Black History Month at NOVA: Upcoming Events

Spring 2014 Movie Series- The Butler

Come see the film The Butler today, Friday, February 21st at the Loudoun Campus.

Loudoun - LW
Room: 118

4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

The US Domestic Slave Trade 1790's-1865 Lecture & Panel Discussion

Monday, February 24 7:30 PM

The panel discussion will revolve around the Solomon Northrup film 12 Years A Slave as well as the significance of Alexandria City as a major human trafficking port then. We'll discuss the significance of American Black Slavery historically as well as its modern impact on Race,Wealth, Politics & Society today.

Alexandria - Bisdorf

Room: 196

Contact Information:

Name: Dr. Joseph Windham

Email: jewindham@nvcc.edu

National Career Development Month: Calling all Poets and Artists

Help celebrate National Career Development Month by participating in the 48^th annual poetry and poster contest.  This year’s theme is “Charting the Course for the Second Century”.  There are various division areas for the contest including adult student - 18 and older enrolled in school as well as open adult - 18 and older not enrolled in school.  

Learn more about the contest at http://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/ncdmonth or watch for details on ELI Facebook and the Elife Blog.

ELI Pedometer Challenge

Join The ELI Fall Pedometer Challenge as part of our Health and Wellness Interest Group!

What is it?

Compete and share experiences with other students by tracking your average daily steps for a month as well as create personal health and wellness goals.

How does it work?  

o      On October 25th, you will receive access to a Google spreadsheet where you will record your pedometer steps as well as keep track of what types of activity you took part in for the day/week.  

o     Pedometer steps will be recorded daily by each participant starting October 28th.  

o      The first 50 participants that sign up will be mailed a FREE pedometer to participate/ otherwise you will need to provide your own pedometer.  

o      Challenge begins on October 28th and ends at 11:59pm on Nov 24th. Prizes will be given for several categories including: weekly winners, best average, overall step count...etc) . 

o      Throughout the challenge, join our Health and Wellness group on ELI's Virtual Student Union. This will be used for participants to share their progress in the challenge and great health and wellness motivational articles and tips. Join here: (http://elife.nvcc.edu/vsu/?page_id=29)

How do I sign up?

Please click here to sign up!

For more information, contact elistlife@nvcc.edu

This Week at ELI: September 23-29, 2013

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

Sept. 23 – ELI 1^st 8-week session, last day to withdraw with grade of ‘W’.

 EVENTS  

v  For a listing of upcoming ELI events, please click here.

v  For a listing of upcoming NOVA events, please click here.

UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS

Sept. 26, 1:00-2:00pm: Reviewing Your Online Syllabus: The single most important instrument in an online course is the syllabus.  In this webinar you will learn what a syllabus is, what significant information is listed in a syllabus, the importance of regular syllabus reviews, using your syllabus as a planning tool, goal setting, and using your syllabus as a communication tool with classmates and instructors.

Creating a Personal Mission Statement: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to channel your goals into actions!  From visualization to motivation, this pre-recorded webinar will help you to create and fine-tune your personal mission statement.

Creating Win-Win Relationship: Click here to view the webinar recording: Win-Win will teach you how to cooperate in relationships rather than compete.  This webinar will teach you how to share success with others by being respectful and assertive without being manipulated. 

Synergy: Click here to view the webinar recording: Learn how to integrate your knowledge, skills, and expertise with others to collaborate effectively.  Great for working in small groups and communicating with your instructor or teammates.

ELI Orientation: Click here to request a recording of an earlier session. This one hour webinar for students enrolled in courses offered through the Extended Learning Institute (ELI) will focus on getting started in your courses, navigating in your Blackboard course site, identifying tips for success, and student support services.

ONGOING

Ø  Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, be sure to submit your Proctor Request.  Proctor Requests are processed in the order they are received.  It takes 3-5 business days for the form to be processed so please do not wait until the day before your test! 

Ø  Fall Registration:  If you have not registered for your fall classes, it is not too late!  Registration is underway for NOVA Online classes that begin September 25, and October 16. 

 

Ø  Textbooks:  Textbooks are referenced on the Alexandria Campus Bookstore website at, http://nvcc-eli.bncollege.com/.  Please click here  and click on SHOP NOW, enter your class via the drop down boxes and then click on ‘Add Course’ (located under the drop down boxes). Next go to ‘Step Two’ and click on ‘View Textbook List’.  Your textbooks will be referenced.

This Week at ELI: September 16-22, 2013

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

Sept. 16 – ELI 2^nd 12-week session, last day to drop with refund or change to audit.

Sept. 18 – ELI 3^rd 12-week session begins.

EVENTS  (For a complete listing of upcoming ELI events, please click here.)

 Sept. 21 – Nats Park Tour – for more information or to sign up, please click here.  

