One amazing woman and the journey to fulfill her dream

Saturday, June 11, 2011 by Deidre Romeo
Below is the story of one amazing Granite State College student that I came across when reviewing application essays for the GSC ALA Scholarship this past spring.  With a student such as Lori in your classroom, you not only learn with her, but from her.
Lori"You may have seen the ad for Dyson vacuum cleaners. James Dyson tells how he tried some 5,000 times to get the vacuum cleaner design and function he wanted, but he didn’t give up, and it culminated in the popular Dyson Ball. I am drawn to stories of people determined to reach a goal probably because I feel I can relate especially in my quest for education beyond high school.

I loved growing up on a farm in the Midwest, but the path of least resistance would have been to live and work for the rest of my life in the small town six miles down the road. I came from hard-working parents who believed higher education was good for those who knew exactly what they wanted to do and had the money to do it. At age 18, I knew this left me out on both counts, but somehow I was going to navigate my way in an unfamiliar world by myself.

I believe a curiosity about so many things and a love of learning has been wonderful, but for the last 30 years it’s also made finding my place in the working world a challenge. I have always enjoyed creating/designing, organizing spaces, history, and what makes people do what they do to name a few. If an entry level job, which has been what I’ve been qualified for, didn’t have any of the above attributes nor the potential for advancement, it didn’t hold my interest over the long term. I always felt that going back to school to tqake adult college courses could increase my options for a better job so I took courses here and there, but I allowed myself only a certificate program time commitment which proved to be too narrow in scope.

Over the years, my quest for an adult education diploma had become a common theme of hope for the future. I was accepted into an adult college program, but got married and we had to move too far away for me to attend. However, for the next eight years I pursued and finished an Associate’s Degree while working part-time and raising a family. Later, during my divorce when my kids were in middle school, survival and stability became the priorities. After a few years, I was accepted into another adult college program at a local university. As I was making plans to go to college fulltime, diagnosis of a serious illness turned my world upside down. Surgery, treatment and keeping life positive at home for my kids put education on the back burner once again.

Nearly two years ago with my kids out on their own, I made plans again to pursue a Bachelors degree. To make this work financially, I sold, donated and discarded most of my possessions. I started at
Granite State College, but I needed some direction. Through introspection, good advising, and taking SDLR 550, I realized a self-design program in Gerontology was a good choice for me. At 54, accumulating educational debt when I ought to be planning for retirement seems counterintuitive, but I now have hope for my future. I want to flourish in life, not just survive it.

Gerontology, is the study of the process of aging, across the life span, whose multi-disciplinary aspects include physical, mental, social and spiritual changes in people as they age. Much of my interest comes from a deep affection and respect for the elderly which has developed over my lifetime. This has been supported by many influential experiences with elderly relatives. My dear grandmother wasn’t conventionally domestic, but we spent countless hours on a creek bank just talking and fishing. She was a young widow who didn’t drive and was dependent on people for transportation, but she was a lady with a very independent spirit.

Older persons inspire and fascinate me with their personal perspectives of historical events. I’ve enjoyed talking with people who lived through the Great Depression, served in wars, and some who survived the holocaust. The residents I’ve come to know while working at RiverWoods, a CCRC, have experienced the benefits and joys of family, higher education, and financial success. All gracefully persevere through the loss of family, friends, and health.

I can’t tell you exactly what I want for a position, but I feel that my determination toward this degree will afford me more employment options and opportunities hopefully helping the elderly flourish at whatever age they are. As independent as I tend to be, I realize the importance of interdependence and the reciprocal nature of giving and receiving. I appreciate the opportunity to apply for this scholarship as it will help me achieve my goal. I look forward to being in a position helping others achieve their goals and unlocking their own potential regardless of age."

Moving Day!

Friday, June 3, 2011 by Gail Gifford
Another move is underway. Boxes are everywhere to be seen!!

The day started early at 6am when the truck arrived to load up my belongings and head to my new adventure/destination.  I have a new address, actually an old address, as I am moving back to the same city I was raised in.  I am sad to leave my newly-built dream home, but I am also happy to be back in Michigan and close to my dad who will be 90 this year. 

I am moving into a much smaller home, eight hundred and one square feet to be exact.  I have been running to the dump and goodwill the past few days; pitching stuff I don't need, don't have space for or just tired of moving it from one state to the next.  I figure if I haven't opened the box from my NH days, which was 4 1/2 years ago, I didn't need it.  I was surprised the boxes that came in that category.  We all tend to save things for sentimental reasons and yet, someday someone else will pitch them for us when we are dead and gone. 

