Odyssey newsletter: earning . digital . sustainable

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Volume 2 Issue 3

by Michael Wagner

Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education

It is hard to believe how fast time flies. For me, this is already issue number three of the Odyssey newsletter of 2023. It makes me think about the coming weeks for students and families and what is ahead between now and the end of the school year. It does not matter what grade the students are in, there is so much for them to focus on in developing their unique stories. My advice is don’t procrastinate. As fast as time goes by, students must take advantage of every opportunity to make the best of the remaining school year.

Discoveries

Student needs when it comes to online learning

When the pandemic swept the world, the higher education system as we knew it was turned upside down. What students had been used to for decades—in person classroom learning—became an unfamiliar online virtual system. This article by Micah Ward of University Business outlines what schools should consider when offering online classes to students. It also has value for students as these topics should be some of what students consider before taking online classes.

How to give students what they want in an online class

“It’s all about the buck”

When I was a kid, that is a saying my father used all the time. It applies to college, as students do whatever they have to do to be able to financially make it. Many choose to work beyond their work-study jobs to make ends meet or just to have extra money. However, there may be large ramifications to this choice. In a recent research brief featured in the Conversation by writers Walter Ecton, Assistant Professor of Education Policy at Florida State University; Carolyn Heinrich, Professor of Public Policy, Education and Economics at Vanderbilt University; and Celeste K. Carruthers, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Tennessee, the authors present their findings on students working during college.

College students who work more hours are less likely to graduate

The university of the future

At the most recent International USR Summit “Education and Action for a Sustainable Future” held at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, discussion centered on trends in higher education, with a focus on Service-Learning, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Collaboration. Joanne Curry, Loretta Feris, Robert Hollister, Julian Skyrme, and Ben Young from University Global News outline the topics of the conference.

Socially engaged universities are the model of the future

Tip of the Week

The new era of the digital SAT exam

This spring, the SAT exam will change from a paper format to a digital format. I am a huge proponent of students properly preparing for the exam well in advance, and the best way is to take practice exams. The real exam should never be the first time students take the exam. Familiarity with the content, layout, and timing of the exam is important, especially for those that suffer from testing anxiety.

So, what is my tip? Start by clicking on the link below and read through the College Board information. Second, I recommend students meet with their college counselor to go over the new digital exam and develop a test taking strategy—do not procrastinate and wing-it, meet with your counselor and discuss it.

The digital SAT suite of assessments

Before you go...

If you are a regular reader of the Odyssey Newsletter, you probably know I am a sports fan. Not a single-sport fan, an overall sports fan. When I saw the excitement the boys showed in this KSFY News video from Dell Rapids, South Dakota, I had to share it. I hope it puts a smile on your face. Enjoy!

UPS driver makes impressive basketball shot while making a delivery

This week, there are stories that are very different in nature, and the tip of the week is directly related to a new function of the college going process for students who will be taking the SAT exam. When I look at the content in this week’s newsletter it is a true reflection of this newsletter’s purpose—to inform our followers on diverse topics in the world of higher education and preparation. It is a fast-paced, every changing environment that, like so much of our world, does not stand still for a minute. It is our goal to continue to keep our followers informed and hopefully inspired to embrace lifelong learning. As always, we ask that you please share this newsletter to educate others.

Have a great week.

Mr. Mike

Michael Wagner, MAED is a founder and the Knowledge Pilot for Launch Education. Mr. Mike has assisted hundreds of students around the world on their college pathways.