eMajor's Dr Whisler Brings Fun and Passion to Online Teaching

As an Associate Professor in the Adult & Career Education Department in the College of Education at Valdosta State University, Dr. Whisler teaches on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate VSU courses, as well as eMajor classes.

In addition to teaching eMajor classes, Dr. Whisler is the Associate Professor & OAT-OBC Advisor in the Adult & Career Education Department in the College of Education at Valdosta State University.

Teaching through eMajor has made her a better face-to-face teacher because of her online teaching experience. "Teaching online has taught me the importance of pre-planning and communicating instructions clearly," Dr. Whisler says.

"Interacting with online students needs to be a priority for online instructors, and it presents unique challenges", she says. Some online students call her, and those on campus stop by her office - but most communication occurs through email and discussion forums.  Dr. Whisler tries to communicate clearly to the entire class through announcements and assignment instructions. She also provide a CyberCafe where students can post questions so that the whole class can benefit from seeing them and the responses. When students do have questions, she makes it a point to respond to them the same day, if possible.

Dr. Whisler says students need connections with other students, so so she uses Wimba in most of her online classes as a place for them to meet in small groups. "They are usually a little apprehensive at first, but quickly become 'hooked'," she reports. Online learning provides convenience not only for students, but also faculty.

Whisler loves giraffes, travel, and nature. Something interesting about Whisler is that she learned she was expecting her second child (who is now 27) during an 800-mile bicycle trip (Ragbrai) across the state of Iowa. She rode an average of 100 miles a day, in 100+ degree temperatures, and slept on the ground (in tents) at night.

Learn more about eMajor's elite instructors and programs at emajor.usg.edu.

Organizational Leadership Major - Cassidy Duncan

What is your occupation?
Full time student and also work part time. 

What is your college major?   
Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Public Administration.

How did you come about choosing this major? 
I was looking for something that I enjoyed to do and wanted to change majors. 

What career path do you want to take upon graduation? 
Where ever the Lord sends my fiancé and I for him to go to dental school (he will be my husband by this point), is where I’ll look for a job. I’m hoping to work for a great organization using my degree. 

Why eMajor? 
Online classes work best for me. You are in control of when you do you work, but also know that you have to be organized and disciplined to do your work and get it turned in on time.

Who is the biggest inspiration for your education? 
My parents are my biggest inspiration. They told me when I was little,” the sky's the limit.” I have had that mind-set all my life. They support me and encourage me all the time. 

What is something cool you've learned this semester in eMajor? 
That online classes actually are interesting and that they can be fun and interesting.

What three words would you use to describe one of your online instructors? 
Helpful, understanding, and challenging

Where is your favorite place to visit in the USA? 
The beach. I love to feel the sand between my toes and soak up the sun!

What kind of mood are you in right now, and why? 
I’m in a good mood. A little stressed with finals and getting prepared for my wedding on December 15^th. But very relieved that I made it and it’s almost over. J

What is your favorite study spot? 
I’d say the library. I get more done there than I do at home. I find everything to do, but study when I’m home.

What is something your online classmates don't know about you? 
There is so much that my online classmates don’t know. You’re never around them, so there is not too much communication unless you are in a group with them.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? 
Not that I can think of.  

Restoration Time

Time to Recharge -

 

Most of us are already pining for the days of the long holiday break to sleep late, gorge ourselves on sweet treats and cheese ball, spend hours in front of the television watching reruns of King of Queens or perhaps head to the movies.  No doubt, we are in need of rest and relaxation and enjoying time with our families.

  It is important to clear your mind of algebraic equations, sociological theory, or the Georgia constitution, and fill your head with dancing sugar plums for a while!

I want to suggest that during the many days away from school and the computer that you keep yourself motivated so that you can return in January with tenacity and a fresh perspective. 

Here are a few tips while recharging over the break.

Keep reading.   Finding things you love to read over the break will keep your mind stimulated and your vocabulary sharp. (Please don’t rely on Facebook for ALL of you intellectual perusing J ).  