 UPCOMING ELI WEBNIARS

Sept. 17, 12:15 – 12:45pm: Furthering Your Education with ELI-This 30 minute webinar for prospective students will focus on the benefits of studying online at NOVA’s Extended Learning Institute, programs offered, options for accelerating your program and student support services.

Sept. 19, 12:15-1:00pm: How to Succeed in Distance Learning Courses-This 45 minute webinar will focus on strategies and tips for being successful in distance learning courses offered through ELI. Topics covered will include time management, schedule planning, learning preferences, and support resources.

Sept. 20, 1:00-2:00pm: Tackling Math Anxiety-Math can be a difficult subject no matter how smart you are.  Many students view math as overwhelming and scary—but it doesn’t have to be.  Learn how to study more efficiently for mathematics and apply relaxing techniques to reduce your anxieties.

ONGOING

Ø  Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, be sure to submit your Proctor Request.  Proctor Requests are processed in the order they are received.  It takes 3-5 business days for the form to be processed so please do not wait until the day before your test! 

Ø  Fall Registration:  If you have not registered for your fall classes, it is not too late!  Registration is underway for NOVA Online classes that begin September 18, September 25, and October 16.   

Ø  Textbooks:  Textbooks are referenced on the Alexandria Campus Bookstore website at, http://nvcc-eli.bncollege.com/.  Please click here  and click on SHOP NOW, enter your class via the drop down boxes and then click on ‘Add Course’ (located under the drop down boxes). Next go to ‘Step Two’ and click on ‘View Textbook List’.  Your textbooks will be referenced.

Join ELI for a Nationals Stadium Tour - Saturday, September 21

We look forward to your participation!

 

 

This Week at ELI: September 9-15, 2013

IMPORTANT COURSE DATES

Ø  September 12 – ELI 2^nd 8 week session, last day to drop with refund or change to audit.

EVENTS

Ø  September 12 – ELI NOVA Day: Join us for virtual events including an online scavenger hunt and a Student Life Google Hangout chat to celebrate the ELI online student community! 

Ø  September 9th, (10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.) –  Annandale Campus - Transfer Admissions Visit: Old Dominion University.  Where: Career & Transfer Center- Annandale Campus, CA Building, Room 105.  This will be your chance to have meet one-on-one appointment with an ODU representative. You will be advised on which NOVA courses you should take for a smooth transfer into any ODU program. Please stop by the Annandale Campus, Career & Transfer center CA-105 to sign up for an appointment. 

For a complete listing of ELI events, please click here.

For a listing of College events, please click here.

ONGOING

Ø  Proctor Requests:  If you are out of the area, be sure to submit your Proctor Request.  Proctor Requests are processed in the order they are received.  It takes 3-5 business days for the form to be processed so please do not wait until the day before your test!

Ø  Fall Registration:  If you have not registered for your fall classes, it is not too late!  Registration is underway for NOVA Online classes that begin on September 25, and October 16.   

Ø  Textbooks:  Textbooks are referenced on the Alexandria Campus Bookstore website at, http://nvcc-eli.bncollege.com/.  Please click here  and click on SHOP NOW, enter your class via the drop down boxes and then click on ‘Add Course’ (located under the drop down boxes). Next go to ‘Step Two’ and click on ‘View Textbook List’.  You textbooks will be referenced.

ELI Success Coaches:  Did you know that you have a personal ELI Success Coach?  The ELI Success Coaching Team is here to assist you.  We are here to provide assistance and resources to promote your academic success.  We can refer you to resources such as free tutoring, 24/7 online workshops and helpful webinars.  To connect with your coach please email elisuccess@nvcc.edu, today!

ELI offers resources and tips through our NovaELIfe social media channels. For links to our informational blogs, academic resources, Facebook and Twitter, please click here. 

ELI Open House

ELI will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, August 28 from   5:30 – 7:30 at our new facility in Fairfax. Drop in for a great opportunity to meet faculty, staff and fellow students while learning information about support services available to help you successfully complete your online course(s). Food and raffle prizes will be provided! For more information, please contact elistulife@nvcc.edu

“The first 50 people to RSVP will receive an ELI prize pack. RSVP here.”
We hope to see you there!

ELI Welcome Week Events

The first day of the fall semester is quickly approaching!

Mark your calendars join us for our Fall Welcome Week events @ ELI!

