Early Childhood Development- Winter Quarter Newsletter

Things are winding down from Fall term and we hope everyone had an enjoyable term. It is clear that winter is upon us here in the Rogue Valley. Snow is on all of the surrounding mountain tops and Mt. Ashland has opened for the season. That means it's time to gear up for Winter term at SOU! This second edition of Distance Education Connections includes news and updates to help you get a successful start to the new year and new term.

Program News

Important Dates and Information

Winter registration is under way. Currently enrolled, readmitted, and former SOU students may register according to the registration timetable. Search the Distance Education Course Schedule for online courses to fit your needs.

Campus Closed: December 20- 24

School of Education Closed: December 20- 31
Winter term begins: January 3

Spring term begins: March 28

Winter 2011 Early Childhood Classes

We have some great early childhood classes during winter term that might be of interest to you. Along with our other wonderful classes, we have added some new topics that may be of special interest - ED 407 Children Around the World and ED 407 Atypical Development will be offered for the first time this year.

View the online winter schedule and for course descriptions, visit the Early Childhood website.

If you need help registering for winter classes, KC Sam will be available to assist you. She can be reached at 541-552-6936.

Winter Workshop

Every term the ECD Program and JCAEYC (Jackson County Association for the Education of Young Children) hosts a face-to-face workshop. The workshops are open to students in the program and early childhood professionals. Students can earn 1 credit of ED 399 credit for $55. Non-students are encouraged to join us - workshop fee is only $20.

On Saturday, February 12, Deborah Murphy will be presenting the workshop entitled, "Beyond the Basics: Creating Classrooms with Joyous, Excited Learners." Using hands-on materials, this workshop will offer tools that help kindergarten and primary grade children learn in ways that develop skills in a creative and supportive environment. Simultaneously this seminar will address the demands of meeting standards. The workshop will be held from 8:30-4:30 at the Higher Education Center in Medford. To pre-register, complete the form or contact Angela at 541-552-6332

Tech News You Can Use

SOU Is Moving to Moodle

The University will be changing the delivery system of our online classes from Blackboard to Moodle as of summer 2011. Several instructors are developing their classes in Moodle and we are hearing from students in these classes how much they like this new interface. So, don't be surprised if you log into your class in Blackboard and receive an announcement directing you to Moodle.

If you have any problems, please contact the Student Help Desk through email or at 541-552-6969.

Changes to SOU Student Email

We are in the process of transitioning student email accounts on Novell Netmail to Google Apps for EDU. This new system, powered by Google, will provide Gmail to our school, as well as a suite of other Google products that will enable us to better communicate, share, and collaborate. The transition will occur at end of Fall term, December 13-14. Student email addresses will remain the same.

You need not do anything to prepare for the transition. The change from Netmail to Google Mail will take approximately six hours; no mail will be lost and messages sent to your SOU account during that time will be avaiable after the transition. For more information on this project, visit the SOU Google Apps Information Page.

Attention New Students!

If you are in the process of applying for admission for winter term, please contact KC and let her know. This way she can keep an eye on your application and assist you with getting registered for your classes.

It is important that all newly admitted students schedule a phone advising appointment with Donny Nickelson at 541-552-8118. She will provide you with an official review of your general education courses and walk you through the registration process. She also has appointment times on Saturday for those that would prefer a weekend meeting. Be sure to ask for a phone appointment, you do not have to come to campus.

We will be mailing the Orientation letter next week to those of you that have already registered. If we happen to miss you, it is attached here for your convenience.

Textbooks

Don't Forgot Textbooks!

Once you have registered, order your textbooks early to ensure you have everything you need for the first day of classes. The staff at the SOU Bookstore will be happy to assist you with your order. Online students pay shipping charges but the $5 processing fee is waived.

Meet Your Transfer Specialist

Hi! My name is K.C. Sam and I am the Transfer Specialist for the online Early Childhood Development bachelor's degree. I am sure I have talked to you via email or on the phone at some point in time! If not, I'm sure I will in the future! I am available to review your transcripts, answer your questions about the program, and help you navigate the waters here at SOU.

I have been working for the School of Education at SOU for 3 years. I have been in the Rogue Valley almost my whole life. I lived in Eugene for 5 years and decided it rained too much! I now live in Eagle Point with my husband Tim and Jessie, our daughter. My husband is the Athletic Director at North Medford High School and Jessie is a freshman at North Medford. She is a runner for the cross country and track teams. In my spare time, I enjoy camping, watching sports, and spending time with my family. I love helping our students achieve their goals in education. I look forward to working with each and every one of you! Please feel free to contact me for any information regarding our early childhood program!

Have an enjoyable winter break!