Hilgartner Open Learning

Academic Foundations will be delivering its first Microsoft Certification exams to Computer Studies students this term.  On December 13, 2010, Computer Studies students who have registered will have the opportunity to write up to four exams, one for each of the applications covered by Computer Studies courses: Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. While visiting classes, I had the chance to talk to students, and it was rewarding to see how students were encouraged to know that certification was available and free for current Computer Studies students.  In addition to a mark, each of them could obtain a certification for job and post-secondary application.  More importantly, they could receive that piece of paper that honors their accomplishment that has come from hard work and diligence.  Seeing their faces animated with excitement inspires. Thanks to the teachers for preparing these students.  Thanks to Jackie Mealings for administering ...

I passed around the following quotes on teams that offer varied perspectives on teams and teamwork. , and asked everyone to pick one and share thoughts. Sandra Richardson, OD Consultant 1.  Effective teamwork is all about making a good, well-balanced salad not whipping individuals into a single batch of V8. Katzenbach & Smith 2.  Teamwork represents a set of values that encourage behaviors such as listening and constructively responding to points of view expressed by others, giving others the benefit of the doubt, providing support to those who need it, and recognizing the interests and achievements of others. Katzenbach & Smith 3.  Real teams don't emerge unless individuals on them take risks involving conflict, trust, interdependence and hard work Susan Gerke, IBM, Leadership Development 4.  Conflict is inevitable in a team ... in fact, to achieve synergistic solutions, a variety of ideas and approaches are needed. These are the ingredients fo...