On-line Classes; Is It a Good or Bad Decision?

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With the internet being our greatest and up most coming source of technology more and more colleges have begun to offer classes on-line. The typical college student is not use to this since we mostly deal with live interactions and frequent classes daily. With classrooms now on-line it allows students to exit the traditional classroom and go to class on their own schedule.

Before making a rash decision about how taking on-line classes would better your college life, you need to compare and contrast all the pros and cons. First start off on how you learn personally. Do you learn better by taking notes during a lecture? If so on-line classes wouldn’t be the best idea, although some classes offer virtual lectures.

Paula DiMonte, a senior at Hunter College in Manhattan said, “I once took on-line classes, it wasn’t for me at all. I took Statistics and I’m not good at math to begin with, it was a mistake. I always procrastinated the homework till last minute and when it came time to do it, I had no idea what I was doing.”

Do you tend to slack off or procrastinate when deadlines are left more in your hands? With not having to actually go to classes and participate some students might find it hard to keep up with lessons weekly. Many students also can not handle large reading assignments or having to self teach themselves, hence the importance of a professor, so if that sounds like you it might be a better idea to skip these classes.

Although for the over achieving student on-line classes might be a better idea to loosen up their schedules and put in more time at work. If you can handle the responsibility then more power to you. But remember before signing up for those on-line summer classes, think it through and decide what the best way you learn is.

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FINALS, FINALS, FINALS

Ways to prepare for finals, different techniques. 
“To students from students.” Who would know better?

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Mike Marino, a senior from Old Westbury College, NY , said, “I prepare for my finals by organizing all of my notes/hand-outs from the entire semester for each class and I highlight in pink highlighter notes that are important that the professor has told us are important.”

“I study for about 2 days prior to the exam in my room where it is quiet and nobody is around because library quiet is awkward.”

“It is important to highlight notes and study subjects/themes that the professor has noted in class.”

“I recommend getting enough sleep prior to an exam.”

Justin Smith, a senior from Adelphi University says, “I make note cards to look over a few days in advance.”

“I study in the library in the stacks where it’s quiet.”

“I look over questions in the end of the chapters to see what I need to review more.”

“I study for 5-6 hours for each test.”

Ana Barbu, a senior at Adelphi University and international student from Romania said, “I study the most in my room, at my desk, not a good idea to study in bed I study for a day or two for each final.”

“I study either in my room, the living room or the honors college lounge. Never the library -it's too crowded and noisy during finals' week you can hear freaked out typing all around.”

“I take notes in class, type them up fervidly (the exam material) a week or so before finals and then glance over it and underline it with markers the night before the exam.”

Jackie Waite, a senior at Nassau Community College, said, “I listen to light music or instrumental music to help me relax and calm my nerves.”

“98% of the time I study in my bedroom and the other 2% at college or on my way to college on the bus.”

“I study anywhere from an hour to three hours.”

“Flash cards or making my own notes from the text book helps me study.”

Robb Normandeau, a senior from Towson College in Maryland, said, “I would suggest never studying all the semesters work the day before the final.”

“I study in my living room apartment floor and spend about 1 hour studying each subject then switch to the next, then will go back to the other.”

“I would advise other students to sit down and just do it. Don’t procrastinate and get enough sleep because it is proven to help you remember what you know.”

How to Keep Organized

When the semester comes to an end, finals, holidays, papers and interviews are consuming your mind. How do you manage to stay organized? With these easy steps, I’ll tell you how to keep a positive mind and put yourself in order for an easy finish semester.

Julie Feldington, a freshman at New Paltz College, learned the hard way during her first semester at college. “It is very important to be organized. Procrastination is something hard to keep away from and a calendar will keep you on track because no one else is going to,” said Feldington.

Feldington recommended, don’t wait to study till the last minute and try studying a week before to know the material and you won’t forget it as easily. “Different notebooks for every class, a whiteboard to write for a to do list, agenda and a folders for every class for handouts has helped me keep everything in line,” said Feldington.

