Posts Tagged ‘college classes’

« Older Entries

3 Ways Advanced Placement Classes Set You Up For College Success.

Thursday, September 1st, 2011
AP Classes Teach You To Study Like A College Student

Learn to study like a college student with advanced placement classes. Photo credit: M00by

Did you sign up for advanced placement classes this year? Or are you thinking about switching into an AP course or two? If so, then congratulations are in order!

The time and energy you’re investing in your classes now will not only make it easier to get into the college of your choice, but also set you up for success once you’re there!

In fact, studies prove that taking advanced placement classes and doing well on the AP exams leads to better college GPAs. And that’s just the beginning of the advantages you’ll see.

Advanced placement classes prepare you for college-level coursework.

Make no mistake: AP classes are hard work. Although you’ll be learning in a high school classroom, your teachers will treat you more like the college student you will one day become. That means you’ll be expected to pay close attention to lectures, take great notes and, of course, study like you’ve never studied before. In other words, to do well you’ll have to learn how to study like a college student. And that? Gives you a real advantage over your classmates when you finally begin your freshman year.

Advanced placement classes can help you choose a college major.

It’s all well and good to say you think you want to major in biology after taking the required science course early in your high school career. But AP biology courses (as well as the AP math, chemistry and physics courses that commonly go along with them) will give you a better feel for whether or not biology is really the major for you.

Why? Well, because you’ll study things at greater depth, and be expected to learn more difficult material. You might find yourself rethinking your English Literature major course after reading Chaucer (or be even more excited about the idea). Either way, you’ll have a better understanding of what you’re getting into.

Advanced placement classes free you up to take more college electives.

When you pass an AP exam with enough points to get full college credit, you’re knocking a required course off your list before you ever get to college. So instead of spending a semester in calculus, you can explore another subject you might not otherwise have had time for, like drama, anthropology, or even Harry Potter.

Or, you can delve deeper into your chosen major, broadening your knowledge base for future success on the job market. Either way, it’s a winning situation!

These are just a few of the ways advanced placement classes give you a head start on college life. For more info about AP exams and succeeding in college, subscribe to our blog today!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in AP Classes, College Admissions, Preparing for College | 1 Comment »

Interdisciplinary and Real World Experience: Rhode Island School of Design

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

My College Guide has told you time and time again that when it comes to choosing a college, it’s about the right fit for you. How will your college of choice prepare you for your future career and life in the real world? No matter what your career aspirations may be, you can find a school that will complement.

Check out this unusual college class from RISD, the Rhode Island School of Design. Students didn’t just attend a course sponsored by gaming giant Hasbro, they also created their own game! This is interdisciplinary college coursework at its finest. Not only did these RISD students get a chance to try something different and think outside the box, dabbling in different branches of design, but they have something to add to their resume – and a heap of real world experience thrown in!

Visit the college campus at schools you are interested in. Ask your questions and see how your dream college will prepare you for life! Watch RISD and Hasbro Explore Game Play on YouTube or below.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges.

Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search | No Comments »

Benefits of Online Education

Friday, April 15th, 2011

The benefits of online education are many! Making time for on-campus courses for adults working full-time is next to impossible—but online? It’s infinitely easier: Here’s why!

The benefits of online education are many--you won't even believe it!

kennymatic / Kenny Louie

Benefits of Online College

Your Life, Your Way – It’s not very often that you get to call the shots but one of the big benefits of online education is that you don’t have a specific place to be. You’ll have a specific course  schedule for when assignments are due. So, you can complete assignments in your business administration class at 2 AM or 2 PM—it doesn’t matter.  On-campus courses just can’t compare!

Yes: There’s Still Community – Online college courses have come a long way. You won’t feel isolated from your peers at all. In fact, many colleges have special discussion areas so you can get to know and chat with your new online classmates. Some even have forums and allow online students to join on-campus activities and attend campus events. Now, is that one of the greatest benefits of online college, or what?

