Prof Tech Profile #6: Business Applications Specialist

Today's Prof Tech Profile is on the Business Applications Specialist Program and features a brief Q and A with esteemed faculty member Tonya McCabe.

Hi Tonya. Thanks for joining us on the Go 2 College Free blog. Green River offers a broad range of professional technical programs. Why Business Applications Specialist?

TONYA: The Business Applications Specialist degree offers students an opportunity to develop essential business skills in their area of interest, as well as a comprehensive general education.

In your opinion, what type of person is a good fit for the Business Applications Specialist Program at GRCC?

TONYA: Students who wish to work in a professional, office setting and who enjoy working on projects or tasks that require web design, customer service, and / or advanced computer skills would be a good fit for the Business Applications Specialist program at GRCC.

What jobs will training in this field prepare students for?

TONYA: Students who successfully complete the Business Applications Specialist degree often find employment in a wide range of positions including Project Coordinators, Office Support Specialists, and Executive Assistants depending on their experience and skill set.

Last of all, how can prospective students learn more about the Business Applications Specialist Program at GRCC?

TONYA: Students can contact a Business Ed faculty member or read more about the program by clicking here.

FUNDING TIP! All four Workforce Education funding programs - Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, BFET, and WorkFirst - support the Business Applications Specialist Program at GRCC.

Fall Is Here!

Fall is here and campus is once again bustling with activity. The start of the quarter carries along with it the usual rush of finalizing class schedules and squaring away funding arrangements. But the quarter's start also carries along with it a rich sense of possibility and the promise of reaching new intellectual horizons.

While we're only two weeks into fall, Workforce Education is already setting its sites on the upcoming winter quarter. Specifically, we are gearing up to host another round of Go 2 College Free funding workshops from October 18th through November 8th. Students new to Green River and in need of funding for the winter quarter can visit go2collegefree.com to sign up for a workshop.

Benefits Of Basic Food

According to a recent article on NPR.org, Basic Food (food stamp) use is up 70 percent over the past four years. The spike in Basic Food use is a result of a combination of factors: high rates of unemployment, rising prices, stagnant wages, as well as the home foreclosure crisis. Admittedly, times are tough.

While Basic Food use is on the rise, there still might be folks out there who aren't familiar with this particular safety net service and the benefits that go along with it. Today's post is for those folks as it will cover the benefits of Basic Food.

Obviously, one of the key benefits to Basic Food is a monthly sum to buy food at participating grocery stores. The monthly benefit comes in the form of an EBT card (pictured right) and depends, among other things, on your household size, your income, and your living expenses. According to DSHS, the average monthly benefit for qualifying households in 2010 was about $245. 

Along with the monthly benefit to buy groceries, Basic Food might also help you access a myriad of ancillary resources and support services including:

• Tuition assistance through the BFET Program at Green River Community College
• Childcare assistance through the Working Connections Childcare subsidy at DSHS  
• Enrollment of school-age children in free or reduced meal programs
• Discounted telephone service through the Washington Telephone Assistance Program
• Discounted wireless phone service through AT&T's Lifeline and LinkUp Service

The benefits to Basic Food are many, so if you're having trouble paying bills or buying groceries this month, apply online at foodhelp.wa.gov. The application process is relatively quick and easy, plus it includes no asset test, which means you can own a home, own a car, have money in the bank or a retirement plan to your name, and still be eligible for Basic Food.

Advice For Online Learners

The subject of what makes for a successful online learning experience is one we've addressed in a number of posts here on the Go 2 College Free blog. It's definitely one that is worthy of further reflection.  Today's post is more of the same but from the perseptive of blogger Joshua Kim.

In a recent Inside Higher Ed article entitled "Your Advice For Online Learners," Kim talks about the main things students should keep in mind when they decide to take an online class or a hybrid class (which blends online and face-to-face formats).  Specifically, he highlights 7 Keys To Success for online learners. Below you can find a thumbnail sketch of each Key.
 