Make Lists. Having a To Do list is something that will help you not forget certain important assignments. Holiday shopping lists, assignment lists, and things you need to get done will not be forgotten if you put your list in a good place you might see daily.

Planner: With so many finals or interviews coming up it’s hard to keep everything in track. Make sure to use a planner so you will not forget these important dates. Remember to be prepared for finals by writing down days to start studying for these finals.

Folders: By the end of the semester most students are bombarded with unbelievable amounts of paper work, many papers you will be lost without and many papers just cluttering your busy mind. Sort through them and make sure to have important papers ready and non-important papers out of your way.

Start Assignments early: Every student knows how to under estimate their time when it comes to finals week. Make sure you start research papers early, start going over your notes at least every night for five minutes the week before an exam, and do not wait till last minute.

Good Nights Rest: Without a rested and peaceful mind you will never be able to keep it together. In a world of students who never get sleep try your best to separate yourself from that and get eight hours of rest nightly. 

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Looking Towards The Future

Every student, especially seniors, must be able to look ahead in their future and map it out. You will graduate at this time, intern at this publication and eventually work for. Yet with the economy and job market these days students are forced to make sure they have a solid resume and a couple of internships under their belt to succeed. Without many varied skills, and experience you might be forced to work in a field you did not plan to. So what can we, as students, do now to prepare ourselves for the future? 

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Leslie Fazin, a senior at Adelphi University, a published writer and intern advises, “Get involved as soon as possible - internships, clubs, leadership positions, and community service. Experience will help you learn about yourself and your field, and will ultimately help you grow as a person. The more you have, the more favorable you will look in the eyes of employers.”

Fazin has interned at two NY based magazines and enjoyed her experience thoroughly. She likes to have put her knowledge from school to use and is excited to have learned new skills in a real-world environment.

Internships are something that will get your foot in the door for various reasons. It looks good as far as experience on your resume and it really gives you a point of view into a field. “Internships are important because it gives you an idea of what your career will be like. You might not like your particular field of work after your internship - you really don't know until you're completely immersed in it. Internships are obviously great ways to network and improve upon your skills and talents as well,” says Fazin. 

“I went to Adelphi's career center and they helped me format my resume. I then looked up internships that were available and started sending out my resume,” says Fazin. You should always get proof readings by professors and go to career help centers to make sure you resume is efficient. 

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Taking a Glance at Next Semester

As the holidays approach and the semester winds down many students use the break to mellow out or get more hours in at work to pay off their hefty college loans. But students should take this free time to prepare themselves for the upcoming semester.

Start off by getting to know the classes you registered for in the beginning of November. Read the evaluation and get to know more what the class is about. Email your professors to ask what the class will entail and what books you will definitely need for next semester.

Return or sell your old books from last semester and get ahead start on getting your new books. Ordering books online can cut the price in half rather than buying them at the University book store. Websites such as EBay or AddAll.com are good sources for cheap books.

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Get organized. Get the new tools you need to keep yourself in order, whether it is a daily planner, new notebooks or labeled folders. Melissa Antra, a sophomore at Nassau Community College said, “freshman year was a wake-up call because I was not prepared for the semesters but I’ve learned to start planning at least a month earlier now.”

Antra, like many students today, buy their books on-line to save their money. “You have to get a head start on ordering books. You don’t know how long they will take to be shipped to you,” says Antra. Make sure you have all your finances worked out dealing with student loans or with rearranging your schedule at work.

The longer you wait to get organized and ready, the more hectic it will become. Give yourself time so you are not rushed and make sure to make a list of everything. A list of what you need, what you already did and what you have to do.

How to Write an Effective Resume

When senior year rolls around students are stressed to find good internships or jobs in order to further their careers and get a foot in the door. They are constantly told that first impressions stick with their employers and they need an outstanding resume to be able to make that impression last. What is it that makes a resume effective?

Allison Clough, an assistant director at the Career Development center said, “The resume should be a brief but informative summary of your education, employment or volunteer experience, and any specialized skills.  The layout should be attractive and easy to read.  It should generate the kinds of questions you want to answer during an interview.”