Maintain “to-do” lists.  Staying on some kind of schedule and accomplishing tasks is important for a healthy outlook and keeps you from staying up all night and sleeping all day.   Jot down a few things to accomplish daily. Examples might include: cleaning out a closet, writing a letter, volunteering at a local agency for a couple hours, washing your van, etc…

Stay active. There is something to be said for getting 30 min of exercise a day.  This can be a simple walk around your neighborhood, heading to the mall (without a pit stop at the food court), or light housework.  Exercise keeps your heart healthy and your mind rejuvenated.  It sure doesn’t hurt to help prevent those notorious holiday pounds either! 

Eat one healthy item (at least) a day. If you love to eat, like I do, it is too tough to steer clear of the holiday sugar cookies, Aunt Betty’s meatballs, or the homemade bacon wrapped scallops.  So try to balance out the gorging by keeping some healthy items on hand.  Have a bag of apples or fresh cut veggies in the fridge.  Sip on water all day- every day.  It will help keep you feeling fuller and also does wonders for your skin!

Keep school in mind.  Classes will resume before you know it. Be sure you get your supplies (books/ notebooks) before classes start. If you are an “online” student review your email periodically.  Be aware of the new “log in” procedures for eCore/eMajor and get yourself acclimated in class the first available date.

So, go ahead!  Enjoy the extended winter break!  May it be a time of restoration and peace.  If you follow a few of these outlined items it might just allow for you to have an easier transition into the spring semester.

by: Karen Lingrell, Collaborative Programs Assistant Director

Reference: http://personalexcellence.co/blog/healthy-living/

Meet eMajor Student and Newlywed Brandi Carpenter

1. What is your occupation? Medical Billing Specialist

2. What is your college major? Office Administration and Technology

3. How did you come about choosing this major? I work full time, and it was becoming very hard to make sure my school schedule fit with my work hours. I needed to be able to take classes online. I talked with a few people who recommended the degree program and I changed my major. It has been very helpful with my work schedule.

4. What career path do you want to take upon graduation? I really enjoy medical billing. I've changed jobs a few times in the past year, but I went right back to my old employer with the same position. I enjoy my job, and would like to further progress in the position and possibly earn the title "billing manager".

5. Why eMajor? The online courses are perfect with my work schedule. My job requires that I be available for our patients during the hours we are open. If they have billing inquiries, I need to be there to help them. Also, my job is non-stop, so there is always more to do. I was getting behind at work having to physically go to class.

6. Who is the biggest inspiration for your education? My mom. She managed to get her GED after having to drop out because my sister was born, and after I was born she managed to still go back and get her Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management. I respect that she did not allow anything to hold her back from pursuing her dreams.

7. What is something cool you've learned this semester in eMajor? I'm in a class right now that teaches Quickbooks. I am not at all familiar with this program, but I realize I was missing out. Quickbooks is a amazing program that teaches you not only the accounting that I learned in beginning accounting classes, but also teaches me the things I did not get to learn. Payroll was the biggest thing. I have always been curious, but now I know.

8. What three words would you use to describe one of your online instructors? Organized, Responsive, Understanding

9. Where is your favorite place to visit in the USA? Helen, GA - It is so beautiful!

10. What kind of mood are you in right now, and why? I'm a little frustrated, I have an online assignment that is labeled as a "group" project, but my partner is no where to be found. I don't understand doing a group project in an online setting.

11. Your favorite study spot? The library at the VSU campus. They have an internet cafe with a small coffee place in case you need a boost of energy.

12. What is something your online classmates don't know about you? I'm originally from Kennesaw, GA. I'd never lived anywhere else until I moved to Valdosta for college.

13. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?

I got married this semster, on October 6, my instructors were so supportive and understanding of this major life event.
(And, the poor planning on my part-which was having it during a school semester!) They worked with me and gave me all the tools I needed to succeed in class, while still abiding by their guidelines and due dates.

CAREER 101 -- What can I do with my Major in...

