Vlog with Carol Froisy
Program Director, English and Communication at American Public University

Stress is a great cause for concern with many online learners. It can lead to a lack of motivation, confidence, and focus in classes. It’s something that gets overlooked due to time constraints and deadlines. Mindfulness in the classroom could potentially dissolve some of the issues associated with lack of focus and stress.

By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at American Public University System

Financial planning is a skill that you will have to use for the rest of your life if you aspire to be successful. If you have the option to take electives, a financial management, financial planning, or similar class is an excellent option.

By Judith A. Jablonski, PhD, MSLIS, MA
Senior Online Librarian at American Public University

When we talk about scholarly research we mean articles, books, or reports (print or electronic) that are based on original research or experimentation. The scholars being referred to are typically scientists, academics, or other experts in a given field who are often connected with a college, university, or similar institution.

By Dr. Rosalie S. Owens
Faculty, English at American Public University

We have evolved in our communication technology from pictures made with rocks on stones to pictures made with computers on paper. This shorthanded communication may not cease, but I wonder if this evolution is helping or hindering our efforts to communicate.

By Carol Froisy
Program Director, English and Communication at American Public University

Too many times writer’s block strikes researchers before they even put pen to paper. From academia’s viewpoint, research must establish a problem that will make a difference, have a potential goal (solves a problem), and is beneficial to others.

By Helen “Beth” Driver
Faculty Member, School of Arts and Humanities at APU

With apologies to Charles Dickens, I have seen the best of papers, and I have seen the worst of papers. I read essays that exhibited wisdom, and, unfortunately, I read essays that appeared rather uninformed. And then there are the papers I’ve read that reflect a much higher purpose.

The first key to reading is to read what you love, from cars and sports, to Harry Potter or Stephen King. You will read the classics in school. When working on your reading comprehension at home, stick with what interests you.

By Steve Ryan
Faculty Member, English at American Public University

Today, more than 20 years after losing my job as a journalist with The Post during a well-publicized strike against owner Rupert Murdoch, I look at the newsstands in New York City and what do I see? The New York Post. But I don’t just see The Post. Amazing as that seems in 2013, there are still four major dailies selling on the streets of the Big Apple. Newspapers have not died; they have just adapted their ways. In many ways, it is a new journalism.

A background in the humanities will lead to students becoming thoughtful and engaged twenty-first century citizens. One of the most powerful ways that we can achieve this goal is by teaching students about the importance of context.