like the rating system, rating the campus, rating the professors by department or A-Z listing. Users are able to connect to professors by Facebook, Twitter and through the site. There is a Hot? icon for anyone who thinks the professor is hot. As an example, Jill Gibson, Communication Professor has a Total Rating of 3, Overall Quality of 5.0, Easiness of 3.0 and has a Hot Pepper to her credit. 

I have had Professor Gibson in two classes and I would agree with the overall ratings. Ok, I'll give her the Hot Pepper, after all she did birth triplets. Though I disagree with the Easiness rating. 

What I did not like about the site was that I had to sign up, new username and password, to make a rating. Since the site is integrating Twitter and Facebook, they should allow the registrant to use my Facebook or Twitter user information. I hate having all these usernames and passwords for sites that I will visit once or twice a year. What I did like about the site was the user ability to add to the page. One could add a picture of a professor and rebut any statements that they may not have agreed with.

ProfessorPerformance.com is setup to be much more serious and unique about the ratings. They include more ratings and even a place to put a grading of the teacher by Knowledge and Ability. According to the site "Students can grade a professor's grasp of a subject and, more importantly, how easily he teaches it to others." This site also is overseen by administrators so there are safeguards slander and libelous statements.

Both students and professors are able to respond to comments or evaluations. The evaluation form is a better experience and much friendlier. 

I wonder though how much of the overall grading of the professors gets overshadowed by a students clash with personality, subject matter and desire? Both sites can help students interested in taking the information presented and make a informed decision about the professor and the subject matter to be learned to supplement their studies. 

A major drawback though is no reward system for professors that are outstanding? It would be nice if these two sites would participate is some program to get something to outstanding teachers. 

Though at AC we have something similar to top teacher, along with a reward, and that is the John C. Mead Award Faculty Excellence Award.

Who do you go to learn about a class and the teacher? Do you rely on advisors or former students of the teacher? Should there be a graded system that allows students to know what to expect from a teacher? 


The Rise of the E-Textbook

7/30/2010 08:16:00 PM • • 0 comments

Let's have a look at the landscape of the e-book reader and figure out which product holds the most potential for the college student. After boiling down the price points to a few key questions and comparisons and answer some tech questions the main concern was price. Based on that information we can make a good decision that will impact a college students best use of the technology.
How does the value compare to the price tag?
The price point will always be a first straightforward question to ask yourself if you are going to buy an expensive tech gadget. We first weed out the list and include only the truly competitive e-book readers. Our list is narrowed down to three devices, Barnes & Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle and the Apple iPad. All of these devices allow for the user to essentially read books, newspaper and magazines all on a thin piece of technology. 
Because we are talking about college students, the entry-level models are what we focused upon. Though value for value, getting the more expensive models would carry the best bottom line.
B&N Nook
The B&N Nook has an ultra-affordable price of $149. The new Wi-Fi-only version is a bargain hunters dream along with a long life replaceable battery and a microSD slot for additional memory. The viewable screen space is e-ink technology, so there is easy reading in bright light with no wash out in direct sunlight. There is no backlight for reading in the dark.
Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle has a new version coming out in August but that version does not have Wi-Fi. With Wi-Fi access the cost is $189. In addition this version will come with free 3G data through AT&T. The rechargeable battery lasts up to ten days with Wi-Fi on continuously. The high contrast screen is e-ink technology so it reads like paper. Again no backlight so use a book light for reading in the dark. 
Apple iPad
I did get a good look at the Apple iPad  the last time I visited an Apple store. Aside from the iBook application, the iPad is nothing like the Nook or Kindle. iBook allows e-books to be read just like a book. The high resolution LED backlit screen not only allows video but display of web pages. Like a computer screen, you can stare at the screen for hours. The battery life is dependent upon settings and usages, over all regular usage could get about 10 hours. With a price of $499 that is more expensive than most netbooks, which are more comparable price wise with the iPad.
For Colleges and Universities Consideration
One major factor that both students, colleges and publishers are going to have to get on the same page about is the EPUB file format. The various e-book readers, netbooks and other devices will have to use this format. The open EPUB format allows public libraries, publishers and others to produce consistent e-books. 
Useful Expectations and Known Pitfalls
When the large Universities gave iPods to the students several years ago it helped to bridge the digital divide of e-learning. There is a Kindle Education Pilot at several universities so higher education is making considerations.  I could easily see textbooks written just for these devices or at least for the e-learning environments becoming a requirement for the college curriculum. 
The biggest drawback to the e-readers is the speed of page turns, taking up a whole second and the slow search functions. The iPad has too many distractions for a educational device. Who would ever buy an iPad just to read some textbooks?
Final Decision
Both the Nook and Kindle are probably the best choices for schools. The e-ink is just easier on the eyes if you have many textbooks to read in one semester. The long battery life and the ease of communication with networks, availability of content all make for sound decision for the true e-readers. Future versions of the e-readers devices will address all the needs of future student and make for some great learning experiences. With new gadgets announced for the promising e-textbook market the competition could get fierce.

