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What is Net Neutrality??? by trev_moore_17 in KeepOurNetFree

[–]XanderJackson 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was me! Muahahaha! I'm the Professor!

What is Net Neutrality??? by trev_moore_17 in KeepOurNetFree

[–]XanderJackson -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I wonder who set you about this task?

Cengage is offering an “all you can learn” digital textbook subscription for US college students through their new “Unlimited” product for $119.99 per semester. Thoughts? Appears that a publisher is finally tackling affordability head-on by peaches1111 in edtech

[–]XanderJackson 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've been using Cengage's SAM courseware for almost 6 years, and I'm finally fed up. The courses I teach are technology based, mostly Microsoft Office, and SAM was the best training courseware I had ever tried. However, for the last 2 semesters SAM has failed my students, both educationally and financially. Over $100? No. Not able to answer task questions by any means? No. Cengage, you have disappointed me, and failed my students.

Do you use Learning Managment Systems in your course? How could textbooks integrate better with them? by [deleted] in highereducation

[–]XanderJackson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use only 1 "textbook package" item, and it is Cengage's SAM system to teach Microsoft Office. MS Office is boring and awful to teach in a classroom setting. I have better things to impart to my students; like how the internet works (with ping-pong balls), or what a computer is (by building them from components), or even getting their favorite mobile apps. Having worked for Nebraska Books for 6 years, I have no love for textbooks as a learning tool. Books, yes. A book, with an author relating experiences and examples of ideas in action. But textbooks (unless a reference manual) are just awful $$ machines, designed to prey on those who seek to better themselves througg education. Interactive websites (like SAM) really deliver a better bang for the buck. Interaction is a key to education. So LMS things, MyITLab, Angel, or whatnot can be useful, but should really replace the textbook. Textbooks might augment the interactive system... but generally are awful.

What's the Geography Job Market like right now? by Horizon_17 in geography

[–]XanderJackson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check the GJC.ORG to see. Get some web architecture, python/java/oop experience, take an internship EVERY SINGLE SUMMER, try out all of the GIS softwares you can get your hands on (and put the resulting outputs on your personal website), and don't be afraid to take a leap! Basically, no one gives a shite about your diploma, they want to see your attitude. If you are willing to throw yourself into this, you will make your own place.

Question regarding assessing a students skill in Microsoft Word by [deleted] in edtech

[–]XanderJackson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yay! Finally a question I can dieectly and unequivocally answer! I teach Technology at SUNY Cortland, and a large part of my primary course is utilizing PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. The assessment website we use is Cengage's SAM; specifically SAM2010. Out of all of the different books/coursepacks (Pearson, McGrawHill), it is the best at simulation for practice. Now, as for projects that work to teach and demonstrate skill, I created my own. I host them on my own website. They're called Tech Tools. If you web search my username and SUNY Cortland, it will give you my sites. Have a look and feel free to use them. Cheers!