In this week’s post, we again turn our attention to Online Learning, and another student success story.
Online courses are sometimes perceived as offering a fairly isolated, self-contained experience. However, the work you put into an online course isn’t just a means to an end. In addition to the skills and knowledge you gain, your coursework could have meaningful impact beyond the course itself. Last fall, our Bright Ideas in Death and Dying blog entry discussed how Sue McKeen’s course project evolved into a resource for other teachers to use. Monique Romagnano also found a way to share her work beyond the confines of a traditional course experience. A school teacher for the Halifax Regional School Board, Monique is now also a published author in the new annual Canadian Notes academic journal. “I was surprised when I was informed my essay was chosen for the journal. I have never had anything published before so it is kind of exciting!”
Monique teaches Language Arts and Global Studies for students in grades 11 and 12. She completed her Certificate in French Proficiency through Acadia’s convenient summer terms and online courses, and will proudly graduate at Spring Convocation this year. The coursework and writing was a natural fit given her interest in Acadian literature. “It’s relevant for the classes I teach but it also goes back to my roots, so it’s of professional and personal interest.”
“Being published means that people who do not know you have reviewed your work and has judged it worthy of being shared with other thinkers. It means that you have gone beyond simply answering the questions and that your input can contribute to other people’s knowledge,” explains Dr. Martine Jacquot, Monique’s instructor and one of the editors of Canadian Notes. “Being published in a journal abroad is even more gratifying. The University of Volgograd in Russia has a big department on Canadian Studies, where I once lectured. Their publications are impressive. The fact that they created a new journal open to young researchers is a wonderful invitation and a chance to participate to the growth in Canadian studies worldwide.” The journal includes Canadian Studies articles in French, English, and Russian.
With her new parchment coming soon, Monique reflects back on her Acadia experience. “I don’t think I have the secret for balancing a busy life with an online course. It helps that my family and friends are very supportive!” Like many professionals, online and summer offerings have helped her participate in an educational opportunity that wouldn’t have otherwise fit into her home life and career. “Without Acadia University being so accommodating to my teaching schedule by offering summer courses and online options, I would still be waiting for a time I could start the certificate program much less being finished.”
We’re happy to hear of students like Monique having such positive experiences in their Acadia courses and beyond. “I have really appreciated the time and support I have received from my professors and coursemates, and wish everyone the best in their studies. Education is definitely the answer.”