1.  Make a schedule.  Kim observes that most online courses require a significant amount of hourly work each week and that, as such, it is important to distribute this workload evenly throughout the week as opposed to cramming on the weekend (tempting as it may seem).  "Block out time," writes Kim, "that you reserve each day devoted to your online course." 

2.  Collaboration is key.  According to Kim, the success of an online course depends largely on the quality of feedback and participation of the course's students. "Strive to be present," says Kim, "and involved in the online environment."  Students will take from the class only as much as they put in. 

3.  Don't be perfect.  At first glance this key to success might sound a bit counterintuitive.  Here, Kim simply recommends that we should priviledge getting work done and submitting it in a timely manner over submitting work late because we're trying to get it done flawlessly.

4.  Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills.  A common, but true, piece of advice.  "Leadership," writes Kim, "is about doing whatever you can to make the course and program successful for everyone." The Golden Rule reiterated.

5.  Be flexible and positive.  Kim observes that taking an online course is a marathon, not a sprint.  It's important to pace yourself and to remain calm if you experience barriers along the way (like a computer crashing or any other technology failure - it's bound to happen eventually).    

6.  Proactively communicate.  Similar to Key number 2.  Here, Kim recommends communicating proactively with the course instructor and fellow online students, especially if you have a question or are unclear on the requirements of an assignment or project.
 
7.  Enjoy yourself.   Sometimes we get so bogged down with assignments and stressed out that we lose sight of the bigger picture.  Keep in mind, urges Kim, that the ability and opportunity to partcipate in higher education is a gift.  We're bettering ourselves.  (There's also the fact that online courses allow students to learn from the comfort of home on their own timetable - enjoy it!).

Online Ed Trends

According to a May 18th article on Inside Higher Education, a recent survey shows that community colleges continue, each year, to offer more and more online classes and hybrid classes ("hyrid" formats blend in-person and online elements).  This trend makes sense in light of the fact that online classes provide potential costs savings for colleges, and also provide more convenience for students who can't make the commute or who prefer learning from the comfort of home. 

The IHE article also notes, interestingly enough, that completion rates for students in online classes lag behind completion rates of students who enroll in traditional, face-to-face classes.  This statistic highlights the importance of setting yourself up for success and figuring out, in advance, if online classes are right for you.  So let's start a short conversation around that very question:

Are online classes right for you?

Coming up with an answer will require some self-inventory and reflection on the experience and skills you bring to the table. We've discussed the question of what makes a good online student in an earlier post, but it never hurts to review ground already covered.

While they provide a convenient alternative to the traditional physical classroom experience, keep in mind that online classes (and to a lesser extent hybrid classes) imply a certain type of learner.  Students who typically succeed in online learning environments are:

• Highly motivated
• Have a capacity for self-guided learning
• Have good time management skills
• Take initiative in contacting the instructor with questions

In addition, students who typically succeed in online learning formats already possess a key set of skills.  Specifically, they already know how to:

• Use the internet
• Use a search engine
• Send and receive email with attachments
• Use word processing applications
• Use a chat room

Are you a self-starter? Do you have good computer skills? Do you want to learn from the comfort of home?  If so, online classes might be right for you.  Green River offers a wide variety of online classes in both university transfer and professional technical pathways, so you've come to the right place. Check out the e-learning page on the Green River website for more information.

Foundation Scholarships

Workforce Education administers four funding programs which help qualifying students pay for school.  Our programs include Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, WorkFirst, and Basic Food Employment & Training. 

When students approach our office to apply for one or more of these programs, we also help them identify and apply for additional funding programs on campus or in the community as part of a larger strategy to leverage all resources. Some of those additional programs include, Federal Financial Aid, Workforce Investment Act funds, as well as scholarships offered on TheWashBoard.org. 

As stated in earlier posts, our philosophy in Workforce Education is simple: create options for yourself by applying for as many different funding programs as possible to help pay for school.