There is one thing no one can pitch though, and that is an adult college education from Granite State College.  The value in an education is so great and the good example of continuous learning will be passed on for generations.  Whether a grandson says someday, "Grandma went back to school," how cool is that? I hope I have been a good example for my family and I pray they keep going to school all of their lives.  An adult college degree is priceless, kind of like the commercials on TV about Master Card.  There are just some things that don't have a price on them and a dult college education doploma is one of them.

Got to get back to the movers... more later.

College Educations?

Sunday, May 22, 2011 by Gail Gifford

I was sitting at the coffee shop this morning, listening to the news on TV and heard that college educations are not worth getting.  It aggravated me so much as I disagree.  Yes, maybe our economy is rough, there are lots of people who get degrees and can't get jobs. But, if you don't have a degree, do you have the knowledge or credentials to get a job if one were to come up? No.  Getting an adult education degree is so valuable, I don't care what the economy is like. It grows your mind, your soul, your personality and knowledge is power. It always has been and always will be.

Accelerated degrees are so available at Granite State College. With weekend intensive classes as well as online classes for adults, college is possible for anyone. I hope the young adults don't stop dreaming and stop learning. I hope that people who are ready for a change in life job choice, grasp the concept of going back to school.  Going back to school for me was the best decision I ever made and I will always be in the learning mode. 


Priceless

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 by Danielle Dodd

I have been thinking about the value of a dollar recently. I remember when I was younger I thought I was rich when I had $100 to my name. I was king of the world and I could buy anything I wanted. Well those days are completely gone (I just got my first cable bill and it was $200!?).

I may not be able to make $100 go as far as I use to, but I am happy with the money I have been putting into my Bachelor’s of Science degree from Granite State College. After a lot of research, I learned that Granite State College offers the least expensive Bachelor’s degree in the entire state of New Hampshire!

That coupled with the small class sizes and more individualized attention that I receive from staff and instructors (staff at the campuses know most of their students names!!!), I am very happy with my choice to return to school to pursue my adult college degree.

Did you know that most of the Instructors here teach as a second job? That means that they actually LOVE to do what they do here. Why else would you take on another job? Instructors here actually take the time to know you as an individual, not just another student in their class. I remember taking a Psychology class at one of the local community colleges and I was one of 35 people in the class. The instructor did not know who I was and did not know I was even a part of his class when I raised my hand.

Here, at Granite State College, I am Danielle Dodd, a student, a worker and a mother. My instructors take the time to ask me about my day, about my son, and to make sure that I understand the work. They take the time out of their busy schedules so that if I am having an issue understanding something, they can meet with me at a time that is convenient for ME, not just offer a time that is convenient for them. Not only that, but the instructors here have full time jobs in their field of study. We have management instructors who are entrepreneurs, Early Childhood Education instructors who have child care centers. We have other instructors who are lawyers and have their doctorates! We are learning from people who not only have the book smarts, but have firsthand knowledge of how the field that we want to enter works! Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better adult college education.

It’s exactly like those credit card commercials that always play:

            School  books: $100.

            School  supplies: $40.

            The unique education and opportunities received: Priceless

A New Home

Sunday, May 1, 2011 by Gail Gifford
After many, many trips with Realtors, I found a home. I new place to hang my hat and call home. It will be so nice to get settled into it and paint, decorate and enjoy my new surroundings.  I went to church this morning and learned of a needlework group that meets once a month, so I am excited about that as I have always wanted to learn how to make socks.  I have an old friend who I met up with for coffee this morning, that was nice also.  It is funny how things just come together the way they do. Sometimes the things we worry about most, just never happen or it all seems to just work out, some way, some how.  School was like that for me, it just happened when I found Granite State College. It was there when I needed an adult college education and when I wanted to transfer my credit from Tennessee.  They all worked with me and helped me to put a workable schedule together. 

This house is a lot smaller than the house I left in South Carolina, but I am excited about it and excited to get it just the way I want it.  A new beginning again, new experiences and new friends.  Life is good in Michigan!!  I also am here with my dad who will be 90 this year, I am happy to be here to enjoy him and help him in his aging years.

Another empowering weekend away...

