iStudent Blog: Online Learning
Consider a Dynamic Career in Informatics
Published: May 10, 2022 by Hilary Meehan
The SJSU iSchool offers three fully online, master’s-level degree options: the MLIS program, the MARA program and the MS in Informatics. Today, we will explore the cutting edge field of informatics and the exciting career opportunities it offers for iSchool students.
Tips and Tools: Insights From an iSchool Librarian
Published: April 13, 2022 by Hilary Meehan
SJSU iSchool library liaison Andrew Chae, ‘20 MLIS, offers insights for students seeking to optimize their access and use of King Library resources, plus ideas for engaging virtually with the broader information science community.
Eyes on the Prize: Charting Your Course Through School
Published: January 11, 2022 by Leslie Parry
The flexibility and efficiency of online education is what drew many of us to the San José State University School of Information in the first place. We have the ability to learn at our own pace, integrate our coursework into busy schedules, and choose from a multitude of superb classes. This autonomy, of course, also requires a certain amount of proactiveness and strategic thinking. That’s why planning ahead for a successful academic experience is so critical. Whether it’s choosing the right classes or preparing for graduation, the iSchool has dozens of resources to help you get organized and stay informed. I talked to Sheila Gurtu, student outreach specialist, as well as to recent graduates about everything from time management to e-Port prep. Here are some ideas to help you flourish.
The SJSU Writing Center: An iSchool Student’s Secret Weapon
Published: September 2, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Fall semester is finally here! Whether you’re just beginning INFO 200, preparing your e-Portfolio, or simply trying to recover your student brain after summer vacation, you’ll likely be tackling some major assignments in the coming months (or – gulp – weeks). Need help with a research paper? Want a refresher on citations or abstracts? Can’t be sure whether to use “who” or “whom”? The San José State University Writing Center offers a host of excellent free services – and a number are designed specifically for graduate students. From tutoring to live-chat sessions, how-to videos and handouts, the Writing Center can help you navigate the complexities of academic writing (or just master the nuts and bolts). Writing skills will be an asset in school and beyond, so there’s never a wrong time to reach out. I spoke with Michelle Hager, Director of the SJSU Writing Center, about the most useful resources for School of Information students.
Get a Jump-Start With Summer Opportunities
Published: May 26, 2021 by Leslie Parry
The end of the semester is here! For months we’ve been rearranging our lives and work around the pandemic, keeping up with our studies, and waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. Now it’s time to take a break and celebrate! For those who are looking to keep up momentum during the summer, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged. From summer classes to networking opportunities to simply getting organized, here are ideas for enhancing your iSchool experience over summer break.
WISE Up!: The Lowdown on Taking Classes Outside SJSU
Published: May 20, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Students at the San José State University School of Information have a unique opportunity to take classes at other ALA-accredited institutions through WISE (Web-based Information Science Education), The WISE consortium is made up of twelve colleges and universities, who offer remote, for-credit classes to students of member schools. Want to take Social Justice in Youth Literature at the University of Illinois? Games in Libraries at Queens College? iSchool students who have met the prerequisites can enroll in a WISE class by completing the Course Request Application form and registering for INFO 298. I spoke with Debbie Faires, Director of Online Learning, about the benefits of this notable program.
Tips for Staying Focused and Managing Your Time
Published: February 28, 2021 by Leslie Parry
While many of us may be finding it difficult to concentrate during this unprecedented time, graduate school remains a positive outlet for our intellectual and creative energies. The School of Information offers so many opportunities to apply our talents, strengthen our resolve and plan for a better future. So how do we put one foot in front of the other and keep distraction and procrastination at bay? Below are some resources, from academic assistance to online learning tools, that can help students stay disciplined and continue to flourish in a remote environment.
Making the Most of the King Library Resources
Published: January 29, 2021 by Leslie Parry
Whether you’re just beginning INFO 203 or conducting intensive research for a seminar, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library at San José State University has the resources to help you succeed. It’s true that in an online program you may never get a chance to walk through the library doors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of everything it offers. From one-on-one research support to specialized subject guides, students at the School of Information have access to a breadth of tools and services that are designed to support virtual learning. I spoke with Gareth Scott, library liaison, about the King Library resources he recommends most for iSchool students.
Peer Mentorship: An Opportunity to Strengthen Information and Communication Skills
Published: April 16, 2019 by Havilah Steinman
Students at the iSchool in the Master’s in Library and Information Science and Post-Master’s Certificate programs have excellent classes to choose from. Every new student begins with INFO 203 Online Learning at the beginning of their program to become acclimated to the rigorous academic expectations of their work, as well as the technology used in the program. Peer mentors are a pivotal part of the INFO 203 process, and Debbie Faires, director of online learning, has just opened up the application for peer mentors in the Fall 2019 semester! This past semester, I had the opportunity to work alongside several other INFO 203 peer mentors. In this post, I share some of their insight about how the mentorship experience benefited them.
At Home Ergonomics for Online Students
Published: November 5, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
All of the programs offered by the iSchool are virtual, which means students are often studying at home. Whether you have a fully equipped home office or you tend to just use your laptop on the couch, taking a moment to educate yourself about ergonomics and making a few adjustments could make you more comfortable and prevent injury.