In line with this philosophy, we regularly encourage students to apply for scholarships offered through the Green River Community College Foundation.  This is especially the case for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year, as the Foundation will offer over 160 scholarships, most of which are program or need based, and range in amounts from $500 to $3000.

It's easy to apply, too.  Students can fill out an online application (it's only 4 pages), then print it out and return it to the Financial Aid Office in LC 231.  The application deadline for 2011-2012 scholarships is April 29th, 2011.  If you have questions, feel free to call the GRCC Foundation at 253-833-9111 ext 3330 or visit www.greenriver.edu/foundation_scholarships.

Interesting Fact: Over 50% of full-time employees at GRCC make contributions to the Foundation, giving over $52,000 last year.

Prof Tech Profile #5: Information Technology

Today's Prof Tech Profile is on the Information Technology Program and features a brief Q and A with esteemed faculty member Alan Carter.

Hi Alan, thanks for joining us on the blog.  In your opinion, what type of person is a good fit for the Information Technology Program at GRCC?

ALAN:  Someone who has a strong interest in working with technology and working with people, and who enjoys learning new things because technology is continually changing.

Students can choose from a wide variety of IT-related degree and certificate programs at GRCC.  How can prospective students interested in IT determine what degree or certificate is best for them?

ALAN:  I think that the very best way to accomplish that is for students to come discuss their interests with an IT instructor.  That said, if students like helping others with their computer difficulties, they could pursue the Computer Support Specialist degree or the IT Help Desk certificate.  If students think they would like working primarily on network servers, they could pursue the IT Networking degree.  If students think they would like to work with routers and switches to maintain the network infrastructure, then they could take the IT Networking Infrastructure degree. 

Any other IT-related degrees you would like to highlight?

ALAN:  If students plan to continue on to a bachelor's degree, then the IT Systems AAS-T degree is their best choice.  The IT Systems degree was designed so that students could go to work immediately after finishing their IT degree, and is also optimized for transfer.  This degree is very general in nature, and prepares students for a wide variety of roles in the workplace. 

How can prospective students learn more about the field of IT in general?

ALAN:  The best way for them to learn more is to have them visit one of the IT instructors during their office hours!  We are always happy to help a student learn more about IT, and the careers that they might choose. 

Funding Tip!  The following Workforce Education funding streams support the IT Program at GRCC: Worker Retraining, BFET, and WorkFirst.

Prof Tech Profile #4: Natural Resources

Today's Prof Tech Profile is on the Natural Resources Program, and features a brief Q and A with esteemed faculty member Dick Hopkins (Dick was also named the 2008 Forester of the Year by the Society of American Foresters, which you can read more about by clicking here). 

Hi Dick.  Thanks for joining us on the blog.  To start, what type of person is a good fit for the Natural Resources Program at GRCC?

DICK:  The characteristics of many of the incoming students in Natural Resources include: interest in learning about the science of nature; those who enjoy hiking uphill in the woods and in the rain; those who are fascinated with fire; those who want to work outdoors and think the day begins before sunrise; those who are hands-on and visual learners; those interested in forest ecology; those interested in fish, birds, insects, and wildlife; those interested in using renewable resources; those interested in forest engineering and equipment; and those who want to plant new seedlings in the ground.

What jobs does a degree in Natural Resources prepare students for?

DICK:  Forest technician, biological science technician, scientific technician, forest contract supervisor, owner or consultant of a natural resources contracting company, forest fire crew supervisor, forest engineering assistant, forest inventory technician, geographic information systems (GIS) technician in natural resources, assistant park ranger, trail maintenance supervisor, fish hatchery technician, streams technician, or reforestation supervisor.

How can prospective students learn more about the Natural Resources Program at GRCC, and how can they learn more about the field in general?

DICK:  To learn about the program at GRCC, visit the Natural Resources webpage at http://www.naturalresourceseducation.com/.  To learn more about the field in general, visit the Society of American Foresters webpage at http://www.safnet.org/.