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You (Financially)

Let’s Talk Turkey – Higher education isn’t cheap but you know that if you want to advance in your career or get your foot in the door in a brand new career, it’s a necessary addition to your resume. Rather unknown benefits of online college include the cost of classes—in many cases, it’s cheaper! In state or out, some higher education institutions charge the same amount and the cost of online courses can be a significant savings. That’s money in the bank!

Free Money for College: Even for Online Students – Did you know that even adults going back to school can still apply for and receive free money for college? Fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and see if you qualify for financial aid. Your college will use this information to match you up to their own institution-based scholarships. Every non-traditional student should be sure to take advantage of awesome benefits of online college like this one.

What are You Waiting For?

There are plenty of reasons to consider beginning or finishing your college degree. The benefits of online education are many—why not see for yourself? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Your future is waiting!

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information for the benefits of online education and programs to find the right career for you!

Subscribe to our blog via RSS or email and stay on top of everything college!

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Financial Aid, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Paying for College, Scholarships, Student Loans, Vocational School | No Comments »

Think Outside the Box: Engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

If you want a job that challenges, that puts your mental know-how to the test, and that still thrives even in a tough economy, you may want to give an Engineering major a look!

Engineering students have a variety of careers to choose from

Courtesy of Milwaukee School of Engiineering

We are ending 2010 on an Engineering note (just in case you couldn’t tell). As part of our new series on college engineering programs and majors, Pamela Torke, the senior writer and editor of marketing and public affairs, had plenty of Engineering goodness to share with us about the Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

What do engineers do?
Put simply, engineers use their skills in science and math to develop ways to utilize the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind. Engineering is divided into different branches, like civil, electrical, mechanical, biomedical, etc.

Today’s job market is less than thrilling. Is there still a place for engineers?
Yes! In fact, graduates from the class of 2009-10 enjoyed a 90% placement rate and average starting salary of $52,500. MSOE’s five-year average placement rate is 94%. MSOE’s annual career fair, held in October 2010, was attended by more than 100 companies like Caterpillar, FedEx, Harley-Davidson and Kohler Co. Employers seek MSOE graduates because they know MSOE grads are hard working, dedicated and well prepared for the workforce.

An MSOE student thinks outside the box

Courtesy of Milwaukee School of Engiineering

What academic paths can Milwaukee School of Engineering students take?
MSOE offers 18 undergraduate degrees in the engineering, business and nursing and health-related fields. In addition, many transfer, 2+2 and dual-degree programs are available for those who are interested. Students are able to meet with their advisors to choose the program that best fits their needs. As long as they stay on track, MSOE students are guaranteed to graduate in four years.

What are some ways that MSOE encourages engineering students to think outside the box?
MSOE has a lot of fun programs for students outside of the classroom. One example is our annual Egg Drop Contest, where students are given a random selection of materials that they use to protect an egg when it’s dropped from three stories. Winners receive a cash prize. As part of our annual SUB Zero days, students build a giant indoor mini-golf rink. Many students pursue internships with local companies, which is another way to gain real-world experience and apply your knowledge to problems outside of the classroom.

More than just math-minded, Engineering students at MSOE enjoy a range of sports and activities

Courtesy of Milwaukee School of Engiineering

Are there any particular character or personality traits that engineers seem to share?
Engineers are often thought of as uncreative and “black and white” thinkers, but this untrue. Engineering is more than just the application of mathematics. It is about creativity and critical thinking as well. Engineers have an inventive and resourceful vantage of the world, and how it can function more efficiently for the benefit of mankind. They are problem solvers, logical thinkers, detailed workers and are focused on productivity.

What can a high school student do to boost not only their chances of admittance to MSOE but their success level in the field of engineering?
To be admitted to our engineering programs, we require a minimum composite ACT score of 22 and math sub-score of 24. Therefore, preparing themselves in math (specifically calculus and physics) is the best thing students can do to set themselves up for success in the engineering programs at MSOE.

