In This Issue
Front and Center
 | | Bill Lax |
This edition's spotlight falls on Bill Lax, Ph.D., ISM '01. Bill has used his talents, and his Grad Center training, to become the Dean of Psychology for Union Institute & University www.tui.edu/psyd and develop the Psy.D. program in clinical psychology.
Union Institute has four decades in distance and low residency education and specializes in serving adult learners. With that mission, they were looking for someone to fill the Dean's role who not only had a Ph.D. in psychology (score one for Bill there) but also a solid knowledge of technology. Bill credits his Grad Center studies with giving him an edge in that area and notes that Union Institute was impressed by his awareness of "internet strategy and online management." In addition, Bill had used his training in business and had extensive experience with online delivery systems and had conducted numerous online workshops. In short, Bill was a "natural" for the job.
As Dean, Bill has plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his distance learning strengths - with one cohort right here in the Technology Center in Brattleboro and the other in Cincinnati. Each cohort meets eight Saturdays (shades of the Grad center) in their respective locations, and the entire group gets together for five-day sessions twice a year. In between, there's plenty of learning occurring online.
In his position, Bill points out that he gets plenty of use out of what he picked up at the Grad Center - from business processes and practices to marketing and sales experience that helps with new student recruitment strategies.
Thinking back on his time with us, Bill is quick to point out what he believes are the strengths of the program that have helped him in his career: "For one, there was the emphasis on teamwork and developing projects together. In fact, three of us collaborated on our Capstone Project, which was more than one person could have done. Also, there were the real-world projects."
Undoubtedly, running a doctoral program in two locations demands much of his time, and one would think that when Bill isn't "at the office," he might just want to go home and put up his feet. On the contrary, he likes to put his feet down. Bill loves doing "nature stuff with his partner," Sydney. She and Bill do a lot of walking in the woods together. And if that doesn't prove he's tireless, this will: his other pastime is…cutting wood with his chainsaw!
Bill, you have proven that with vision, preparation, and energy you can be a success in your career and in life. Hat's off to you.
Jane Wilde
 | | Jane Wilde |
We're delighted that Jane Wilde will be teaching our new course, "Teaching and Learning in Virtual Worlds" (see below for details). A self proclaimed computer geek who is also a doctoral student at the University at Albany, NY, in the field of Instructional Technology, Jane brings an outstanding background to the Grad Center.
A twenty-five year veteran educator, Jane has taught at every grade level from Kindergarten to Graduate School. In addition, she is the owner of two consulting businesses. Through Absolute Computing Solutions, she offers teacher training and technology support to k-12 schools. Through Absolutely Virtual, Jane offers training and consulting on the use of virtual environments for education and business.
Looking forward to working with her Grad center students, Jane says, "Want to know what a virtual environment is? Ask any 6 year old about Cub Penguin or Webkins? They won't use these words, but they will invite you into their world of virtual spaces, problem solving, collaboration and communication with children all over the world. As teachers and learners we have the opportunity to enter the rich 3-D world of virtual environments and use constructivist tools to engage in and support learning. I am delighted to be able to offer a course for educators within the virtual world Second Life."
And we are delighted to welcome you aboard.
Use This Spring to Update Your Skills
Two courses for those interested in expanding their online teaching skills, and one course for those wishing to upgrade their knowledge of web development are being offered this spring beginning Saturday, May 3.
"Teaching and Learning in Virtual Worlds" is a new course at the Grad Center and it will explore a variety of 2D and 3D virtual worlds that target children and adults. The course will be taught totally online using a combination of the learning management system Moodle and with a presence in the virtual world platform, Second Life. Students will learn to navigate within this virtual world by creating an avatar (digital representation of self), communicate with others, move and use the map, create and use educational tools, and meet others in this virtual world.
"Facilitating Online Collaborative Learning" will include the topics of learning communities and collaboration, collaborative learning techniques, cooperative, small group, team-based learning, and collaborative assessment. Specifically, students will have opportunities to explore software tools, to implement a variety of collaborative learning techniques, to assess those learning activities, and to create collaborative learning communities.