So what are your ideas, thoughts or suggestions? Should textbooks be converted to a digital format and read on a computer or gadget? What about content on DVD or USB drives? 

The Crushing Weight Of Textbook Prices

7/22/2010 11:22:00 PM • • 8 comments

More and more textbook rental services are popping up. BookSwim and BooksFree are two new examples for subscription based book rentals. Subscription book rental work much like a monthly magazine subscription but you can change the magazine at the end of a semester. That means you could easily switch your History 1 for History 2, after the fall semester ends and spring semester ends.

Chegg and BookRenter are true book renters. These last two will also donate on behalf of the renter to a favored charity. Some book renters tout that they are cheaper, socially responsible and eco-friendly.

Amazon is offering a special program for anyone with a .edu email address. The offer allows subscribers to order books with free two day shipping so a student order books after a schedule is set. Always check prices at Half.com and Barnes and Noble.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 goes into effect this year. So in theory textbook prices will become cheaper. In compliance the AC Bookstore allows the student to view by ISBN or search by course number. Very helpful, until the site shows you that there are no new or used books available for the class you are looking at taking.

It would be great if there was a way for a student to use financial aid money online and just show the receipt/invoices of purchased books. If you are dependent upon financial aid to buy books you have to use the bookstore. In the past I have saved my money to buy books before the semester begins then reimburse myself once my financial aid comes in. I always watch the kiosk boards looking at what fellow students are offering their own books at discounted prices.

What I would like to see is a student coop or union buy books with students and alumni. Alumni could also help fund such an endeavor. The Student Book coop would rent the books back to students. An e-community would probably work best. Of course educators would have to cooperate and stop requiring new editions every few years or so.

This would really work for students and colleges because the money students spend on books would go back to students, instead of some antiquated publishers who have yet to cross the digital divide of online books. We all know the reason there is a new Intermediate Algebra edition every few years is to profit the publishers. Not because there is new information on linear mathematics.

It is very frustrating to lug around a six pound book, costing $150, that a teacher is only going to use 50 pages or so and assign only the odd number problems.

My Oceanography kit was only good for the Fall/Spring and Summer of 2009/2010 semesters. It will get axed for a whole new kit. Reselling that edition just will not work either. This seems to happen to many of the classes that have a whole kit of books and lab supplies.

So what are your textbook buying techniques? Do you rent, buy or borrow? Do you buy the new book and buy the expired cans of soup, instead?

Testing Center Woes

7/10/2010 08:00:00 AM • • 2 comments

Testing is a reality that some would rather delete from our experiences. You get tested to start school and to get out of school. There are tests for employment, parenting, driving a car, and just about everything else. Some tests are easy. Sometimes the environment for taking a test can make the test seem difficult.

The Testing Center at AC does try to make the testing environment not to strict. The testing aides are pleasant and helpful. There are the signs posted about the consequences of cheating. The cameras in the corners are obvious. Spacious testing desks and carpeted floor make for a nice facility. For the GED test, it is very different.