Any other advice for a student who wants to pursue engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering?
Take advantage of your high school’s opportunities for engineering course work/electives as well as community organizations and clubs that offer high school students an exposure to aspects of engineering. A solid foundation of physics, chemistry and calculus will benefit the potential MSOE in the classroom.

MSOE’s five-year average placement rate is 94%

Courtesy of Milwaukee School of Engiineering

So — what cool things going on in the engineering world at MSOE?
Lot’s of things! We just added a five-year, freshman-to-master’s degree in civil engineering. This is great because students can graduate with both degrees, bachelor’s and master’s, in five years. It allows them to enter the workforce more quickly and also better prepared. We just completed construction on our brand new, state-of-the-art biomolecular engineering laboratories. MSOE is the only university in the state to offer a degree in biomolecular engineering, and our brand new laboratories have industry-standard equipment that’s top of the line. If you’re able to visit campus you can see them for yourself!

MSOE’s student groups continue to dominate in state and national competitions. MSOE’s student chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association took first place in the 2010 National Green Energy Challenge Student Competition, and it was their first time competing! Meanwhile the Design-Build Team recently first place in the Associated Schools of Construction Region III Student Competition—for the ninth year in a row!

Engineering student at work

Courtesy of Milwaukee School of Engiineering

Anything else we need to know?
MSOE’s campus is nestled into a vibrant community in downtown Milwaukee. Students are within walking distance to grocery stores, concert venues, shopping, the lakefront, museums and more. MSOE has more than 20 Division III athletic teams, many intramural sports teams and more than 70 student organizations. There’s plenty to do for all interests. Students love our small class sizes, close interactions with professors who know their name (MSOE does not use teaching assistants) and close ties to area industry leaders. Study abroad opportunities in Germany, Czech Republic and India are available for those interested.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Admissions, College Applications, College Campus, College Classes, College Life | No Comments »

Where in the World are High Point University Students

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

The short answer? Everywhere! Study abroad or study away, students at High Point University are going places. From Italy to India to right here in the United States, High Point University students are here, there, and everywhere! My College Guide spoke with Dr. Kelly Norton, the director of experiential learning, as part of our study abroad series.

They not only have learned their particular field abroad, but also they have learned the elements of good citizenship.

Courtesy of High Point University

You have study abroad and study away programs? What’s the difference?
Study abroad is what students traditionally think of when they consider spending a semester or a summer away from High Point University, international programs at institutions in a country of interest that can provide training in students’ fields of study.

Study away is a newer concept at HPU, where students spend a semester or summer away from HPU but don’t leave the U.S. For example, Kevin, a junior, is spending the Spring 2011 semester in an outdoor education and leadership program in Wyoming in connection with the NOLS program. He is majoring in Human Relations with career aspirations that include working in the outdoor industry. Since outdoor education programs are scarce, he is taking full advantage of the opportunity to personalize his degree program at HPU.

High Point University seems to really believe that study abroad/study away is an important part of the whole education process. Why is that?
Americans were once able to work for decades without using a language other than English and without interacting with other countries and cultures. However, intercultural communication and global thinking have become essential skills for graduates in any professional field. With this shift, higher education institutions must respond by providing the means for learning and practicing these skills.

We would be doing our students a disservice if we didn’t encourage them to stretch themselves in these contexts, to challenge their ways of thinking, and to prove to themselves and others that they can succeed in a global society. These emphases are in line with other character-building lessons, including generosity, joy, stewardship, and customer service, that High Point University models.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” (Marcel Proust)

Courtesy of High Point University

HPU doesn’t just talk the talk – you’ve got quite a lot of study abroad programs in place! What’s going on in 2011?
High Point University offers a number of study opportunities for students, depending on their varied interests and needs. Opportunities fall into two categories: independent programs and short-term, faculty-led programs.HPU offers 20 full-semester programs and a dozen summer programs in 16 countries.