"Open Source Content Management Systems" will assist current web developers and those who have their own websites and wish to increase their knowledge and improve their skills. HTML experience is required for this course, and CSS experience will be a plus. One of the best tools to enable multiple users to update their own websites is the Content Management System. Students in this course will learn how to leverage the power of open source content management systems as well as how to create an empowered and engaged online community. Hands-on training using Joomla will give participants all of the techniques they will need to successfully manage their own websites.
For more information visit us at the GC website: www.gradcenter.marlboro.edu or call Joe Heslin at 888-258-5665.
Busy April at the Grad Center
To paraphrase Robert Browning, "Oh, to be at the Grad Center
Now that April's there."
Don't let the April showers keep you in front of the tube when there's plenty awaiting you here. Check out these activities that range from free tax preparation to a discussion on climate change
Wednesdays, April 2nd &April 9th
Free Tax Preparation
Provided by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, SEVCA and the United Way of Windham County. This service is available to those living in Windham and Windsor Counties whose income is at or below $40,000. Call 1-800-464-9951 to schedule an appointment.
Tuesday, April 8th 12PM - 1:30 PM
Key4Women Roundtable Discussion - topic TBA
RSVP with KeyBank at (802) 257-7747 or email Samantha at
ssbovat@verizon.net. Don't forget to bring business cards and a lunch!
Key4Women is an exclusive program for women-owned businesses. Through
on-going education, customized service, networking opportunities and access
to capital, we can help with the success of your company. For more
information, contact Samantha at (802) 380-1832.
Thursday, April 10th & April 24th 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Toastmasters Group Meeting
Become the Speaker and Leader You Want To Be
Toastmasters offers a proven way to improve your communication skills. By participating in a fun and supportive Toastmasters group, you'll become a better speaker and leader and gain confidence to succeed in whatever path you've chosen in life. Toastmasters will help you: deliver great presentations, easily lead teams and conduct meetings, give and receive constructive evaluations and be a better listener.
For more information, contact Lisa Sieverts at lks@lisasieverts.com.
Wednesday, April 16th 1:30 PM
2008 National Bereavement Teleconference
Living With Grief®: Children and Adolescents
HFA's 2008 Teleconference will focus on the experience of grieving children and adolescents and the ways that hospice professionals, teachers and school administrators, grief counselors, funeral directors, and parents can best support these populations as they cope with loss and grief. The program and newly published book will focus on the most current theories and practices in this area, and as always will combine academic research with hands-on ideas for use in hospice support groups and other settings. For more information, or to register, call Brattleboro Area Hospice at 257-0775.
Wednesday, April 16th 5:30 PM
Joomla User's Group
All interested Joomla developers are welcome to attend.
Agenda:
- Your questions, problems, sites you've launched lately that are really cool, new things you've learned... A group discussion.
- We've decided to start building this NEJUG website with Joomla as a user group. See your homework below and come with ideas! We'll work on producing a site map at this meeting, and depending on time, we may start building it.
- Jen Kramer McKibben of 4Web, Inc., will talk about JoomSuite Content, an incredible new component that looks like it's going to change the face of Joomla in 2008.
Your Homework:
- Get yourself on the Google Groups mailing list (below) so you can participate in our discussions, get our meeting announcements, and more.
- Start thinking about the features and functionality you'd like to see on this website. What's useful for you? What would you use? If you have specific Joomla extensions you'd like to use, bring those along -- but mostly we're looking for:
- What is the target audience of this website? What are our site goals? What are our organizational goals, and how will this site support those?
- What kinds of content and features support those site and organizational goals?
- What's our plan for rolling out that content and those features?
- Do we want to do everything in the UG meetings, or do we want to farm out pieces of it to group members to complete and then report back on it at the next meeting?
Wednesday, April 16th 7PM
Post Oil Solutions
This month: "Climate Change, Energy and Vermont" with Dr. Alan Betts, internationally known climate scientist of Atmospheric Research in Pittsford, VT
Post Oil Solutions forums are co-sponsored by Marlboro College Graduate Center and are regularly held on the third Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit http://www.postoilsolutions.org or contact Tim Stevenson at 802-869-2141/ info@postoilsolutions.org. RSVP encouraged.
Class Notes
Jen Kramer McKibben, ISM '01 has formed a new company, 4Web, Inc., in conjunction with her business partners Lisa Sieverts (MSM Program Director), Samantha Bovat, and Bill Tomczak.