Certain things you must know for resume writing is what to include and what to leave out. Be aware that since you do not have much experience your resume should not be longer than a page. Also organization is key to a simple read resume so it is not cluttered with too many fonts or having things out of order. “Most recent graduates should confine their resumes to one page. Those with extensive professional experience, especially in education, nursing or social work, may need to use a second page,” says Clough.

To start off you may find it easiest to go to Adelphi to help you out. First off on Adelphi’s homepage they have resume sample formats you can follow. (Click here to see the different resume formats.)  Adelphi also has a Career Development Center in which you can schedule an appointment with a counselor to go over your resume. Also events such as Resume Workshop at the Career Development Center this Thursday at 1 p.m. or an Interview Workshop for all majors this Thursday at 2 p.m. are important events to check out. 

Once you have picked out a resume format whether it is chronological or reverse order remember to stick to one, easy to read font such as Times New Roman. Then include your name and contact information the employer may reach you at, if it is a cell phone remember to have a professional sounding voicemail. Then follow with your education, certifications, courses, awards, research, experience and skills. The more skills you have today the better you are to employers since people come as a package now. They must be able to write a story, record the story and then editing the story.

When describing past experiences make sure to use action verbs to emphasize your skills. Make sure you have your resume proofread and spell checked properly. Relevant and unique experience is very important. One little mistake and there goes your resume straight to the trash. Clough says a successful resume is what lands you the interview.

“Within this competitive job market, some candidates’ resumes are easily discarded based on one typo or error, or simply because it's too long or straining to read. Putting your best foot forward, following universal resume writing guidelines can improve your chances,” says Clough.

Also taking the time to write a cover letter that explains yourself, your situation and goals will show the employer you have personally addressed the letter to their job posting Clough explains. This well written cover letter is also an example of your writing skills and interest.

Check out these resume preparation guides to help you further 

Event Information:

  

Learn How To Write A Professional Resume

Resume Workshop

Thursday, December 10, 2009

1 p.m.

Career Development Center in Post Hall

Call 516-877-3130 to register

Learn How To Put Your Best Foot Foward At An Interview

Interview Workshop 

Thursday, December 10,2009

2 p.m.

Career Development Center in Post Hall

Call 516-877-3130 to register

SAMPLE RESUME BELOW:

Jennifer Junior

9 Meadow Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 [631] 665-6655 j_junior@hotmail.com

Adelphi University Eddy Hall Room 333 Garden City, New York 11530 [516] 877-6999

EDUCATION		Adelphi University, Garden City, New York B.A. 2002. Major: Political Science
International		University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden, Spring 2001 Curriculum included: Swedish political system, film, language and culture, as well as travel in Scandinavia and Western Europe.
EXPERIENCE
Business		Management Intern, Summer 2000 J.C. Penney, Bay Shore, New York Analyzed and selected merchandise for promotional display Checked in daily receipts in cash room Identified fast and slow selling merchandise and recommended corrective action
Communications		Personnel Analyst, Summer 1999 Proudfoot Reports, Inc., Glen Cove, New York Verified employment applications Contacted professional and personal references and developed additional references Wrote personnel reports on all assigned cases Class Agent, Senior Class Gift Campaign, Fall 2000 Solicited pledges from class members Publicity Chair, Volunteer Adelphi, Fall 1998 Wrote newsletters, produced advertising for local and campus media Sports Writer, Delphian (Adelphi Student News), Fall 1998 – Spring 2000
Organizational		Program Chair, Political Science Club, Fall 2001 – Spring 2002 Invited guest speakers and arranged facilities
Volunteer		Big Sister to child in Hempstead, New York community Tutor at Roosevelt Elementary School Office Assistant in local political campaigns
SKILLS and INTERESTS
		Moderate knowledge of Spanish and Swedish Experienced in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Netscape, Power Point, and Excel Extensive travel throughout Europe and United States

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