Social Crisis Management Conference Highlights
Published: October 22, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
All SJSU School of Information students are encouraged to attend the Library 2.0 conferences, or watch the recordings at the very least. They’re free, online and offer valuable experiences that extend your classroom learning. You get to hear from information professionals across the world working in all types of environments. It’s also a great networking opportunity. The third and final Library 2.018 conference of the year, “Social Crisis Management in a 21st Century World” took place on October 17. Read on for some of the highlights, then head over to the Library 2.0 website to watch the recordings.
Build Your Leadership Skills at the iSchool
Published: October 1, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
Do you see yourself leading others? Are you the next library director or branch manager? Even if you don’t aspire to be in a leadership position, leadership skills are important at any level. Leadership capabilities can help you work collaboratively with others and look ahead to new trends or issues that can impact your work environment. You might also find yourself supervising interns or volunteers. Whatever your career goals, the iSchool offers plenty of opportunities for building your leadership competence including courses, volunteer roles and some paid positions.
Are You Ready to be an Online Student?
Published: September 24, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
For many of the incoming students to the SJSU School of Information, their experience with online classes is limited or non-existent. That was certainly true for me, having never taken any online classes before. This can be a cause for concern for students wondering what the online environment will be like, if they’ll miss the face-to-face interaction or just not really knowing what to expect. The iSchool provides many resources to showcase what life is like as a virtual student and to help you adjust to the new learning environment should you decide to enroll. In this article, I’ll share some of those resources and offer some points to consider in determining whether you’re ready to earn your degree on the World Wide Web.
Get Social Media Savvy This Summer – Part 4: Blogs
Published: July 30, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
Blogs are the original social media. Even before MySpace, which started as a blog style site, there was LiveJournal and Open Diary. We’re talking circa 1999 before y2k and broadband internet. In that sense, blogs have withstood the test of time. They can be very personal like diaries, but they can also be informational like academic journals (although never as formal or peer-reviewed). Some blogs include pictures, links and videos and others are just plain text. Most blogs allow comments (just like social media) but make sure you read the site rules before engaging in public discourse. The last thing I’d like to mention before diving into my lists of LIS blogs is that most bloggers make their contact information available should you wish to reach out to them.
Get Social Media Savvy This Summer – Part Three: Instagram
Published: July 23, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
In the third installment of the Social Media Summer series, we’re taking a look at Instagram. Instagram is a simple way to capture and share images and video. So why is Instagram relevant to an iSchool student? Well, aside from the fact that you can look at really cool pictures of libraries around the world, it provides a platform for visual learners to access information in a format that is best suited for them. If you are among the 40% of college students that are visual learners, which means you prefer to be taught through pictures and other visual aids, then Instagram might be the right social media choice for you.
Get Social Media Savvy This Summer – Part Two: Facebook
Published: July 16, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
Welcome to the second chapter of the summer series Get Social Media Savvy. Last week we talked about many of the great resources available on Twitter. This week we’re going to discuss another popular social media platform: Facebook. It’s not just for looking at pictures of your cousin’s puppy in Wichita anymore; you can leverage the platform to expand your professional network, keep up-to-date on changes in your field and discover upcoming events and job opportunities.
Get Social Media Savvy This Summer – Part One: Twitter
Published: July 9, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
Tweets. 280 characters, 500 million times per day from over 330 million active users. It’s like walking across the entire U.S. and having a brief dialogue with every member of the population. Admittedly, I tend to stray away from social media. It takes time to sift through the copious amounts of content to find what you’re looking for and quite frankly, like all of you, I’m busy! Well my friend, reader of this blog, you’re in luck. I’ve found some of the best LIS related Twitter feeds, Facebook pages, Instagram accounts and blogs for you to enjoy on your summer break (and beyond), starting with Twitter in this first post of the Get Social Media Savvy This Summer series.
High Points From Blockchain Applied
Published: June 25, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
iSchool faculty, students, LIS experts and professionals from across the world came together on June 7 to learn about and discuss future possibilities of blockchain technology. The second Library 2.018 mini-conference of the year, “Blockchain Applied,” was held online and for free. If you weren’t able to attend, catch up on some of the highlights below and then register for the Library 2.0 network to watch the recordings.
Learn More About Blockchain Technology At The Next Library 2.018 Mini-conference
Published: June 4, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
The second mini-conference of the year, “Blockchain Applied: Impact on the Information Profession,” is right around the corner. On June 7, tune in online from 12 – 3 pm PDT. Attending professional conferences is a great way to extend your learning beyond the classroom, stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, network and have fun! What’s even better about the Library 2.0 Virtual Conferences is that you can join in from wherever you are in the world and at zero cost to you. Keep reading to discover why you don’t want to miss it!
Get Set For Summer
Published: May 7, 2018 by Priscilla Ameneyro
I think it’s safe to say we’re all excited for summer: sun, beaches, barbeques and flip flops are on the horizon! With deadlines fast approaching to wrap up the semester you might not be thinking ahead just yet (other than dreaming of some much needed rest) but if you can find some time, you’ll reap the benefits of planning out your summer in advance. In this article, I share insights from current iSchool students on how to make the most of summer. While you should definitely enjoy some downtime by the pool, there are also opportunities you can seek out to bolster your resume and enhance your education before fall semester begins.