4Web, Inc., was founded in January 2008 as a website design and development company focused on the client's needs.They proudly build their sites with the Joomla open source content management system. Learn more about them at www.4webinc.com
Kevin Burke, MSIT '06 has updated us: I have been teaching at the Okemo Mountain School for the past two years. Got the job right after graduating from the Grad Center in 2006. I teach all levels of computers from keyboarding to Web Design to Photoshop to Video Editing to MMORPG's (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) and more.
I have also been their IT guy for the past two years making sure the network is up and running at all times. Recently upgraded the network to include a firewall and site blocking, much to the student's dismay. The network was getting overwhelmed by kids downloading with Limewire, playing online games and using myspace and facebook. So much so that the network would crash at lunchtime every day. We are planning for a Network server for next year that will require a login to access the network so we can track the usage and guide the students to a more productive online experience.
I have installed Moodle to help with the online learning, since a majority of the students are involved with travel to competitions. (If there are any resources that are better than others for learning about how to set up and run Moodle I would love to hear about it because we are winging it right now.)
I also wrote their first Acceptable Use Policy. None of this would have even been conceivable had I not gained the knowledge you all provided.
I also just finished up creating the entire media package for the 17th Women's Film Festival. www.womensfilmfestival.org
Poster, Flyer/Brochure, Program Guide, Postcard and Website (all CSS). I am also preparing them for better communications through an introduction to Google Docs and how they can collaborate more efficiently through the use of these and other tools.
Again, None of this would have been possible had it not been for you all.
Thank you so much.
Christopher Clauss, MAT '01, shared this good news:
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My wife Bethann and I were pleased to welcome our first child into the world on March 12. Alaria Lyn was a healthy 8 lbs, 15 oz. Parenthood is a joy; I'm falling in love with this little girl: I'm getting to be a pro at changing diapers in the last few weeks and find myself using words like "poopie" and making silly cooing noises far more frequently than I care to admit.
Karen Case, MAT '07 sent us the following: I am happily ensconsed in my new job at Community College of Vermont where I have completed my probationary period and they have decided I can stay. I've been teaching online web development and will be working on instructional design for an online Digital Photography class to be offered in the fall. As well it was fun to serve on a task force committee that included fellow MCGC Jeff Renard to revamp CCV's Communication Program. Out of my work on that committee came development of a new course called Introduction to Multimedia Applications and Tools, that I am grateful I get to pilot in an online format in the fall.
I'm giving a Blog workshop at the Vermont Professionals in Adult Learning next week and will be presenting my work with Captivate and Pachyderm for making online learning objects at the WebCT/Blackboard Users Group in Amherst in May.
I miss you guys!
Ron Pulcer, MSIE '07 let us know: Not too much has changed work-wise since I graduated, still working at NewsBank. I taught Guitar I at Community College of Vermont again in Fall 2007, and hope to do so again next fall. My goal still is to utilize my Capstone Project (Music Theory Web Service) to create interactive online lessons for guitar and bass. I also audited a web design course at CCV last fall, and lo and behold, the instructor was a MCGC alumni. Darren Spafford graduated in the MSIE program several years back (not sure exactly which year). Given that our Concurrent Web Design course got split in the Fall of 2005, and my group concentrated more on the technical aspects, we did not get to learn about the visual design aspects. However, since Darren Spafford teaches Art in K-6, he was very knowledgeable as how it pertains to website design. So I learned a lot from Darren! I was able to setup a template for my website during the course. Since then, I have been working on it albeit slowly.
http://www.ronpulcer.com/music/about/index.shtml
Well, I hope things are going well for you and MCGC.
Take care.
Badi Jones, MSIE '06 emailed us: I'm living back in the Charleston, SC area again. It's nice and warm, but I do miss the snow. My wife and I bought our first home about 10 months ago, and I telecommute from there for the same company that hired me after graduation (Hotel- Guides.us). The job is great, but I'm still hoping to come up with that next great web app idea.
I've been working with Ruby on Rails lately, and have made one new web app
( http://marketplace.dnscoop.com ), and am working on another Ruby on Rails app for my site http://www.myipneighbors.com. I'm adding the capability for users to submit reviews for web hosts.
Also, am planning a trip to NYC, and then to western MA for a few days this April. I'm not even sure if class is in session, but if I'm there during a class weekend, I may just drop by. I'd love to come visit.