Thursday, April 28, 2011 by Deidre Romeo
Have you ever had the option of weekend college classes?  There is no academic experience like it.  I try to attend at least one intensive weekend college course every year.  This year my weekend course included a white-knuckled drive up North due to the unexpected snow storm we experienced on April 1st!  The drive was worth every tense moment for what I gained through the weekend.  One of the unique advantages of attending school in an adult education program environment is the diverse and eclectic group of students sitting alongside you. 

My fellow students ranged from seasoned professionals, some of whom had already earned a master's degree, to 22-year-old recent graduates yet to enter the workforce.  The learning outcome in the weekend course environment is enhanced greatly by the personal, professional and academic experiences of those in attendance.  This is something that is not attainable at a traditional weekday college course.

Of course the competence, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of the faculty of any education and career advancement class is of equal importance.  Most of the professors of adult college classes have spent many years working outside of the college environment in their fields of expertise.  During my most recent weekend college class we had professors who are published authors, current and former business owners and valuable community leaders in attendance.

Our weekend experience ended with our professor belting out Sinatra's "I did it my way!"




Mom and Daughter!!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011 by Gail Gifford
It has been a last couple of weeks.  Between interviews, job offers, moving, leaving the home I had built to my liking and my oldest daughter's wedding last Saturday, can I breath now?   I am driving up to Michigan where I will reside and call home for a few years. I am hoping to get south again someday and retire where it is warm most of the time, but for now, I am Michigan-bound.  I grew up in Michigan so it is like going home to me.  I made so many good friends in South Carolina just like I did in New Hampshire when I lived there and attended Granite State College. Not only college pals, I had my work pals too, they were great times and as I prepared for Amber's wedding, I though of where I was in my life because of my adult college education with my new job just days before me.
Mom and daughter
Ten days later:

I am in Dearborn Michigan and have had three days at my new job. I love my new team and I will learn the job in time, it is a learning curve. Learning has always been part of my life and my days ahead will be even more of a challenge as I learn how to perform my new job.  I enjoy learning new things, functions and embrace new experiences.  I miss my daughter who reside in SC with her new husband but they have their life now, and I want to retire someday in a nice manner.  This new job will give me dream to do just that. I believe I will move back down south when I retire as I don't think I could stand the snow too long but one never knows what the future holds for us.  I may go back to school and get my Masters degree...

Wedding are such happy times!!!

High School VS College

Saturday, April 2, 2011 by Maria Bauer
A few weeks ago, I ran into an old friend from high school. A few days after that encounter, I ran into another friend from high school. It's always amazing how you feel when you run into old friends. There are some people you get very excited to see, and others you get this feeling in the pit of your stomach and in all honesty, you may try to dodge them from seeing you. For most people that I have met (post high school) it's a time in their life they want to forget. And seeing someone from your past can bring up some uneasy feelings that you thought you had buried. 

The reason I bring this up is because seeing two of these people (one from each 'category'), I began to run through in my head what high school was like for me. I tried to remember my teachers, how they taught, the environment, etc. A lot of my high school teachers were very strict about assignments and due dates and making sure they made NO exceptions, because they were trying to prepare us for the "real world" and for college. 
Because of how we were being "prepared", I didn't want to go to college anymore. Of course I had ambitions and I DID want to go to college, but I was expecting that it would not be the experience I had always dreamed it would be. Not after those experiences...
I may not be where I thought I would be when I was 16, but I'm happy to see where I am today. I'm in college, and in a short number of years I will have obtained two adult education diplomas. The exact same outcome as if I had gone off to college right after graduation. 
The differences between high school and Granite State College are numerous! In high school you can become invisible. Very few people know your name, interests, etc. At this Concord, NH college campus, you walk in the front door and you are greeted by your first name! (Side note: I mention Granite State College's Concord, NH college campus because it's my "home base." I go there a great deal, even though I take classes sometimes at the Manchester, NH college campus). 
In high school, no exceptions were made; here at GSC, teachers will work with you and they understand that life happens. Many students who I have taken classes with have demanding jobs and/or children. 
These adult accelerated degree programs are very different from high school. Of course there are always exceptions, but my guess is that these programs work because everyone there has the same goal: to make life better for us. That includes fellow students, and it also includes the faculty. Hazing and bullying don't go on at college (or at least this one). This is the one place you will always look back on as a positive experience. It's a second chance for people (or third, or fourth...). 
In many years down the road you run into someone who you went to college with, there will be no uneasy feelings; you'll finally have an educational experience you are more than happy to revisit. 
The moral of this story: don't let your past experiences hold you back from really living your life. It's always the time to create some new experiences, and you know you'll be better off for it. 