Funding Tip!  All four Workforce Education funding streams - Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, BFET, and WorkFirst - support the Natural Resources Program at GRCC.   

Prof Tech Profile #3: Early Childhood Education

Today's Prof Tech Profile is on the Early Childhood Education Program at GRCC, and features a brief Q and A with esteemed faculty member Diana Holz.

Thanks for joining us on the blog, Diana.  In your opinion, what type of person is a good fit for the ECE Program at GRCC?

DIANA:  First and foremost, individuals entering the field of early childhood education must truly like to be around children!  To be successful, ECE must also be organized with a keen eye for detail.  In addition, the field of education also requires the ability to multi-task, problem-solve, and relate well to others.  Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness are key to one's success.  Good physical and mental healther are imperative, too.  Finally, individuals entering the field should be aware that the program requires a significant amount of reading, writing, observation, and research.

What jobs does a degree in ECE prepare students for?

DIANA:  Students prepare to work in childcare centers, Head Start programs, Montessori preschools, public and private school environments for K-5, as well as human services organizations serving children and families.  Some graduates open their own centers or family care programs.

This last question has two parts: one, how can prospective students learn more about the ECE program at GRCC? and two, how can they learn more about the field in general?

DIANA:  Interested individuals can learn more about the program at GRCC by stopping by the ECE office on campus in SMT 235, or by emailing the Program Director (me) at dholz@greenriver.edu.  An excellent way to learn more about the field of ECE is to enroll in the online class entitled, ECE 101: Intro To Early Childhood Education.  Although the class is online, there are organized field trips available that enable the student to see various types of programs.

Funding Tip!  All four Workforce Education funding streams - Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, BFET, and WorkFirst - support the ECE program at GRCC. 

Prof Tech Profile #2: Geographic Information Systems

Today's Prof Tech Profile is on the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program at GRCC, featuring a Q and A with esteemed faculty member Sabah Jabbouri.

Hi Sabah.  To start, can you tell us a little bit about the discipline of GIS?

SABAH:  Geographic Information Systems is not only geography - it is Geospatial Technology, the technology of the 21st century.  GIS is a multidisciplinary geodatabase system, using mapping and data analysis for decision-making processes.  It relates information to locations on earth and can be applied to any discipline, including education, natural and environmental science, homeland security, media, social sciences, economics, politics, business, as well as forestry and fire management field work.

What jobs does a degree in GIS prepare students for?

SABAH:  We prepare students to be GIS technicians, GIS analysts, or GIS specialists, depending on their educational background.

What's the GIS Program like at GRCC?

SABAH:  The GIS Program at GRCC provides students with an extensive skill set that includes:

• A comprehensive education
• Advancted technology
• Hands-on learning
• A GIS internship program that provides practical work experience
• An opportunity to enhance existing GIS skills

The emphasis is on application, and students are encouraged to apply what they learn in their area of interest and final GIS project. The final project is a synthesis of skills and is required for graduation. The GRCC GIS Program is known for introducing GIS into the community by demonstrating the power of GIS in real world applications.

How can prospective students learn more about the GIS Program at GRCC? And how can they learn more about the field in general?

SABAH:  Visit the GRCC website by clicking here.  Updated information can be found about the GIS Program at GRCC as well as student projects.  Also, every single county, city, state and federal agency has its own GIS center of department.  The U.S. Department of Labor listed Geospatial Technology as a "High Growth Industry."  For more information, please click here.  Last of all, to learn more about GIS and its application, please visit the Esri website by clicking here. 

Any parting GIS-related updates to share with our readers?

SABAH:  Recently, we learned that the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has signed an agreement that provides all K-12 schools, districts, and formal youth clubs in the state with free access to Esri's ArcGIS software.  Please click here for more information.

FUNDING TIP! The following funding streams support the GIS Program at GRCC: Worker Retraining, Basic Food Employment & Training, and WorkFirst.  In addition, Opportunity Grant funding supports the GIS Option AAS degree under Natural Resources.