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Happy Holidays from BU ODE

Stay tuned to our blog in January to learn more about why we were posed on the steps of Marsh Chapel!

ODE’s Ghosts of Halloweens Past

By day, the staff of Office of Distance Education are the people who work to deliver Boston University's award-winning online courses, and who help students from all around the world get the most out of their programs.

But by night -- one night each year, in particular -- our staff becomes Cleopatra. A witch. A Chilean miner. The Queen of Hearts. John Oates. Even Beetlejuice.

It's Halloween week, so as the world puts the final touches on its costumes and prepares to go trick-or-treating, we here at ODE decided to look back at some of our favorite get-ups from yesteryear, and thought we'd share.

Can you tell who's who? If you need a refresher on which names go with which faces, you can check out some of the getting-to-know-you posts we've published over the past few years -- here's one, here's another, and here's yet another -- then try to pair up the person with the picture. A list of those depicted is given, and the answers are at the bottom of this post.

Have fun! And Happy Halloween!

1. Raggedy Ann

1. Raggedy Ann

2. A witch

2. A witch

3. John Oates

3. John Oates

4. A zebra and Waldo

4. A zebra and Waldo

5. A witch and a princess

5. A witch and a princess

6. Daisy Duck

6. Daisy Duck

7. Beetlejuice and Dracula

7. Beetlejuice and Dracula

8. Queen of Hearts

8. Queen of Hearts

9. Cleopatra

9. Cleopatra

10. Frankenstein

10. Frankenstein

11. (Clockwise, from top left) A black belt, a clown, a lion, and a Chilean miner

11. (Clockwise, from top left) Karate Kid, a clown, a lion, and a Chilean miner

SR_Dorothy

12. Dorothy (& Friends)

 

 

12. A shark

13. A shark

ANSWER KEY:
1. Patti,
Senior Faculty and Student Support Administrator
2. Lauren
, Instructional Designer
3. Chantal, Faculty and Student Support Administrator
4. Sam, Online Student Engagement Manager
5. Emily, Senior Faculty and Student Support Administrator
6. Daisy, Instructional Designer
7. Dave, Online Services Administrator
8. Erin, Instructional Designer
9. Jen, Senior Faculty and Student Support Administrator
10. Eric, Director
11. Rob, Assistant Director of Educational Technology and Production
12. Shannon Rose, Faculty and Student Support Administrator
13. Dorie, Doodle

Meet the Passionate Professors of BU’s Metropolitan College

As another academic year begins anew, a fresh batch of students will learn as the returnees are reminded: The instructors who teach online through Boston University are a passionate bunch.

Passionate about their area of expertise. Passionate about sharing knowledge. Passionate about provoking thought and discussion. Passionate about their students. And thanks to our friends/floormates over in the marketing wing of Metropolitan College, we're happy to share with you a glimpse into where that passion comes from for some of our professors.

It's all part of the "MET A Professor" video series, which as of our Fall 1 launch features instructors from the Criminal Justice (Mary Ellen Mastrorilli, Kyung-shick Choi, and Bob Cadigan), Health Communication (Steve Quigley), Admin Sciences (Steve Leybourne) and Undergraduate Degree Completion (Regina Hansen) -- but which promises to include more profiles and more voices in the future.

They'll explain what drives their interest in their field while also discussing some of their own personal experiences, so give them a look in the player below and check back later to see more. Each of the original six is heavily involved in our distance education programs, so we think it will be of particular interest for our online learning community.

Also check out MET's Program Series to learn more about our exciting offerings at the college as well as through BU online. And best of luck to all the students this term -- both old and new!

After Meeting in an Online Course, BU Grads Begin a Family

Bill and Sarah Feaster Graduation

Bill and Sarah Feaster came to Boston for commencement after earning Master of Science in Management degrees from BU.


By Daisy Wizda and Dave D'Onofrio

Ecommerce, it's said, has a way of shrinking the world. It connects companies with customers living continents away. It brings products to places they might otherwise never reach.

And, for two graduates of Boston University’s online Master of Science in Management program, it helped them to find the love of a lifetime.

Bill Feaster and Sarah Kennedy had never met when they enrolled in Metropolitan College’s AD 648 – then titled Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems and Web Design – early in 2011. And they likely never would have if their paths hadn’t crossed on BU’s online campus.