Life After High School

Friday, April 1, 2011 by Bette Papa
I recently attended the 2011 College Access Showcase sponsored by Campus Compact for NH and NHCUC. One of the workshops I attended was with John T. Kirkpatrick, Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts, UNH. A dynamic and engaging speaker, John spoke about his experience as Dean and the challenges that new college students encounter. While his focus was on the traditional aged student in the New Hampshire university system, he made some great points that are appropriate for all of us.

The purpose of higher education is more than just filling students with information. It should not only develop the intellect but also the heart, character, integrity and judgment and how to use all of this wisely.  We want students to become productive and useful citizens contributing to society in a meaningful way. Intellect needs to be balanced with innovation and creativity. 

Look at any job search website and you will find lists of qualities that employees are looking for. Apart from skills in the profession, employers want people who have reasoning skills and the ability to problem solve. Communication skills, both written and oral, are crucial.  Understanding of human behavior is important to be able to work well with others. Having an historical consciousness to have that understanding of how we got where we are today.

As I listened to John talk I realized this makes a good argument to the complaint "Do I have to take these gen eds?" Yes, you do! Those classes help to develop skills apart from those specific to your field of study. They help you to learn about yourself, others and the world around you. 

Granite State College offers a great variety of general education electives that I encourage students to take advantage of. Whether students are looking for online classes for adults or evening college classes there are plenty of classes to choose from that will help develop their creativity, intellect, and compassion.

Computer Issues

Monday, March 28, 2011 by Maria Bauer
There's nothing more frustrating and nerve-wracking then your computer Internet connections giving you problems when you are trying to make a deadline for your online adult education classes. It can never be the days when you know you have a few days to submit an assignment: no, no... it's always on Sunday starting at 6pm, and it's the end of the module (which means nothing can be submitted after Sunday midnight), and you can spend HOURS trying to get your computer working and when it does, it is now Monday morning. 

So what can you do about this? Fortunately, everyone in the Granite State College system are very understanding, and will help you in any way they can. Whether that means going to the college and using their computers, or working with your teacher(s) explaining the situation. My experience has shown me time and time again that the teachers don't want to see you fail: they genuinely want you to do your best and pass the class. And for those who participate and put in the effort, they will help you in any way they can. 

In some respect, high school was harder than college. 

I recently had some *very* annoying Internet issues, and I was very touched at how the faculty helped me. Which got me thinking about other technical issues I have had in the past. Any time I had a question about a form that adult Financial Aid sent me, or any letter about my schooling, I can call them up, or stop over at my home base (the Concord NH college campus), and they will take the time to answer any questions that I have. They are there to help make this process easier for us; including helping us with forms and/or submitting grant requests, etc. It's a true example of adult education services. 
Everyone needs help at one time or another, and I will never forget all of the hands that have been and are reaching out to help. As corny as it sounds: Granite State College is a family. No one is excluded. Everyone knows your name, and it has that true feeling of "home" away from home. 

Goals

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 by Maria Bauer
AH SPRING IS HERE! Although, those snowflakes the size of golf balls was weird way of welcoming us to spring. 

The beginning of spring is my favorite time, especially after a long winter like this one! There's that feeling (spring fever?) that you feel when spring is on its way. There's this sense of relief and feeling like you are waiting to bust out and grab life by the horns. Storm windows are taken down, windows are opening, people are outside a lot more... It's like a cleansing, figuratively and literally from the dark and dreary winter. 

Spring cleaning is here, and even though my house is a MESS from pulling out dusty boxes from the storage areas and going through them, I feel myself releasing all this negative energy from my body and home. Spring is *my* new years. It's the time where I reset my goals that I want to see accomplished; it's my starting over point. 