August 21st	First Day of Classes!  Follow our social media sites for tips for success on the first day of classes!
August 22nd	Live Q &A with ELI: Join our Google Hangout to connect with staff and other students to get a jumpstart on your fall semester!
August 23rd	How to Succeed in Distance Learning Courses: This 45 minute webinar will focus on strategies and tips for being successful in distance learning courses Topics covered will include time management, schedule planning, learning preferences and support services. Sign up here!
August 26th	Common Reader Program Begins! Follow the blog here to learn more:
August 27th	Student Life @ ELI: Join us on Google Hangouts to learn more about programs and events offered online and in-person to become more connected and involved during the semester.
August 28th	ELI will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, August 28 from   5:30 – 7:30 at our new facility in Fairfax. Drop in for a great opportunity to meet faculty, staff and fellow students while getting more information about support services available to help you successfully complete your online course(s). Food and raffle prizes will be provided. We hope to see you there!
August 29th	Common Reader Chat: Join us for our first book chat with our common reader participants through Google Hangouts.
August 30th	ELI Technology Fair: Visit ELI at the Manassas Campus as we answer all your technology questions as you getting started in your ELI courses. Stop by and enter to win a technology prize pack
Sept 1st	Join ELI’s online Fantasy Football League visit our Virtual Student Union (VSU). Compete with other students and win prizes. Sign up here!
Sept 5th	ELI Technology Fair: Visit ELI at the Alexandria Campus as we answer all your technology questions as you get started in your ELI courses. Stop by and enter to win a technology prize pack.
Sept 12th	ELI NOVA Day:  Join us for virtual events including an online scavenger hunt and a Student Life Google Hangout chat to celebrate the ELI online student community!

Visit our ELI event calendar to learn more about these events and other programs at ELI! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Fun: Have You Considered a Canoeing or Kayaking Outing?

If you enjoy the outdoors, summer is the perfect time to explore the plethora of outdoor leisure activities.  Outdoor leisure activities promote a healthy lifestyle and also serve as a sensational stress buster.   Unsure of where to begin, perhaps canoeing or kayaking would interest you! 

Canoeing and/or kayaking are relaxing, stress free activities that are accessible at many area parks.  You can also enjoy these activities on a grander scale by visiting the Shenandoah River in Front Royal, Virginia.   Experience the beauty of the Shenandoah River on your own or in a guided tour.  Enjoy paddling through the crystal clear waters of the Shenandoah and soak in the sun and have fun.

If you are a novice, there are a number of tour companies in Front Royal that will provide novice to intermediate instruction to help you stay safe and get the most out of your canoeing experience.  If you prefer to study up on canoeing before you go, consider enrolling in NOVA’s Canoeing Class offered through our Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Program.  Although this is an on-campus course, not offered through ELI, it only requires two evenings on campus and one weekend at an off campus site to practice and learn the canoeing skills and rules.   If you are interested in registering the class will be offered in the Fall: RPK 171.  This class may even count towards your degree – please check with your Faculty Advisor or an ELI Counselor by emailing elicounseling@nvcc.edu.

Not interested in canoeing, read our future blog posts for additional leisure activities to help relax and enjoy the summer.

Have fun and for more information, please click here.

Best Note Taking Apps

Looking for some new apps?  Want a high-tech way to take notes?  Here are some hot apps that can help you get the best of both worlds…

1.   Penultimate – Hand-write notes right no your ipad.  To do this, you’ll need a stylus but, penultimate features smooth, realistic handwriting simulation with multiple paper styles and a variety of pen color options.  When done, you can search your text, save your ideas to Evernote, and share single page images or full PDF notebooks.  Cost: Free

2.   Bamboo Paper – Notebook – Also Hand-write notes right no your ipad but, what makes this app special is that bamboo paper has creates its own stylus - Wacom.  The app allows you to save your notes in Dropbox and Evernote and there is even a feature to allow you to post your ideas to Facebook and Twitter. Cost: Free or you can unlock the full version, which gives you unlimited notebooks for $1.99.

3.   MyScript Notes Mobile - Not only can you handwrite your notes, but you can turn your notes into text so that others don’t have to try to figure out your handwriting. Your handwritten notes are also searchable and you can look up definitions of words, or search for them on the Internet. The app also lets you use a wide variety of gestures to edit text and you can import PDFs for annotation, or add images to your document. Files can be saved to Evernote and Dropbox and can be posted on Facebook or Twitter. This is one of those apps that utilizes everything the iPad’s technology offers to create an exciting and inventive app. Cost: $7.99.

4.   Notability – Type and handwrite notes using this app.  It also includes a full-featured word processor with the ability to spell check, add bullet points, and more. You can annotate PDFs, so if your professor sends out a worksheet, you can write notes directly on the iPad without having to switch to a different app. The most useful feature of this app is that it records audio. You can record a lecture while taking notes. The app syncs what you type with what was recorded so that, when you go back over your notes, if something you wrote doesn’t make sense, you can tap a word and it will play back the section of the lecture that took place at that time. Cost: $1.99

5.   My Sketch Paper - This is less of a note-taking app and more of an idea-sketching app, but I felt that is was important to include it for our creative readers. Users can take notes using the text editor and freehand sketch ideas, or simply doodle in the margins. Cost: Free.

More can be found at iDownloadBlog.com.  Original article written by Lory Gil on April 23, 2013.