Bill was living in Florida, a Naval Officer who was also working as a sales manager and decided to pursue a project management degree through BU after finding the program to be well-organized, full of specializations, "extremely military friendly," and supported by a helpful staff that answered all his questions. Sarah lived in Connecticut, her career and her concentration focused on international marketing.

But they began to become familiar with each other through the various interactions required between students in Dr. Kip Becker’s course, and even when after completing that session they slowly continued building a friendship as they progressed through their other online classes.

Soon enough they became Facebook friends, then a few months after finishing their coursework they really started talking – “We became pen pals,” as Bill put it – and eventually they decided to meet up for Valentine’s Day 2012. From there they spent six months traveling back and forth from Florida to Connecticut, or from Connecticut to Florida, just to visit each other.

Then, that August, Bill made one more trip north, gathered Sarah's family for pizza, and asked her to marry him. She happily accepted his proposal, and almost a year later they exchanged vows during an oceanfront ceremony on the beaches of New Haven, Connecticut.

Bill and Sarah Feaster Wedding

Bill and Sarah were married in July 2013.

 

Since the wedding, the couple has relocated to Houston, where both now work in recruiting. After graduating, Sarah became a global sales manager at an international company, while Bill remained in the maritime field for a few years before accepting a position leading a recruiting division at Core Group Resources upon moving to Texas.

And last December, they each added another big job title to their respective resumes: Parents. A day after Christmas, the couple welcomed Grace Madeline Feaster, Bill and Sarah's first child – and the newest member of a BU online extended family that, much like ecommerce, continues to reach all across the globe. Congratulations and best wishes!

Bill and Sarah Feaster baby

Grace Madeline Feaster

 

Bill and Sarah Feaster Family

A True Terrier, Eric Friedman Tabbed to Lead BU’s Office of Distance Education

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How much does Eric Friedman love and believe in Boston University? Enough that he received a degree from the school in 1990 (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, CAS).

Enough to get another degree from the university in 1993 (Master of Education, SED).

Enough to then get another degree from the university in 1995 (Master of Social Work, SSW).

And, now, enough to lead the office that helps bring a BU education to people all over the globe.

Eric was recently named the Director of the Office of Distance Education, promoted from the Associate Director position he held for the previous six years, during which the department doubled in size and saw its place among the leaders in online learning verified by a variety of national accolades and awards.

For much of his tenure Eric has focused most closely on student and faculty support, while lending his technical expertise to help shape policy and develop processes across the entire operation, though more recently he has led ODE into a series of significant collaborations with other offices and colleges as the university expands its offerings in distance education. Since Eric took over as interim director in March, and was promoted to the post permanently in October, the office has played a major role in BU's introduction of MOOCs, has implemented a College of Communication project for integrating incoming Chinese graduate students, has launched a blended Doctor of Ministry program with the School of Theology, and has initiated several other exciting high-profile projects soon to follow.

"I believe Eric's creativity as well his background and experience as an educator and project leader are ideal attributes for insightful expansion and diversification the marketplace demands," said Dr. Tanya Zlateva, dean ad interim of BU's Metropolitan College, in announcing Eric's installation.

"Eric has an ambitious vision for growth and flexibility in the digital learning space. In recent conversations with him I have been impressed by the confidence and insight with which he approaches new opportunities. He understands and embraces the potential of digital learning and his love of the field motivates his colleagues to take on new challenges."

That love of the field comes is something that comes through on a daily basis, and is part of the reason why his staff considered the news of Eric's ascension to the directorship cause for a champagne celebration. As pleasant as he is professional as he is passionate about the work being done, he's a delightful boss for whom people are inspired to be productive, innovative, and collaborative.

Oh, and it helps, too, that despite being a native of New Jersey, he's now fully embraced pretty much everything about the city of Boston ...

bostonstrong

 

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ericsox2

... right down to its heavy Irish influence:

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So it's fitting that now he's in charge of seeing that the world gets to share in some of what his city -- and his school, three times over -- has to offer.

"I am thrilled to be taking the helm of the Office of Distance Education," Eric said. "I couldn’t ask for a more talented and more dedicated staff, or a more supportive environment in which to work than BU. The collaborative and innovative spirit here is overwhelming and gives me a tremendous feeling of pride in the work we do. In the time I have been here we have accomplished a great deal, but there are new challenges and opportunities for growth and progress in our future. I have no doubt that we will continue to forge ahead with the same energy, enthusiasm, and success as we have in years past."

 

* * *

For a bit more on Eric personally, check out his answers in the blog's "Getting to Know ..." post from earlier this year.