The beginning of 2011 was not the best. I've been going through some nerve-wracking, serious stuff, and I am ready to put all that behind me. I have this really comfortable chair that I put outside in my little patio and do homework on, (or play on the computer) and I can feel how the rest of the year is going to be for me. I'm ready to reinvent myself. And one of the things that I really loved about all of these revelations, is that my adult accelerated degree program was my #1 priority. I always knew somewhere that I had a lot of pride in my schooling efforts, but this was such a great reminder. 
All of you that are either going through, or are considering going through any type of adult education service should take a second and pat yourself on the back for taking control of your life. School is not easy! It's not just something that you can "do" you have to work at it! YOU are the one that is in charge of your adult financial aid, YOU are the one who goes to the adult education courses, YOU are the one that does the work, YOU are the one that gets the adult education certificate. No one else does that, but you! 
So to all of you: welcome to spring! Really take the time to embrace it! Restate your goals for the year. Spring and summer are the times (for me at least) that I am more inclined to go out and do whatever it is I am focused on. Whether it's weight loss related, school related, or honestly whatever category(ies) your goals may fit in: make this spring *your* chance for a do-over. Spring clean your house, and put your best foot forward. 
Hope to see you in class :)

These are a few of my favorite things

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by Marta Smith
I thought I would share a few of my favorite adult education courses and classes with you. I have had so much fun in many of the classes I have taken at Granite State College, which is an adult education school focused on delivering flexible and affordable education.

I have taken so many writing classes with many different instructors and enjoyed them all, some more than others. Creative fiction was my favorite. Of course the class I took on the Isle of Shoals was awesome. Writing outside on the porch of an old hotel on an island in the middle of the ocean - what could be better!

I also really enjoyed the Astronomy class I took at the Pomfret observatory, it was a little cold that spring, but we still enjoyed it. The Sustainable Gardening class I have mentioned many times, but it bears repeating, was amazing, and we were outside for almost every class and the field trips were amazing.

I took a photography class during one amazing summer and I saw and learned so much - it was my first visit to St, Gauden's and I took some really great pictures there. I have an album that tells the story of that class. One of the best things about it is how it got me to be more observant; everywhere I went that summer I was looking for a new and interesting subject to photograph.

Another really good class was the History of New England which taught me a lot about the ecology of New England and introduced me to several excellent nature writers.

I just thought I would mention some of these because I have seen a few of them listed in the spring catalog. They are offered in different locations. Another class that sounds really good is the Field Botany of the White Mountains - which mentions field trips, I would guess that this will be a fantastic class with many really enjoyable hikes in Northern New England. You might want to check it out!

Those who paved theway

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by Marta Smith
I just realized the other day - I am not the first generation of non-traditional learners.

I know it seems like this midlife, adult education program is brand new, but actually it isn't. I vaguely remember my mother dusting off her books and heading back to school when my youngest sister was about 6. I always thought she did it to get away from my sister, but I may be projecting! Anyway, my mother got her teaching degree beforer she married my father and after they were married they moved around quite a bit. After awhile I was born, then sister number 1 and sister number 2, and my mother became a stay-at-home mom. She may have worked a few part-time jobs over the years, but mostly she stayed home. When my youngest sister went to school, my mother went back to school, taking college evening classes and others, to renew her teaching certificate.

As I was reading the obituary of an older friend who recently passed away, I realized that she had also taken time off to raise her kids and then gone back to school to finish her degree, and then she went on to teach at the local high school. She raised successful children who went on to prestigious colleges and then highly successful careers and then she went back to teach other children how to be successful in life.
So, my point is they are the ones who paved the way for us. It wasn't as easy for them to go back to school and to pursue adult education and training as it is for us. There was less help with tuition and very few places to go and less flexible class schedules. We are so much luckier than those who went before.

World Issues

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by Beth McKenna
Tonight, in my child development class at Granite State College's Portsmouth NH college campus, we were talking about cognitive development of high school students. We discussed how during the high school years, children are transitioning to adulthood, not only in their size, but also in their thinking. Students in high school begin to analyze things from a variety of perspectives. They start to think of themselves as part of a larger world and they start to make moral judgments based on an understanding of right and wrong. You might not think that education classes at Granite State College would touch on world issues, but as we discussed thinking and reasoning, we also talked about issues facing not only today's teens, but also issues facing our country and our world. Should we be concerned about the fate of people half way around the world in Japan? Should we care about how the United States is responding to the crisis in Libya? There are many classes at Granite State College that will allow you to think more deeply about world issues. Think about registering for online classes or face to face classes. These might be behavioral science classes or critical thinking or an online class for criminal justice. Try registering for an adult education class. Many of the classes will encourage you to think and offer you a chance to discuss your ideas with other people who are also interested in world issues.

What month is this again!

