Volume 1, Issue 20
by Michael Wagner
Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education
We have entered the period of the school year where the newness of returning to campuses is wearing off, routines are beginning to settle in and life, especially compared to this time last year, is considerably different.
For students new to college, it becomes a time to focus and dedicate themselves to pushing through these next months as it is easy to begin to enjoy the social aspects of college and neglect the real reason they are there in the first place.
No matter where you are in your educational journey, take this time to focus on the tasks at hand and begin to create new habits focused on your educational goals.
Discoveries
What college looks like through a photographer's lens
The college experience all over the world can look completely different. Campuses are designed differently, curriculum is implemented in different schemes, schedules are managed in a variety of ways, from semesters, to quarters, to intense short terms like January term or May term. Kristin Johnson of the Fairfax County Times reports how documentary photojournalist Rachel Bujalski details what college looks like outside of her own experience.
Photographer works to change our concept of what college students look like
An interview with a college president
This post takes on a whole new twist this week. It is an interview that was broadcasted on a podcast, so you can listen to it. The reason this sparked interest for me is that this university is right in my backyard now that I live and work just outside of Baltimore. The podcast features an interview with former University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) President Freeman Hrabowski that appeared on The Report Card with Nat Malkus thru the American Enterprise Institute. Mr. Hrabowski addresses a variety of higher education topics using his extensive experience in post-secondary leadership.
Online degree programs are worldwide
Over the past several years, the growing demand for online degree programs has grown at an unbelievable rate. With advancements in technology, access to university programs can be achieved around the world. Inside Higher Ed reporter Joshua Kim interviewed Sam Brenton, the director of online education at the University of London.
Three questions with the University of London on launching online degrees on Coursera
College students save money on books and supplies due to technology
One of the largest expenses college students worldwide encounter is the price of supplies, especially books. Over the years, the cost of books used for college courses has skyrocketed. However, for the 2021-2022 school year there was a 26% decrease, the lowest spending in 15 years. As Daniel Mollenkamp of Ed Surge writes, technology is helping college students save money on course materials.
College students are spending less on course materials—And more on tech
Universities have an obligation to the world
In a recent public address, Ronald J Daniels, President of Johns Hopkins University, spoke at the Magna Charta Observatory anniversary conference in Bologna, Italy about the role universities worldwide play in providing essential education to the college community on the importance of democracy. Brendan O’Malley of University World News outlines President Daniels’ key points.
Universities should make democracy education a requirement
Tip of the week
A second set of eyes: Proofreading the application
The college application season is in full swing. College lists should be finalized and all of the components of the application are coming together. The final steps are almost done and you are about ready to click the submit button.
However, one last step needs to occur. Before clicking that button, a thorough proofreading of all parts of the application must be performed. Ideally, this last proofreading step should be from someone other than the applicant, who has seen the elements of the application over and over and can easily overlook a mistake. Ask a counselor, teacher, or parent to look over the application to catch any remaining errors that may be present.
This is a critical step in the application process as colleges and universities will not tolerate errors such as misspelled words or names, wrong birth dates, or incorrect parents’ names.
Please, take a few minutes to include a last set of eyes on the application before clicking the final submit button. Trust me, you will benefit from it.
Before you go...
I thought it would only be appropriate to view what Sanibel Island looks like during normal times considering that over the past few days due to Hurricane Ian, this scene is quite different right now. We pass along our thoughts and well wishes to the residents of Sanibel Island. As CBS Sunday Morning videographer Charles Schultz shows us a quieter side of J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge.
This week it was very difficult to narrow down the articles to include in this week’s newsletter as a lot is going on in the world of higher education. Many trends are developing, especially as colleges and universities around the world return to a more normal state and adapt from what was learned during the pandemic. It is an exciting time to be a student. The class of 2023 has a lot to look forward to.
I hope you have enjoyed this week’s newsletter; always remember that we need everyone to pitch in and share this with a friend. Help us build the LGE network.
Take care,
Mr. Mike