Thursday, January 24, 2013

Tech: Dragon 12

Sometimes fingers feel as though they get in the way of our creative process. For some, it's easier to speak their thoughts than be tied to a keyboard. However, without a scribe, ones vocalized genius may never hit the page. However, Nuance software has a solution...Dragon 12.

For some, Dragon may be a familiar friend. If not, but you've been curious to take a look-see at what speech recognition software can do for you and your PC, take a look at Nuance's latest Dragon Release - Dragon 12.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Autism: First Autistic Contestant in Miss America Competition

You may have seen her in the news this week, Miss Montanna, Alexis Wineman is breaking new ground by becoming the first autistic contestant in the Miss America competition. Diagnosed at age 11 with autism, Wineman struggled during her early years, saying, "I felt like it came 11 years to late, but when it came right down to it, it really did help. I found ways to cope."

By the time Wineman had graduated from high school she'd been a cheerleader, was a cross-country runner, and participated in both the speech and drama team. Wineman continues to blaze paths as a speaker in schools, autism conventions, and doing work with other autism groups. What was her talent in the Miss America pageant you may wonder? Stand-up comedy. Congrats to Alexis Wineman, Miss Montana 2013!

For more information, read Lesley Young's article: Beauty Queen With Autism Makes Miss America History

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Sports: Athletic Youths Blazing the Trail in Sports

Young athletes are raising questions to sports officials regarding accommodations in a push for inclusion into a wide variety of athletic programs in schools. This challenges coaches to think outside the box and find ways to make a sport inclusive in new and innovative ways. In other instances, legal cases ensue. The New York Times covers this story in their article entitled: Forging Path to Starting Line for Younger Disabled Athletes.


RCC Bookstore Update: Livescribe Notebooks

Got a Livescribe Smartpen? If so and you're running low on the special notebook paper that goes with it, RCC campus bookstores have you covered. Notebooks are available for purchase for $7.70.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Education: Online Accessibility

The education environment has changed as technology has danced onto the scene traditional classrooms now utilize the online world to promote a multi-media format of learning for students. However, in this drive to utilize new and available technologies, some students and staff have been left behind due to accessibility issues. David Raths article entitled Access Denied, featured in the November edition of Campus Technology gives an overview of the issues being experienced in the classroom and possible design solutions.

Save the Date: RCC Oregon Transfer Days

If the market to transfer? If so, check out RCC's Oregon Transfer Days being held on both RWC and RVC locations. Here's your chance to meet with admissions counselors from other colleges and universities around the state. 

Riverside Campus

Wednesday, January 16 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the lobby of the G Building.

Redwood Campus

Thursday, January 17 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Student Center

For more information:

Call: 541-245-7589
E-mail: Darren Van Lehn at dvanlehn@roguecc.edu

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Education: Digital Badges

Campus Technology's December Issue ran an article on digital badges. While not replacing the degree a student receives for completing a college program, digital badges may be a valuable means for students to showcase certain credentials they acquire over the course of program completion. As the learning environment changes where students may take longer to complete programs due to financial or life constraints, digital badges may be a way to mark skill sets acquired that potential employers can view if students need to pause and work between their degree programs.

For more information, read: Show me Your Badge, by Audrey Watters