Lots of people have to take the GED test. Most take the GED because they did not finish high school. International and immigrant students may be required to take the GED. Some are forced to by the state due to criminal behaviors.

There are several facilities available to study for the exam. Lots of study guides and test prep books. They all are very helpful.

Because the degree, whether high school equivalency or GED, is so necessary, I was intimidated by the test and I avoided the test for the longest time.

When I went to the Testing Center to start the GED testing, I almost walked out and said "Forget it!"

The GED test itself is not difficult. Easier to take if you have done any of the prep programs available for free. Due to some people's inability to understand and follow instructions, everyone who takes the test has to experience a hard line of instructions and stern testing aides.

Here are some things GED testers need to take into consideration when in the GED testing zone.
  • When you go for the test, the testing aide will take up the phones, bag them, and place them in a box. You are instructed to turn off your phone. If your phone goes off during the testing, you are out. No refund. You have to retest later and pay a retesting fee. Do not take your phone with you. Leave it in the car or at home.
  • Leave your whiney-butt-high-school-foolery indifferent attitude, at the door. No one really cares about your latest tattoo or how your newest dealer scammed your first score with him. I can understand why the lovely testing aides have to act like those mean teachers you skipped out on at high school.
  • Bring every piece of identification requested, every time, to every test. Repeat.

Currently the Testing Center is participating in a GED computerized test experiment. It does not count towards your GED scores. Participating in the experimental test will get your GED costs refunded and then some. Taking the computerized GED gives you an idea of what the real tests are like.

Paula Sosebee, is the GED Coordinator, and can answer all your questions.

I am not quite ready for the English Composition CLEP. Still studying and preparing. I will let you know how the CLEP test will go. Nola Bartling is the CLEP Coordinator.

Horrors of the Testing Center

7/08/2010 12:20:00 PM • • 0 comments

Short weeks through me off. July the 5th was a holiday for banks, institutions, and many businesses. Not for retail of course. For students loaded up on college courses it was just a busy day. The day after a holiday gets me tilted. I got involved with my studies, getting school stuff finalized and the day was moving along. I realized to late in the day I had missed the Summer Cookout that I had planned on attending. Did anybody go? I had a lonely peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead.

Part of any schooling is taking a test. I am one of those students, who can study for a test, have a great attitude about my knowledge. Then when the test is placed before me, my mind goes blank. My blood pressure skyrockets, I begin to wonder why I am putting myself through school, and test anxiety takes over. I really hate taking tests.

One of the places that you will get to know here on the campus is the Testing Center. Everybody gets to make several trips there for many different reasons. Unless you are exempt from the Accuplacer, there are other reasons to visit. I have done almost every basic test they have available. I have some tips in dealing with the testing center and taking the different tests.

The first test you will deal with is the Accuplacer. The Accuplacer is a adaptive test, meaning there is no pass or fail grade. The Federal guidelines require the Accuplacer for Ability to Benefit for students with out high school diplomas to receive federal financial aid. This is a computerized placement test that will assess your knowledge of English, mathematics and reading. Take the time to study up on the basics for this test. Google the Accuplacer for practice sites. For studying up on the math go to the WTAMU Virtual Lab.

I did not have any problems with the English or reading parts of the test. I suggest reviewing some grammar basics and the how to write a essay. Sentence structure and reading comprehension are two different types of grammar functions to add to your studies. For the Accuplacer you will type a essay based on a random subject. Read over the basics of writing an essay. You will need to come up with 300 to 500 words that will support the stated theme.

There are three different areas to the mathematics part of the test. Basic arithmetic operations, elementary Algebra and college mathematics. My math score was low enough to place me at the basic mathematics level. When you take the Introduction to Algebra class you have to take the math part of the Accuplacer again as part of completing the class. It took me five semesters to go from basic mathematics to college algebra. Know your mathematics really well if you want to avoid the basics of math and algebra.

In my next post on the Testing Center I am going to cover the GED. There is a big difference with the GED and how the testing center deals with you.