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

I began a web - based search to explore where a student majoring in Organizational Leadership major might go post graduation. What kind of jobs are out there? How is field perceived?  What kind of salary should I expect?  Well, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this degree holds some substantial creditability within the job sector and allows for candidates to have a great variety of job options when schooling is complete. The curriculum seems to cover everything from practical skills in organizational finance to leadership theory.  Organizational leadership gives students skills and knowledge necessary to serve in a multitude of leadership or management roles.

What is this degree?
Organizational management involves the strategic leading, organizing, planning and team supervising of companies, firms, businesses and organizations in many job industries. Management can involve leading an entire organization or supervising specific departments, such as human resources, information technology, finance and marketing.

What skills are necessary to become successful?
To become an effective organizational manager, you'll need to develop excellent interpersonal skills, understand human behavior and know how to develop credibility with colleagues and employees.
Also, one has to be be a critical thinker with ability to make decisions and develop strategies. Many companies will seek advice and guidance on how to improve their bottom line and streamline their operations; lucrative job skills for organizational leadership candidates.  On the job, professionals must confront problems or issues, develop and meet business goals, and ultimately  build a company culture that is high-performing. 

What's the pay & job outlook?
Justin Davis outlined in his College Advice Blog: "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general and operations managers earn an average of between $63,000 and $137,000 annually, while upper level executives earn significantly more. CEOs and top level management at major corporations can earn salaries of well over $1 million each year. Of course, how much you earn depends largely on your organization and industry."

Depending on the degree level you pursue, you can find management positions for small companies, large corporations, government agencies and schools. Organizational management professionals wishing to pursue the education sector can work for a school's development office, registrar's office, school administrative unit or charter school association. With a bachelor's degree in organizational management, you could become an entry-level manager for business departments, such as human resources, operations, marketing and information technology.  Other examples of management positions include:  community services manager, health services manager, information technology manager, general manager or management consultant.

If you have already selected this as a career path I foresee a beautiful future. 

by Karen Lingrell, Assistant Director of Collaborative Programs and Career Genius



Sources:
http://emajor.usg.edu/degrees/organizationalleadership/organizationalleadership.php

http://www.collegeadviceblog.com/2012/06/what-is-job-forecast-for-2013-in.html

Additional Resources:
VSU Career Services:  http://ww2.valdosta.edu/career/
O-NET: http://www.onetonline.org/
Degree Directory: http://degreedirectory.org

Org Leadership Approach to Turkey Preparation

1.      Articulate your mission. What is your long-term vision of how the turkey will look at the end of preparation? This should drive all aspects of decision-making, including recipe selection.

2.      Motivate family members  to carry out critical tasks, including preparation of basting sauce and proper formal table setting. Utilize just-in-time training as appropriate.

3.      Strategically leverage innovative technologies, including electric carving knives and internal meat thermometers.

4.      Conduct continuous data analysis of temperature and taste-effects, using fingers if needed. Be cognizant of risk management concerns during this phase.

5.      Embrace a transformative approach to final product rollout, to include active listening strategies during dinner, and a meaningful reward structure of various pies and chocolates.

Meet Cindy Futch Burgoyne

What is your occupation? 

Unemployed (20 year sales veteran)

What is your college major?

Organizational Leadership w/ Spanish Concentration

How did you come about choosing this major? 

I have over 20 years of  experience in Organizational Leadership, and thought this was the perfect degree to fit with my profession.

What career path do you want to take upon graduation? 

Sales Manager or CEO

Why eMajor?  

Flexibility of hours.

Who is the biggest inspiration for your education? 

My family.

What is something cool you've learned this semester in eMajor? 

There are many other non-traditional students like myself re-educating themselves. 

What three words would you use to describe one of your online instructors? Supportive, available, intelligent.

Where is your favorite place to visit in the USA? 

New York. It's where I am from.

What kind of mood are you in right now, and why? 

I am in a great mood as I am closer to my degree!!

Your favorite study spot? 

Outside on the grass.

What is something your online classmates don't know about you? 

I'm 47, speak Spanish, and I ride my own motorcycle.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? 

I feel so much better since I decided to finish my education.