Independent programs are a great chance for students who want to have an intense, enriching experience with a lot of challenge and less support than our other options. Our most popular programs are Bond University (Queensland, Australia), American University of Rome (Italy), and Oxford Brookes University (England, UK). The more recent additions include programs in Czech Republic, Fiji, and South Africa.

Short-term, faculty-led programs, which we call HPU Unleashed! study programs, are courses that typically have a traditional classroom component and a travel component. HPU Unleashed! programs are planned, taught, and led by full-time HPU faculty members with help from Experiential Learning staff. Some courses are taught during the spring semester with a post-semester travel experience in May, while others are taught entirely in the May term or Summer Session.

Exciting HPU Unleashed! study programs for 2011 include:
Politics and Policy Inside the Beltway (Washington, D.C.)
Cutting-edge Exercise Physiology (Colorado)
Human Behavior across Cultures (Germany, France, and Italy)
Planet Girth: The Cultures of Health and Fitness (Sweden)
Mayan Heritage, Traditions, and Customs (Guatemala)
Modern Spain (Spain)
Shakespeare in Performance (Staunton, VA, and England, UK).

For the first time, HPU will offer fall Unleashed! options as well. Faculty from the School of Business and the Modern Foreign Language department will lead students to various cities in India to explore Business in the Hub of Globalization.

Study abroad program at High Point University

Courtesy of High Point University

When can a High Point University student typically have studying abroad as an option?
Students can participate in HPU Unleashed! and independent summer study programs as early as the end of their freshman year. Some exceptions exist in that foreign language majors and minors may have language skills that are best served by study abroad programs in their sophomore year. Students in certain majors must study abroad during sophomore year due to the scheduling of sequential courses. In short, we try to create opportunities so all students have a program that meets their interests, needs, and financial limitations.

Is it necessary to know a foreign language before studying abroad?
Many of HPU’s study abroad programs are hosted in non-English-speaking countries. However, we try to find opportunities for students who are learning the language as well as students who want to study courses in English.

For example, Italian language courses have been incredibly popular since they were added to the curriculum, yet we find that students who study in Italy are interested in our art program in Florence (Studio Art Centers International), but then who wouldn’t want to study art in Florence! Or they want to experience a part of their family’s ancestry by learning more about their Italian culture. While studying in Rome, one student met her 92-year-old aunt and many cousins for the first time. She credits High Point University for making it possible for her to share such an incredible experience with family that she might not otherwise have met.

What are some of the trips that High Point University students have gone on in the past?
Students go some phenomenal places (and of course I live vicariously through them all). Independent trips have taken students island-hopping through Greece, on multi-city programs in China, and mountaineering through Patagonia.

they return talking about the academic experience and the eye-opening experiences they had in matters related to governance, service, or education.

Courtesy of High Point University

Is this something that translates out of college? How does a study abroad experience look to employers? What value does this sort of experience provide?
Employers want to see that students have the ability to communicate with coworkers and clients from a variety of backgrounds. Study abroad opportunities provide that type of context. So many interview questions for professional positions or for graduate schools can be based on study abroad experiences.

Anything else that our college-bound readers should know?
Students interested in High Point University should believe the hype! HPU provides incredible opportunities in a number of areas for students learn about their chosen fields of study and learn about themselves. It is often the latter that helps students discover and fulfill their own definitions of success.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in College Life, Study Abroad | No Comments »

PREFACE Program: University of South Carolina Upstate Promises First Year Success

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

From One Book One Twitter to the Common Experience Program at Texas State University San Marcos, My College Guide has listed the benefits of these programs before: to build a sense of community, to make new friends and get to know faculty, as well as getting to know your college campus! The PREFACE Program at the University of South Carolina Upstate puts a spin on the common book program by also combing college classes! We spoke to Dr. Esther Godfrey, assistant professor of English and coordinator of the PREFACE project, with special thanks to Tammy Whaley for her assistance.

Student interaction with faculty at the University of South Carolina Upstate.

Courtesy of the University of South Carolina Upstate

Okay, so what is the Preface program?
The PREFACE program is a co-curricular common book program that involves Composition 101 and University 101 classes during the student’s first year.