Monday, March 21, 2011 by Marta Smith

Wasn't it just last week when it was 50 degrees and sunny? I looked out the window this morning and what do I see - more snow! I was planning on a craft program this week at the library, we were painting plant pots and then planting seeds in them. But, somehow, the project doesn't seem so timely after more snow. On the other hand it may be the only green growing things we get to see for awhile.

I guess if we were having a spell of good weather it would be harder to concentrate on school and right now I am finishing one class and getting ready to start another one.

Another exciting thing happening this spring is the first semester of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Insitute) at Granite State College at the Claremont NH college campus. I will actually be helping with the computer class which still has several openings. The classes are available to students over 50 and the cost is very reasonable - appropriate offering from an adult education school!

If you know someone who might like to sign up let them know about it.

TOP 10 REASONS TO TAKE AN ONLINE CLASS

Monday, March 21, 2011 by Chuck Bagley

Learning online at Granite State College is practical and functional for many adult learners taking adult college courses.  It lends itself well to how adult learners learn best, under the unique conditions they often find themselves.  Online learning is appealing from a practical lifestyle perspective but also from a theoretical and neuro-scientific perspective.   Here are the top ten reasons to take online classes for college:

Easy to get started - You can get started learning online with a computer and Internet access.   Computers are becoming more powerful, less expensive and more user-friendly.  Internet service is widely available in many places.  If owning your own computer or accessing the Internet from home is a problem, many public libraries offer free computer and Internet access.  Be sure to check your school’s technical requirements for your computer before taking an online class. 

Economical - No travel costs, no commuting, and no dormitory fees - just tuition and occasionally materials fees.

Accessible – As long as you have an Internet connection, you can access your online course.  This is particularly appealing to parents of young children or students who travel often for their work.

Flexible –Unable to make a 9:00 AM Economics lecture on a college campus?  Online classes are available 24 hours a day.  You can learn online from your own home at a time that is convenient for you. 

Effective – When you take online classes for adults, you can expect to learn important career building skills and abilities equal to, or better than, a traditional classroom setting.  According to a 2010 evaluation of online learning conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, “Students in online conditions performed modestly better, on average, than those learning the same material through traditional face-to-face instruction.” 

It gets better - Thanks to advances in technology, learning online continues to improve at an unprecedented rate.  New technologies facilitate active engagement that allow adult learners to apply, integrate, implement, differentiate, and formulate new learning into experience generating activities.   Technological advances also enhance learner connectedness, interaction and mutual support.  Immersive learning environments and serious games are no longer distant concepts but rapidly becoming more common in online learning. 

Challenging – Though there are deadlines and due dates, there are no class meeting times (although some online classes may require mandatory synchronous session), you are constantly working on your own resourcefulness and initiative to complete the coursework. 

Time for Reflection – Unlike a face-to-face class where immediate responses are often required in class discussions, online discussion boards allow time for thoughtful reflection and critical thinking when interacting and responding on an online discussion board.   This reflection time can facilitate metacognition – thinking about one’s own thinking or “the ability to monitor one’s current level of understanding and decide when it is not adequate” (How People Learn, 2000).   

Your experience counts – Online learning facilitates the connection to past experience (cognitive activation) critical to the adult learning process.  Raymond Wlodkowski author of “Enhancing Adult Motivation to Learn” explains it this way; “adults have had more time and seen the benefits and outcomes of a greater variety of experiences.  Neurologically, their brains are more developed and capable of judging, planning, and making decisions about their experiences in a manner that is more integrated, stable, reflective, and future oriented.”  Online learning interactive activities such as discussion boards, blogs and journals provide the opportunities to employ an adult’s “rich mosaic of experience” at deeper levels of learning as part of the learning experience. 

Meaningful - You determine the meaning of the learning.  “Most experts who have studied or participated in online learning communities share an approach to adult learners described as ‘constructivism.’ It is based on the premise that knowledge is constructed by adult learners as they filter new information through the prism of their own experience. It is quite different from the more traditional ‘objectivist’ idea of knowledge as a preexisting reality that teachers simply transmit by means of effective communication, and reinforce through practice and repetition. Constructivists expect adult learners to be active, reflective, and creative: managing their own learning process and often collaborating with each other to test new ideas and information by applying them to real problems and circumstances. Therefore, constructivists often describe their approach as student-centered rather than teacher-centered. Instructors facilitate learners’ progress rather than operating primarily as podium-based sages.” – Dr. Burgess Smith, Granite State College. 