Take care.
Erin Weisberger, MSIE '05 wrote to us: We moved recently (2 months ago) into a new apartment, 10 blocks South of our old place. And a ton more space! We even moved up a notch by adding the luxuries of a doorman, a dishwasher and a balcony. Who knew a dishwasher could be so therapeutic? And then we bought a grill, not sure if it's allowed, but being able to grill up some steaks on a Sunday evening without leaving home is sooo nice.
Aside from the usual cube-life of NYC, things are pretty routine. More and more of my friends are popping up around the city, nice to have familiar faces around! We were able to get up north to visit my parents this past weekend and even got some good skiing in at Burke, followed by the annual pond-skimming contest. It was a nice break from our rainy winter down here in the city. We also just began planning for our next trip this fall, two weeks in Thailand. Looking to get some snorkeling, trekking and some serious eating on.
Happy Spring!
Career Opportunities
Information Technology Manager
CyberCoders Engineering
Manchester Center, VT
What you will be doing- you will:
- Plan, design and implement upgrades and new technologies
- Utilize industry best practices for security, business continuity, inventory management and client support
- Maintain/support the company website
What you need to have:
- Expertise with Microsoft Servers, Exchange, SQL, IIS, and Active Directory
- Expertise with TCP/IP networking, VPN, firewall, remote access, DNS, backup, software configuration and integration
- Experience with SQL Server administration, configuration, and report writing
- Experience with business systems support: SQL based accounting/inventory, POP email, reporting, and web site maintenance (ColdFusion, Javascript, CSS, HTML)
Contact: Nancy.Soni@CyberCoders.com
IT Project Manager
Tribune Media Services
Glens Falls, NY
Description
Fulfill TMS TV ∓ Movie Information business objectives though the development and application of customized and commercially available technical solutions: generate new revenue opportunities, promote customer satisfaction and realize operational efficiencies in productivity and quality control. Supervise software development staff.
Requirements
BS in Computer Science, Information Systems or related field with a minimum 4 years experience in an Information Technology position.
Minimum 1 year of experience in a supervisory or project management capacity. Demonstrated leadership, communications, project management, organizational and problem solving skills.
Proven analytical, software development, database, user support and troubleshooting skills.
Working knowledge of many of the following technologies: Java, J2EE, "C", Visual Basic, Perl, UNIX, SQL, XML, RDBMS design and modeling, web services.
Experience in a production environment.
Contact: Debra Meier, 1 Apollo Drive, Glens Falls NY 12801
WEB DEVELOPER
Skilled PHP/MYSQL Developer
Stevens Design Studio
Westfield, MA
Growing multichannel marketing firm is looking for a strong PHP
developer with experience coding PHP/MYSQL in a clean and object-
oriented fashion.
Must have experience with the following:
PHP, MYSQL and Javascript.
Bonus Skills: Actionscript/Flash, RSS, CSS, XHTML and
experience with OSCommerce.
Permanent full time position.
Please visit stevensdesign.com for more info.
Basic Computer Skills
Vermont Adult Learning
Brattleboro, VT
Looking for a computer teacher who would be wiling to work with an individual here at VAL (90 Birge Street) on a one-to-one basis with focus on basic computer skills. This is someone who is being supported by Workmen's Comp to learn basic computer skills for job preparation.
Salary would be $25.00 per hour and time would be 50 hours of instruction.
Contact: Mary Ide, Regional Manager
Vermont Adult Learning/Learning Works
90 Birge Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-257-9449 # 104
801-257-3762 FAX
Systems and Enrollment Coordinator
The Experiment in International Living (EIL), World Learning
Brattleboro, VT
We require an experienced person to join our dedicated team, responsible for the administration, maintenance and overall integrity of the EIL database. You will possess confidential student information and develop recurring and special reports. Working in a team environment during peak periods and as needed, this position will support other enrollment functions as assigned. Your enrollment responsibilities include direct customer service, review and acceptance of student applications, and financial aid processing.
You will have:
- Energy, enthusiasm and an AA/AS in a computer related filed plus a minimum of two years or relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience that meets job responsibilities
- Two to three years of database software experience
- Advanced PC skills, including proficiency in MSWord and Excel
- Proven analytical skills
- Excellent people and time management skills
- Strong training skills
For more information visit www.worldlearning.org.