How did the Preface program come about?
The PREFACE program began in 2003 under the direction of Brenda Davenport as an effort to enhance the first-year experience at USC Upstate and to support general education learning objectives. Over the past seven years, the program has grown from a small project largely based in the English department to a university-wide, semester long effort that draws nationally recognized speakers to campus (Ron Rash, Barbara Ehrenreich) and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.

Did we see that first year USC Upstate students don’t just read the same book, they also participate in events, too?
This fall, all first-year students at Upstate read Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks , the story of the poor black woman whose cells were used to develop the HeLa cell line—a line that has been essential to cancer research, the development of the polio vaccine, and even space travel. The Immortal Life was selected because it raised questions of race, class, and gender that would likely appeal to our student body. Committee members also considered the book’s ability to bring in other departments on campus as part of the conversation about the book. Committee members also noted the quality of Skloot’s writing and research.

Students at the University of South Carolina Upstate

Courtesy of the University of South Carolina Upstate

Students engage the text in both their Composition 101 and their University 101 classes. Students are also required to attend two of a number of co-curricular events throughout the fall semester. Several of the events involve professors from other departments on campus, including history, biology, and nursing as well as community leaders.

Event topics ranged from lectures on issues related to the book (The US Public Study at Tuskegee; Medical Ethics; Race and Health Disparities; Cancer Research) to game shows to volunteer opportunities to a student-led conference. There is no separate budget for the PREFACE program, but select events are funded case-by-case through Student Affairs.

In addition to attending the cultural events, all students in Composition 101 are required to write cultural responses about these events, and to write textual analyses of the PREFACE text.

Do you have any favorite past events?
The game show (modeled after Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?) has been a consistent favorite in years past. Faculty lectures and the author visit are also very popular events.

0509uscupstate_-368

Courtesy of the University of South Carolina Upstate

What are topics that Preface students have covered in the past?
Topics have included the environment, class, and race. For 2011, Upstate plans to participate in a national conversation about September 11th as part of the ten-year anniversary of the tragedy.

Why do you believe this program can help a student successfully make the transition to college?
Studies show that common book programs help students form relationships among their peers during their first-year and can be an excellent opportunity to engage in academic discourse across multiple disciplines.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, Fun Stuff | No Comments »

Respect My Authority: Interdisciplinary South Park Class at McDaniel College

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

Need another reason why college is different from high school? In college,  you can find a class for just about any subject – including South Park! Such is the case at McDaniel College where students had the chance to take part in this unusual college class that combines philosophy and sociology!

Special thanks to Dr. Sara Raley and Mr. Josh Baron, the brains behind this surprising meaty class at McDaniel College, for sharing their views. And like Cartman, we’re left saying, “kewl.”

Who knew that South Park and the Underpants Gnomes could teach about Marx's theories of worker alienation?

http://www.southparkzone.com/episode.php?vid=217

Most people wouldn’t see South Park and think “college class!” How in the world did this come about?
I (Dr. Sara Raley) started using South Park clips in some of my classes as a way to engage students while underscoring points about various social issues. When we examine a tough issue like racism using the humor of South Park to highlight the extremes of the issue, it loosens students up to talk about these topics more freely. Every time that I used a clip in class, I would talk about how I wanted to do a whole class on South Park. One of my students mentioned that there was another faculty member on campus who frequently referenced South Park in his classes and suggested I get in touch with him. It turns out that this faculty member, Josh Baron, had also toyed with the idea of doing a whole class on issues raised in South Park. When we met we found that between the two of us, there were many topics that we could cover from both a philosophical standpoint (Josh’s discipline) and sociological perspective (my discipline), and our class was born.

My College Guide noted that this was an interdisciplinary course. What are the subjects that students cover?
Josh is a philosopher and I am a sociologist. The topics we cover include: social constructions of gender and their role in media and television, racial and ethnic stereotypes and their impact on social interactions, capitalism and question of morality and corporations, Facebook and the nature of friendship, and many more. The class really strives to discuss not just broad social issues, but also specific examples and phenomena relevant to students today.

