Before Penn State, I was a middle-aged mother focused on raising teenage daughters. My family was my life and I didn’t have the time or the inclination to cultivate relationships outside of home and work. I had dropped out of college at 18 before completing even two years. That was an unfinished chapter of my…
We see the explanation at the start of each new semester, but what does academic integrity really mean and, as online learners, what should each of us be doing to avoid plagiarism? Of course you’re going to do your own work, but before you click that mouse button to close the window and move on,…
I am getting ready to hit the books again after a summer break filled with glorious family celebrations and plenty of sleep. Those of us taking summer courses have just a few short weeks in which to prepare while others are eagerly or anxiously anticipating their first World Campus classes. With less than a month…
The life of an adult learner can be hectic. So much to juggle – family, job, school – that’s my life! As the saying goes, so much to do and so little time with which to do it. Falling into a mildly frantic routine of constant reprioritizing is easy, at least it is for me.…
After coping with a challenging group project, last week I blogged about my suggestions for getting group work off to a great start. What I figured out is that collaboration requires time, flexibility, a positive attitude, and a commitment to getting the job done. Once the introductions are over, here are my suggestions for sustaining…
Another semester down and, for many of us, a new one has already begun. Looking through the syllabus of a new class for the first time and, there it is, listed among the assignments – a group project. What’s your first impression? Is it excitement, dread, or the cold sweat induced by sheer panic? I’ve…
I asked for this opportunity to submit an article about graduation and here’s why – I almost did not attend my own May graduation. So, to borrow a late-night TV tradition, here is my list of the top five reasons why you should not miss your Penn State graduation weekend. Feel free to prioritize or…
It’s the first week in March. Are bells going off in your head? Does it mean something special to you? For some, spring break conjures up images of sandy beaches in warmer climates for a stereotypical non-stop party. For others, spring break represents an opportunity to reach out and help others in a variety of…
By the time you read this post, our new semester will be well underway. Festive social occasions have been replaced by reading, typing, and juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Welcome back to being an adult learner! You’re in good company. Sometimes we don’t realize just how many of us are out there, especially when we’re…
I am a Penn State student. I rarely venture onto a physical Penn State campus, but I am a Penn State student nonetheless. I am fortunate, though. Unlike many of my World Campus peers, I know what it is like to hear the tower chimes of Old Main on a brisk winter day as the…