Please send your resume along with a cover letter explaining why you will be the right candidate for this position to:
Diane Dwyer
Gallagher Flynn Human Resource Services
77 College Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Email: ddwyer@gfc.com
802-651-7202
Director, Training & Development
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MA
Job Description
The Director, Training & Development provides leadership in building learning technology related faculty development programs in the areas of teaching strategies, instructional design, educational innovations, and integration of learning technologies.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1) Provide leadership in establishing the technology related training & development area as critical resource for faculty members and other users on campus through strategic planning, assessment, relationship building, and alignment of internal/external resources.
2) Identify and assess institutional, departmental, and individual faculty member's needs in instructional design, curriculum development, and integration of learning technologies into teaching and learning environments and develop sound benchmarking framework.
3) Create effective framework for technology related faculty development offerings and services ranging from informal offerings such as workshops, presentations, tutorials, roundtables, lunch & learns, etc. to informal gatherings such as faculty showcases, focus groups, etc.
4) Provide guidance in the conceptualization of collaborative, blended and online learning initiatives with all supporting and necessary resources. Oversee and ensure that adequate resources and infrastructure such as classroom technology, course management system, video conferencing, etc are in place to support the effective utilization of learning technologies.
5) Coaches and mentors staff in assessment, benchmarking, development of training programs, and the utilization of instructional design and integration of learning technologies into the teaching and learning process.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's Degree in Training, Education, Instructional Design, Instructional Technology or equivalent. 5-8 years experience in training & development role.
Preferred Qualifications
Higher Education experience is a plus.
Details at http://www.wit.edu/
Coordinator, Training & Development/Instructional Designer
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MA
Responsible for coordinating the efforts of the training & development unit in assessment and benchmarking of institutional, departmental, and individual faculty's members needs in instructional design, curriculum development, and integration of learning technologies into teaching and learning environments.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1) Establish and/or refine assessment model for academic departments to evaluate departmental and faculty needs for instructional design, learning technology integration etc.
2) Revise existing benchmarking process and develop improved strategies and processes to be translated into a dynamic database.
3) Collaborate with departments and T&D staff to determine departmental goals for each department related to instructional design, blended learning, emerging technologies and technology utilization in the classroom.
4) Provide gap analysis of status quo and departmental goals and develop recommendations on next steps, training plan, etc.
5) Support the integration of technology into teaching thorough overseeing and/or developing documentation, interactive tutorials and other training materials
Bachelor's Degree in Training, Education, Instructional Design, Instructional Technology or related field. 3-5 years of experience in training & development and/or learning technology function. Strong benchmarking/assessment expertise.
Master's Degree in relevant fields. Experience in Higher Education settings.
Details at http://www.wit.edu/
Chief Webmaster - Site Administrator
GetEducated.com
Essex Junction, VT
Site Administrator with 3+ years tech expertise plus managerial skills. You will be
responsible for development of next generation site plus oversight of new design and
daily maintenance. You'll select and manage outside contractors and integrate systems as
site evolves. Flexible telecommuting position. Work from home office with weekly
meetings in Underhill, VT.
Responsibilities: Oversee Web site redesign and contracts with outside specialists;
Database maintenance; Ongoing redesign to accommodate user feedback and integration
of new technologies; Development of co-branded pages; SEO; Analytics; Advertising
and affiliate tracking.
Requires: Can-do attitude; Leadership; AS/BS or related; 3+ years; HTML, XML,
Internet architectures, Networking, Windows; CMS; SEO; Analytics; Web 2.0;
Experience preferred with advertising driven consumer sites. Hands-on position with
amazing growth potential. Right candidate will have flair for cost-effective deployment
of resources. Challenging position requires candidate who is at ease assuming full charge
for site development in small business/entrepreneurial environment.
Offers: Competitive salary, health, IRA, performance bonuses; telecommuting virtual coworkers;
flex time; opportunity to be a key contributor to socially responsible Vermont
enterprise.
For more information: visit http://www.GetEducated.com
How to apply: Send cover letter, resume, and salary history to goldie@geteducated.com
Tell us why you'd like to work with us. Detail three ways you would make us a better
destination.
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April, 2008
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