Advice, Reflection, and a Look Ahead From Our Award-Winning Students

We at the Office of Distance Education have long believed the students in our online programs are among the very best and brightest of any in the university -- and that opinion was validated as fact during Metropolitan College's recent commencement exercises, when a quartet of our standouts were celebrated with academic excellence awards.

The honorees were Lisa Blubaugh, who excelled in Health Communication; Matthew Muscat, who earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice; Freeman G. Corkum, who received a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree; and Irina Kofman, who was honored for her work toward a Master of Science in Project Management diploma.

With so much wisdom among that group, we couldn't let them graduate without asking each of them to reflect on his or her experience, share some tips, recognize those who helped in the achievement of another goal, and tell everyone where they're headed next. Here's what they had to say...

Lisa Blubaugh (right) was all smiles at MET Commencement.

Lisa Blubaugh (right) was all smiles at MET Commencement.

LISA BLUBAUGH

Master of Science in Health Communication

If you could give an online student one piece of advice as they start their program, what would it be?
Although it's an online program, don't short change the personal connections you can make with fellow students, facilitators, and professors. It takes some extra effort, but connect through Blackboard, Facebook, and email. It helps so very much to not feel like you're going at this alone.

Irina KofmanHow did you successfully balance your school and personal lives, and what helped you to manage your time?
Discipline and structure. And acceptance that sometimes you can't do it all. I also work full-time, and my company was fortunately really great with being flexible if I needed to take off early to do research, work on projects, or study for an exam. But inevitably, something has to give. It take a while to find that balance, but you have to understand your limits. When you know you can only give 3 hours a day during a particular week because of other things going on in your life, you plan to put in more time the week before or the week after.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for the help they’ve lent you?
Everyone! My co-workers, friends, and of course my family have all been so supportive and understanding. That makes a really big difference in being able to plow through such an intense program.

What were the highlights of coming to Boston for commencement? Would you recommend that students do so?
I would absolutely recommend that students come to the commencement. The highlight -- by far -- was meeting people I'd been talking to for 18 months but had never met. It was like we were all the best of friends despite never having actually met in person. It was a great feeling.

What’s the next step in your career?
I'm already a health communicator, and have been working in health communications my entire career, so getting my masters in the field just made sense, but I wasn't trying to change career directions. In many ways, that makes my next step not nearly as big as deciding to go back to school! I hope that this degree will allow me to take on greater responsibility and explore other opportunities within the field. But mostly, I plan to keep doing what I do, and I know that the program has helped me be better at what I do.

 

Matthew Muscat with some of the MET CJ faculty and staff.

Matthew Muscat (center) with some of the MET CJ faculty and staff.

MATTHEW MUSCAT

Master of Criminal Justice

If you could give an online student one piece of advice as they start their program, what would it be?
My one piece of advice is actually a scout's motto: be prepared. Be prepared for the intensity of the online course and to sacrifice time with family and friends.

How did you successfully balance your school and personal lives, and what helped you to manage your time?
Lisa BlubaughBalancing school and my personal life was rather tough, owing to the intensive nature of the course. Nonetheless, I made it a point to relax for 2 to 3 hours every day. In addition, I also took a few short holidays abroad between courses. These holidays used to help me de-stress.

An organized timetable is a valuable tool for managing time. I used to prepare one for each module.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for the help they've lent you?
My Dad for being a rock. My sister who stuck by my side even though I was a bore. The fine academic staff at Metropolitan College, in particular Professors LeClair, Mastrorilli, Cadigan, and Choi. And last but not least BU for providing an organized and thought-provoking learning environment.

What were the highlights of coming to Boston for commencement? Would you recommend that students do so?
Putting a face to various online students and visiting the wonderful city of Boston.

What's the next step in your career?
Reading for an M.Phil in Criminology and Criminological Research at the University of Cambridge. I plan to delve deeper into the criminological aspects of financial crime.

 

Freeman G. Corkum receives his award at MET commencement.

Freeman G. Corkum receives his award.

FREEMAN G. CORKUM

Undergraduate Degree Completion Program (UDCP)
Bachelor of Liberal Studies

If you could give an online student one piece of advice as they start their program, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give is consistency. I think one of the greatest challenges with this rather intensive degree completion program is balancing work, family life, as well as other commitments. I found that devoting some time daily was key in keeping pace. With short class schedules of just 6-7 weeks it is easy to fall behind, then very hard to make up the workload deficit. Even if some days it means grabbing 45 minutes or an hour and other days a block of a few (or more) hours, the daily commitment was key to success.