Are there textbooks or other readings? What are some of the books that students have read in relation to the South Park episodes?
In lieu of a textbook, which would be difficult to find, Josh and I use a combination of historical texts found online, journal articles, and our own personal research. So, in addition to excerpts from the writings of philosophers and sociologists like Plato and Marx, students read academic journals that are themselves interdisciplinary. Please visit our course website for more details.

McDaniel College: Home of the South Park class!

eddie.welker / eddie welker

Has student viewpoint ever shifted after reading the supplemental text?
That’s a good question. We don’t ask them directly if they change their minds after reading the articles we give them, but we definitely present them with new perspectives that challenge the way they see the world. On one of the first days of class, Josh does an exercise connected with the “Make Love, Not Warcraft” episode where the students have to prove they exist. We also have students come up to us after class and talk about how their opinion on subjects like gay marriage shift after discussing it in class in connection with the episode, “Follow That Egg.”

What have been some of the surprising things that this unusual class has discovered after watching South Park? Any big revelations in there?
Perhaps the biggest surprise, at least to the students, is that the creators of South Park actually have some intelligent cultural commentary to offer. It seems silly to ask students to take a cartoon seriously, but when they do, we see that we can have open discussions about topics that are often too controversial to discuss honestly in a conventional academic environment. The humor helps to lighten the mood on topics that can be emotionally charged like racism and homophobia. That is not to say that we use South Park to make light of serious topics, but rather the reverse: we use the non-threatening medium of South Park to convey how serious and deeply ingrained in our culture these issues are.

What has been your favorite episodes to share with the class so far? What has been the most difficult episode to discuss as a group?
My favorite episode to share with the class is probably “Gnomes,” which is about these gnomes that are stealing people’s underpants in the pursuit of profit. We connect this episode to Marx’s notions of worker alienation.  What better way to make Marx memorable in the minds of undergraduates then to have them associate his ideas with underpants gnomes? I also just find it hilarious that we now have a cadre of students who might think of the underpants gnomes when they think of Marx. Josh’s is “Something Wall-Mart This Way Comes,” which portrays the impact a new Wal-Mart has on the town and its residents. Even though the South Park adults just decide to shop at True Value instead, the episode raises a whole host of issues about corporations and social responsibility. The episode that is the most difficult episode to discuss as a group is probably “Starvin Marvin” where we discuss poverty on a global scale and really challenge students to think about their individual responsibilities to alleviate the sufferings of others.

What does Eric Cartman teach us about society?

databhi ♪♫ / Giuseppe Zizza

So – what does Cartman teach us about society?
Let’s face it, Cartman’s a jerk. But at the same time, there is at least one moment in one episode when all of us can relate to Cartman in some dark way.  Sometimes Cartman says the things that people are thinking but know it’s inappropriate to say out loud. Again, he really opens up the door for Josh and I to discuss and address all perspectives, even those perspectives people may be reluctant to admit that they have. Without Cartman, our discussions might not be as lively or as honest.

Anything you want to add that our readers should know?
For countless years humor has been used to make profound social commentary. Contemporaneous shows with South Park such as Saturday Night Live, Chappelle’s Show, and The Daily Show all bring to light deep and complex social issues using humor and a fresh perspective. Although reasoned arguments and research provide the evidence for needed social change, sometimes the greatest motivation to think more about the absurdity of some deeply held social or personal beliefs comes from a good laugh; even if it is at our own expense.

Who We Are: Information you can trust. For 20 years My College Guide has produced an annual magazine chock full of free college info for high-achieving high school sophomores. Check out our participating colleges. If you’re a student, enter for a chance to win an Apple iPad or iPhone or cash!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Choosing a Major, College Classes, College Life | No Comments »

Vassar College: What Did You Learn Today

Friday, November 5th, 2010

You asked us on the My College Guide Facebook Page for more information about college life and we’ve definitely answered! You wanted to know what it’s really like. We understand. So, we dug up a fun little video from Vassar College to give you a better idea of what college life (and a typical college day) is like — and there’s more where that came from!