Like any other endeavor, learning online is what you make of it.  Organization, discipline and hard work are all successful components to a positive online learning experience.    As Judy Willis, MD, M.Ed. puts it: “The person who does the work LEARNS.”


Citations

Means, B, Toyama, Y, Murphy, R, Bakia, M, & Jones, K. (2010). Evaluation of Evidence-based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies .  U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development Policy and Program Studies Service.

How People Learn. (2000). Washington, D.C.  National Research Council.

Wlodkowski , R. (2008). Enhancing Adult Motivation to Learn. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Smith, B. (2011, February). How We Learn Online [Web log message]. Retrieved from https://blackboard.granite.edu/  


3 weeks left!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 by Maria Bauer
The end of the term is approaching fast. I have taken my first 5 week intensive online class. This (of course) is held the last 5 weeks of the term: which is the same time I have major research papers due in my other classes. It's a different type of experience. What's great is that adult education classes have the correct forum to try new things. Everything you do, every class you take will help you in your future endeavors. And everyone is traveling down the same road you are.

I am currently in this place where even though there are only 3 more weeks of classes, I know that time is going to fly by, however it feels like the days are never ending. This is the time when papers are due, quizzes are there to finish, etc. Outside of school, things have seemed to pile up and everything has now been officially moved to "#1 priority" which need to be done yesterday.

Life does this to you. These moments help define who you are as a person. I cannot even begin to tell you how many strong people I have met that will repeatedly stand up to the challenge. It's at these home stretches where you either "break" or walk against the wind "fight or flight."

I am a person who reflects...a lot! I was thinking about my first weekend intensive class I had at the Concord NH college campus here at Granite State College; not so much about the class itself but the atmosphere of it all. It was a very comfortable place for me. Not only was the class itself filled with information, but what was happening around us. Our class was constantly laughing - so much we had to shut the doors. The best part about it: we weren't the only ones! There were Foster Parent Classes right down the hall. Whatever you were there for, everyone seemed to have a glowing aura.

Career College Training is a resource that has become more easily accessible. From 4 year colleges, to strictly online classes, to adult accelerated degree programs (or even adult education certificates) which can be completed during day and/or night classes: there is something for you out there! 

How does this relate with this being the end of the term for me? It's because I have been put in a position where I need to pick myself up off the ground, dust myself off, and get ready to fight for the next 3 weeks. These 3 weeks will be a test and I can guarantee you I will learn more about who I am as a person. Every experience, new or repeated, will help push us to where we would like to see ourselves. Hard work pays off: although I wouldn't mind having a personal genie at times :) 

The Future of Financial Aid

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by Cortney Henry

As many of you may know, Adult Financial Aid has been a hot topic in recent federal and state budget debates. These debates have left many of us wondering, “What is financial aid going to look like in the future?” I can’t speak for other schools, and I certainly do not profess to know exactly what is going to happen, but here are my thoughts and opinions on how Granite State College students may be affected.

 

With regard to State Financial aid, I believe we will see a cut to many of the grant and scholarship programs for New Hampshire. Governor Lynch proposed the elimination of the Post-Secondary Education Commission as a stand-alone agency. They are currently the ones administering the NH Incentive Grant. With the proposed elimination, it is unclear who, if anyone will be administering this program. There have been mentions of each state school receiving an allotment of funding to be used at the school level, but we have not received any official word as of yet.

 

We have been notified; however, that we will no longer have funding for the Unique Allocation Scholarship or the Unique Endowment fund. These funds will be re-directed to support public institutions of higher learning in New Hampshire.

 

In addition, Congress is still debating the proposed cuts to its budget as well. There have been talks of decreasing the annual Pell Grant allotment from $5550 (maximum annual award) to $4705 (maximum annual award). Senate is planning to vote on these proposed cuts this week, and if they are not passed, they will return to the drawing board until they can come to an agreement.

 

That being said, Granite State College is still able to fund the majority of our students using the Federal Aid Programs available to us. Because we are mainly an Adult and Continuing Education college and do not have the high costs of residential campuses, we will not be as heavily affected by these proposed cuts as some of the more traditional colleges in the area. We are confident that no matter what happens, we will have proper funding to assist our students.