Is there anything you wish you knew on Day 1?
Matthew Muscat
On the same topic was the fact that there is a kind of rhythm to the classes and coursework that I would find. I used to be a long-distance runner and it is analogous to finding and tapping into the pace or rhythm on a run. Whether 5, 10, 15 miles or a marathon, it really is an integral part of maintaining progress and persisting to achieve the goal. Overall in the BU UDCP there was a certain rhythm and of course it would vary somewhat from class to class due to the nature and subject matter of the different courses.

How did you successfully balance your school and personal lives, and what helped you to manage your time?
Consistency. I also realized after the first couple of classes that the 7 week course length was going to be achievable. There were times when it seemed overwhelming to complete all that would be required but keeping a focus on what I could do that day or that week and realizing it would end in 6 to 7 weeks frequently motivated me. I think we can survive about anything for only 7 weeks. 🙂

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for the help they’ve lent you?
There are so many people I would like to thank including my wife and family who certainly supported and tolerated all those nights, weekends, and holidays of study time. Of course the professors and facilitators I found overall to be excellent. My classmates that interestingly enough I got to know very well over the course of the program yet we were distributed around the globe. My fellow students were great and at times quite helpful and encouraging and I value all that I learned from our interactions and discussions. I used to wonder how an online education program could replicate or compensate for the lack of classroom experience. I found the interactions through discussion boards, live classrooms, and even occasional working groups and group projects even more meaningful and interesting than many of the more traditional classes I have attended. I would also like to thank the staff and BU administrators that keep the program running and provide all that vital and useful information. Finally, my co-workers and manager were also quite supportive. I think they may have worried at the start since I have a demanding work schedule but I am also proof that it is certainly possible to balance if not juggle the work, family life, and school commitments and workload to achieve success.

What were the highlights of coming to Boston for commencement?
It was a phenomenal experience and I certainly feel it was the right way to culminate the completion of the BU UDCP. I questioned for a while whether to make the trip from California but found it to be a tremendously rich experience. I didn’t realize until being there how powerful the acknowledgement by the university, alumni, family, and friends at the commencement ceremonies could be. Not to mention the connections made with fellow alumni and also meeting professors and staff at BU. My wife and some family in the Boston area also attended and were very impressed as well. I also briefly attended the pre-commencement reception where I spent some time with classmates that, although we knew each other, had never met face to face -- another great reason to attend. Of course, Boston is a magnificent city and one of my favorite places. I was also very impressed by the BU campus and facilities. Attending the commencement and reception is an experience not to be missed in my opinion.

What’s the next step in your career?
I have been established in my current career in the software field for quite a while but found the Bachelor of Liberal Studies has enhanced my life and career in ways I wouldn’t have imagined at the start of the UDCP program. I am now taking a foundation course over the summer and hope to matriculate in the BU Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems online program in the fall. Although I don’t have an immediate next step, both the undergraduate and graduate degrees will extend opportunities both within the company I work for and beyond. I am currently in a lead position and completion of the Bachelor’s degree and potentially the Masters will help me to elevate my skills and knowledge for the next level of management and certainly open up many more opportunities.

The value of this course of study and completion of my undergraduate degree at Boston University’s Metropolitan College is in my opinion without parallel. I found it to be academically rigorous, challenging, and at times a very intense commitment of time and energy but well worth it and I am very grateful for the experience. I highly recommend the BU UDCP to anyone planning to complete their degree -- it is certainly one of the most rewarding achievements of my life.

 

Irina Kofman with Professors Roger Warburton and Vijay Kanabar.

Irina Kofman with Professors Roger Warburton (left) and Vijay Kanabar (right).

IRINA KOFMAN

Master of Science in Project Management

If you could give an online student one piece of advice as they start their program, what would it be?
This is way more challenging than many expect, but will fly by way faster than most imagine and you can do it if you put in the effort. Forming study groups and getting to know your peers can aide you and help bring the program to life. Once all the textbooks are read, exams taken, and grades input, these friendships and connections will live on, so remember to get to know others, share your insight, and you will get out of the program more than 100% of what you put in.

How did you successfully balance your school and personal lives, and what helped you to manage your time?
It sounds silly, but I project managed my own life throughout the program. I set aside time each morning and evening, before and after work to complete discussions (thank goodness for two-hour shuttle rides to and from work!), setup and participated in conference calls weekly with study group partners to get ahead, and kept a schedule for completing deliverables on a Google calendar.