You probably have your fair share of misconceptions about college: that it’s nothing but studying, or that it’s nothing but partying, but we wanted to show you actual college students during a normal day at college: what they think, what they’re wearing, and, more importantly, what they’ve learned in one single day. What better way than this fantastic video from Vassar College? Watch What did you learn today? on YouTube or below.

Vassar: What did you learn today?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, Fun Stuff, Social Media | No Comments »

Starcraft and Beyond: How the (College) Gaming Experience Hopes to Change the World

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

My College Guide has unearthed it’s fair share of unusual college classes. We recently discovered a few that, well, let’s just say that if the thought of leaving behind your clan breaks your heart, classes at both the University of Florida and the University of California Berkeley have offered or are offering a course about StarCraft, a hugely popular RTS (that’s Real Time Strategy for those not in the know).

image

monkeyworks illustration / Dave Mott

While the unusual class at UC Berkeley about StarCraft was student taught, it’s still worth noting, as even a DeCal class needs professor approval. To get DeCal approval, the proposed class in question has to prove that it’s not only meaty enough to fill a semester but that it provides some sort of value. And you thought StarCraft  was mindless entertainment!

If you are wondering how in the world someone could hold a lecture around StarCraft, well, you only have to go so far as YouTube to watch the UC Berkeley StarCraft Class Lecture series.

The fact is, StarCraft and many other online games have long been thought to be a great skill-building educational platform in the areas of leadership, teamwork, and organization. In some cases, they can be used to study societal behavior and things like supply and demand. Games in general are thought to be one way in which we can change the world (watch Game Designer Jane Mcgonigal’s TED lecture for more behind that theory) so harnessing that do-good notion by enrolling in a game-oriented class might not be such a bad thing.

The recent course offering at the University of Florida takes it a little further. This unique college class also offers college credit in return for successful completion of the online college course and is professor led. Right now, colleges, universities, and beyond are toying with ways to create gaming experiences that get people to learn more about the world in general.

image

jerine / Jerine Lay

For example, Penn State University’s Amazing Race game hopes to promote global awareness by quizzing your geographic knowledge because, as stated on the site, “Without knowing national and international locations, you will not be able to effectively understand the critical context for world events.” Using Google Earth, this Faculty Fellows project is real-time and really effective (and don’t forget fun!).

Outside the college classroom, games are being used to tackle real world issues, like Superstruct, where players organize society and prepare for problems (just like in real life) to World Without Oil, which simulates a global oil crisis and tries to get players to figure out how to save energy. Another game, Fold It involves science and protein — and hopefully includes a cure for cancer and other diseases in there.

The bottom-line is that games can change the way people think and behave for the better — and provide a useful tool for studying human behavior. We chalk it up to one more wonderful reason why college is different from high school.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in College Classes, College Life, Fun Stuff | No Comments »

Sustainable Architecture at Portland State University

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Whether you are a soon-to-be architecture major, sustainability fan, or generally just interested in the latest use of technology by colleges and universities, you’ve got to watch the recently released Architecture at Portland State University video on YouTube.

Portland State University students are answering the question, “What will the school of the future be?” These social and sustainable architecture Portland State University students listened to local elementary school kids big ideas and, while the slide running through the classroom design is out, going green is definitely very, very in! As the video shows, it doesn’t have to be impersonal – it’s okay to make it your own.

It’s a fun look into the many ways that colleges not only evolve their sustainability and going green effort but also how they reach out into the community to make a difference in the lives of others. If green issues are important to you, take a look into how your colleges and universities of choice are working on campus sustainability – or, perhaps, you can be the one to step up and create a student group that works towards making the college campus of your choosing a brighter, greener place! Watch Architecture at Portland State University on YouTube or below.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, Fun Stuff | No Comments »

« Older Entries