 

There are, however, things students can do on their own to help supplement their educational expenses. Because we may have to use more Stafford loan money to cover the portion of charges typically covered by the State Grant Programs, Students should take a good, hard look at what they are borrowing. Students should keep a close eye on their outstanding loan debt by checking the National Student Loan Data System on a regular basis. This will allow them to track how much they have already borrowed and reconsider their borrowing habits. Another good tool to use is the financial aid loan payment calculator. This will give them an idea of what their monthly payment will look like once they have finished their program. These tools allow students to make informed choices as to how they want to spend their money and more importantly, what they can really afford.

 

Another option students should be aggressively pursuing is scholarships. It takes a little more leg work since most have an application and essay requirement, but with the cuts to many grant programs, this is another very feasible way to get free money for education.

Students can create a profile on a scholarship search engine which will then send them different scholarships that may be applicable to them. Another excellent scholarship resource for New Hampshire residents is the New Hampshire Charitable Fund. Specifically, the adult student aid program is designed for adults returning to school to upgrade skills for employment or career advancement. In addition, the statewide student aid program is designed for the traditional student in a four year baccalaureate program.  

 

Keep in mind that not all scholarship opportunities are legit. Take a look at these Scholarship Tips to avoid being caught in the middle of a scam.

 

So as we move forward into the 2011-2012 financial aid award year, things are still very uncertain. Rest assured though, Granite State College will have aid to cover our students regardless of what happens with both the State and Federal governments.


Winter, winter and more winter

Friday, March 4, 2011 by Beth McKenna
Ok, winter is fun for awhile. Some nice white snow in December. Skiing in January, and maybe into February. Snow for school vacation week, but then, isn't that enough? I am beginning to think about spring.

Spring weather, spring flowers, spring break and what about Spring term at Granite State College?

Just think, with all that nice weather coming you can get out again. The nights aren't so cold that you need to hide under a blanket and shiver, so what about registering for an adult education program?

Granite State College offers affordable college study at night. Earn an Adult Education certificate, or just take a course.

Winter will end soon and it is time to believe that the nights will stay above freezing and on those warm spring nights you could be moving your career in a direction as refreshing as that spring breeze. Come on, be brave. I am excited to be teaching a spring course on special needs children and I am also excited that by the time the term starts, it will be spring for real. Hooray!

It's A New Semester, Are You Ready?

Thursday, February 17, 2011 by Ellen Gagnon
     We all have our issues, and life has a way of making sure we keep on our toes too but that doesn't mean my issues need to be my obstacles.  Even if your college legs are not yet under you and you are still a little unsure, you can make a difference in your outcomes by creating your own road map to help ensure your success.

     Talk to your Advisor;  you are not re-inventing the wheel here.  You are an adult going back to school, pursuing adult higher education.  It's been done before so there are things you need to know.  That's why Granite State College makes your first appointment with an Advisor. 

     Listen to what your Advisor tells you.  Then do what they tell you. 

     Balance the ugly with the pretty -- this is something you don't realize at first blush.  Part of my thinking went like this, "I'm 40+ years old and I haven't got time for basket weaving, so I am piling up my courses, because I'm older and wiser."  The reality is that I needed time for the learning to sink in.  Maybe you have to power through to get your degree, but at least remember that learning is not just a task to cross off a list.  It is an experience in and of itself.

     Breathe--'nough said.

     Bite the bullet -- how ever you need to do it, role your sleeves up and get the job done.  Have I told you to call your advisor yet?  I will not lie to you, because that will waste my time and yours. Sometimes they are going to tell you to "put your big girl pants on and get it done",  though not as succinctly as that.  You're in college now you'll recognize it when you hear it. 

     Get ready early -- Get your books.  Make sure your computer is in good shape.  Sharpen the pencils and buy new pens.  Try not to leave registering for classes until the last day of the Add/Drop deadline.  Know your professor's contact information.   Plan your snacks, (seriously, if your blood sugar is low after a long day at work and the professor turns the lights out to start a video at 8PM, you will miss the video because you are fighting to stay awake.)

     Make connections - get together with other students before class or over the weekend.  This helps me keep my "Negative Nancy-speak" at bay.  When I can share with other students in adult education courses, the learning is more enduring.  Check out the GSC Online Library Make sure you connect with your professor too, let them know where you might need help.  Check in with your center's Academic Resource Center to help you brush up your skills.

     Know what the end result should look like.  I like pictures, so I picture myself crossing off assignments on my syllabus as they are completed, or handing in my final assignments.  But the most important picture I keep is the one with me in my cap and gown on graduation day.