Freeman G

However, given all that, I made it a point to not allow my son, who was only 2 when I started the program, to miss out on anything. No matter what assignment or exam was on the schedule, it was my personal choice to attend every soccer practice, swim class, preschool event, and birthday party. I explained to my family and friends the challenges and limitations my schedule would have the two years I committed to the program, and with their support was able to balance both, while keeping in mind life happens while you are busy making plans. I consistently reminded myself, as did my now 4-year-old, you never get the years back so enjoy your family and make the best out of the time you spend in school.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for the help they’ve lent you?
My family, especially my husband, parents, and son, who put up with me when I just had to finish that assignment that seemed daunting and all of whom were unwavering in their support. I am grateful for the amazing professors, facilitators, coordinators, and Dean Zlateva, who all have made the experience so unique and rewarding, my coworkers and managers who supported my efforts and encouraged me to pursue the degree, and my study groups and teammates, who helped make the program so much more enjoyable. I would also like to thank Professor Kanabar in particular, who took an interest in me and encouraged some great discussions and helped extend my interest in academics and the field of project management.

What were the highlights of coming to Boston for commencement? Would you recommend that students do so?
Absolutely! Some of the highlights of getting to come to campus and commencement was seeing the university in person and meeting the professors and staff at BU. I also got the chance to meet many of my peers and former teammates on projects in the program. It is really an opportunity you should take if you can. The individuals you meet and the conversations you have you will remember forever, plus you have earned it!

What’s the next step in your career?
I plan to share my experiences about the program and educational opportunities with coworkers to help guide others interested in pursuing graduate education in project management. I’m eager to continue to take on more projects and programs to manage, and pursue corporate operational roles.


Congratulations to all of our honorees and graduates! To check out more stories and reflections from commencement weekend, please visit our YouTube channel

BU Online Commencement Video Diary

Two years ago we profiled one of our online graduates when she came to Boston for Commencement weekend. Jane had a great experience. We hope this year's graduates have a similarly exciting and enjoyable experience. Thought you might like a preview.

Getting to know … the rest of BU’s Distance Education staff

By Andrew Hinkell

We thought we would introduce our community to a group of people normally behind the scenes. We extended our Student Services Spotlight Questionnaire to a group of our directors, instructional designers, and administrators. Here are their responses.

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Eric Friedman, Associate Director

What was the last book you read? I’m in the middle of several books right now, but the last one I read that really made an impression on me was 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I wanted to read it prior to this past year’s 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. The book concerns a fictional what-if take on how a time traveler might have intervened to foil the assassination attempt. Although he takes liberties with the characterizations of actual historical people, places, and events, the story was gripping and while suspenseful and horrific in its own way, very different than King’s usual nightmarish tales. He also handles time travel into the past, and its effects on the present, in a really interesting way. I recommend it.

Where did you go to college? Go BU! Go BU! Go BU! That’s right, I have three degrees from BU. BA in Psychology, a Master’s in Education and a Master’s in Social Work. And still taking classes. . .probably not going for the doctorate though. We’ll see.

If you could travel to any place and time, where and when would you go? Reading the Stephen King book certainly got me thinking about time travel in new and different ways. I think I would like to travel to the future to see what kinds of lives my kids end up leading. Then again, maybe I don’t want to know (cue "Back in Time" by Huey Lewis and the News).

The 5 most recent tracks played on iTunes/Spotify are… ""Black Out Days" by Phantogram, "Brooklyn is Burning" by Head Automica,  "Default" by Atoms for Peace, "Into the Galaxy" by Midnight Juggernauts, and "The Walker" by Fitz & the Tantrums. Good beats to run to!

If you could create your own online course what would it be called? Redesigning K-12 Education – Hitting the Reset Button. I’m not an expert, but I would really enjoy bringing together some really exceptionally gifted thinkers to teach this course. I think our current educational system is archaic and flawed and would love to see it transformed in my lifetime.

You are an online student visiting campus for the first time. Where do you go for lunch? The BU Pub. Awesome sandwiches and a decent selection of beers on tap. And in the basement of The Castle – so cool! A hidden gem.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? James Bond (the Dr. No Sean Connery version). Could it really make sense to be anyone else? But I wouldn't smoke.

I will most likely be browsing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Reddit. LinkedIn has gotten really interesting in the past couple of years. I could spend hours learning about what other people are doing with their lives and work. Very inspiring.

