University Writing Center

Posted on by Christopher Bailey

At Your Fingertips: The University Writing Center

UA Little Rock University Writing Center

The UA Little Rock University Writing Center (UWC) now offers online assistance to all UA Little Rock students. As a unit of the Department of Rhetoric and Writing, the primary goal of the UWC is to help students develop strategies for meeting their writing challenges.

Success in an online program depends on a variety of skills, not least of which is the ability to write a solid academic paper. The UA Little Rock University Writing Center (UWC) recognizes this and now offer free online consulting designed to help students at any stage of the writing process.

As a unit of the Department of Rhetoric and Writing, the primary goal of the UWC is to help students develop strategies for meeting their writing challenges. The UWC consultants generally look over projects and provide suggestions to help identify patterns of error in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

“Our philosophy is we don’t work on individual writing papers or individual assignments,” said Earnest Cox, director of the UWC. “We instead try to help students become more efficient, more effective writers.”

UWC-Online

UA Little Rock Online students of any discipline can now receive assistance through the UWC’s Online Writing Lab (OWL).

Dr. Earnest Cox, director of the UWC. Chris Bailey eLearning 

“What students will do is fill out a google form that would include submitting the paper being reviewed,” Cox said. “Students can expect feedback within 3 days of submitting their paper.”

Cox said students also have the option of scheduling an online video conference with consultants to receive feedback on their writing. To schedule an appointment with a consultant, students must call 501-569-8343

In addition to submitting papers online, students can also access writing-related resources that assist with thesis development, citation styles, as well as resume building.

“We really just try to have a resource so that if you have any problems with your writing in class or if you’re working on something like a resume, we have some materials that can help you with that,” Cox said.

For more information about the UWC call 501-569-8343 or email at elcox@ualr.edu.

Applied Communication

Posted on by Christopher Bailey

Degree Spotlight: Applied Communication

Degree Spotlight Applied Communication

Dr. Gerald Driskill provides an overview of the applied communications program.

The BA in applied communication is a versatile program that focuses on professional writing, organizational communication, and developing and analyzing messages. For Dr. Gerald Driskill, a professor in the Department of Applied Communication, it’s all about creating a better social world through learning positive communication.

“Fostering better social worlds through positive communication is a mission we carry across our programs,” Driskill said. “From every classroom to every syllabus, it’s all about creating better worlds.”

Dr. Gerald Driskill, Program Coordinator/ Photo Christopher Bailey

Co-Creation

The concept of co-creation is central to the applied communication program. Driskill explained that co-creation is more than teaching content knowledge or preparing students for exams; co-creation is a collaboration of students and instructors.

“When we say co-creation, we’re asking students what forms of communication will make your organization better or your family better,” Driskill said.

Driskill makes it clear: co-creation is not solving problems or fixing problems; co-creation is about listening and understanding what the problems are, and then identifying ways to move forward with communication.

Mentoring

A key aspect of co-creation is mentoring and building a relationship with the student.

“One of the practices we take into our online program is we make sure students have individual contact the first week or two with their instructor. It is a requirement,” Driskill said.

Nigel Spears, Communication Skill Center assistant director and former student of Driskill, credits the applied communication department for much of his academic success.

“It wasn’t until I met this department that I began to understand that what I learned in the classroom can apply to my everyday life,” Spears said.

Driskill further noted, mentoring is not offered directly to students, but the mentoring that develops with a student comes with being an instructor in that department.

“It’s mentoring, but it runs deeper than that,” Driskill said. “It’s how we want our classes set up, how we want our relationships set up, so those wanting help can get it.”

Students that need extra help can reach out to the Communication Skill Center — an on-campus resource designed to help students overcome difficulties associated with public speaking. Online students who are having trouble may receive help through video chats via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. To receive help students must book an appointment first.

Courses Offered

The applied communication program has courses that are geared for today’s job market, such as ACOM 3316 Interviewing. This course develops the student’s ability to effectively prepare for and participate in a variety of interview situations. Another course, ACOM 3330 Professional Communication, focuses on building positive relationships in organizations.

Students can complete the applied communication degree online or on campus. Courses are available in 16-week and 7-week (accelerated) formats.

For more information call 501-569-3158

5 myths about online classes

Posted on by UALR Online

Whether someone has taken many online classes or none, everyone has different opinions about them. For example, one person may believe online classes are easier than traditional classes, while another may find them more challenging. This article addresses 5 common myths about online classes.

1. You don’t need to have any experience with computers to take an online class.

While you don’t have to be a computer expert to take an online class, you will need to have a basic knowledge of computers. If you are considering taking a class online, first ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are you comfortable using a computer on a daily basis?
  • Do you have regular, reliable access to a computer? How about to an alternate computer should something happen to your primary?
  • Do you have good written communication skills?

    • Continue reading “5 myths about online classes” →

UA Little Rock students help preserve veterans oral history

Posted on by Justin Roberts

A group of students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock are participating in a project that will help bring veteran stories to a new generation.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., (L) and Dr. Sherry Robertson.
Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., (L) and Dr. Sherry Robertson.
The Veterans History Project is a program of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center where the first hand, oral histories of veterans, along with pictures or artifacts, are collected and preserved. The project relies on veteran volunteers to contribute their stories.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., visited UALR on March 23 to talk with students, faculty, and veterans about the importance of the project. —>

Mindfulness Group aims to abate student stress

Posted on by Justin Roberts

“In the past, as a child, we used to breathe better. We didn’t worry about the future. We stayed in the present—playing and enjoying life. So, maybe it’s time to go back.” – Cai Carvalhaes

We’re halfway through the semester, and this time of the year can often be stressful for students. Luckily, there’s a way to defuse some of that tension and anxiety through UALR’s “Mindfulness Group.”

Cai Carvalhaes with UALR Counseling Services demonstrates a mindfulness exercise.
Cai Carvalhaes with UALR Counseling Services demonstrates a mindfulness exercise.
You may be asking, “What is mindfulness?” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.”

Cai Carvalhaes, a clinical social worker intern with UALR Counseling Services, leads the Mindfulness Group once a week. Continue reading “Mindfulness Group aims to abate student stress” →