The first TV jingle that comes to mind. Digger the Dog, Digger he goes with you, when you explore. Just pull his leash, go for a walk, he’s your dog for sure! Walkin’ Digger Mom!

This spring I am looking forward to... not having to wear seven layers of clothing when I go out for a run!

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Rob Haley, Senior Media Producer

What was the last book you read? Paul and Me: Fifty-three Years of Adventures and Misadventures with My Pal Paul Newman by A E Hotchner

Where did you go to college? 'Cuse is in the House!

If you could travel to any place and time, where and when would you go? I’d want to see Jesus in his teen years…nobody knows the shenanigans that guy got into!

The name of my favorite Pandora radio station is… Alison Krauss and Union Station…it leads to all kinds of interesting bluegrass, which is the stuff that’s tough to find on terrestrial radio, and great to have in the background.

If you could create your own online course what would it be called? After I come back from my time travel it would be called “Teen Jesus: The Original Prankster.”

You are an online student visiting campus for the first time. Where do you go for lunch? Roast Beast

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? It would have to be a superhero. Maybe Superman. I mean come on…how could any girl turn down the best pickup line possible…“Want to go for a quick fly around the Statue of Liberty and see what happens?”

I will most likely be browsing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Reddit. Twitter mostly for sports as well as Boston food scene updates, and especially valuable during fantasy football season.

The first TV jingle that comes to mind. “You took a 40 minute shower, and missed the second half of the game.” Welker…so hot right now.

This spring I am looking forward to... guiding tourists through the streets of Boston while stopping at some of the city's most beloved food destinations.

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Dave D'Onofrio, Online Services Administrator

What was the last book you read? The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year by Armin Brott. (Lame, I realize, but indicative of where my focus has been and how little time I’ve had for other reading.)

Where did you go to college? Boston University, College of Communication

If you could travel to any place and time, where and when would you go? Not sure exactly, but I’d use the chance to be a first-hand witness to greatness – so maybe watch Ted Williams hit a baseball, Martin Luther King Jr. inspire with his words, Abraham Lincoln run a country, Chris Farley film “Tommy Boy,” something like that.

The name of my favorite Pandora radio station is… I don’t have iTunes, and my wife controls our Netflix queue, so I’ll go with Kenny Chesney or Zac Brown Band Radio on Pandora.

If you could create your own online course what would it be called? Journalism for the Next Generation (It would center around producing an online news site – articles, videos, photos, web design, etc. – and would be for high school students, replacing the classic high school newspaper while developing a more modern and real-world-useful skill set.)

You are an online student visiting campus for the first time. Where do you go for lunch? We used to have a Taco Bell … but, alas, now it would depend on my mood: pizza, T. Anthony’s; burger, UBurger; burrito, Anna’s Taqueria (definitely worth the walk).

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Coach Eric Taylor, Friday Night Lights

I will most likely be browsing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Reddit. Twitter

The first TV jingle that comes to mind. "Bernie and Phyl’s: Quality, comfort, and price … that’s nice!"

This spring I am looking forward to... the chance to wheel my daughter around in her new wagon, and to watch her really enjoy the outdoors for the first time since she learned to walk and run.

 becky and perch

Rebecca Bell, Compliance and Exam Manager

What was the last book you read? The Atrocity Archives (The Laundry Files, #1) by Charles Stross

Where did you go to college? BU!

If you could travel to any place and time, where and when would you go? Japan, 100 years from now

The next 5 in my Netflix queue are… Highlander, Highlander II: The Quickening, Highlander III: The Sorcerer, Highlander: Endgame, and Highlander: The Source.

If you could create your own online course what would it be called? “That’s not supposed to sound like that!”: Bike Maintenance 101

You are an online student visiting campus for the first time. Where do you go for lunch? India Quality

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Leeloo Dallas

I will most likely be browsing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Reddit. Reddit

The first TV jingle that comes to mind. “Who’s that girl?  It’s Jess!”

This spring I am looking forward to... the cherry blossoms along the Charles River Esplanade!

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Elena Garofoli, Senior Instructional Designer

What was the last book you read? In the process of reading Kate Atkinson’s Life after Life.

Where did you go to college? Well, take your pick: Northern Arizona University, Boston University, Springfield College, Marlboro College

If you could travel to any place and time, where and when would you go? I would dance onstage with Ginger Rogers back in the 1930’s.

The name of my favorite Pandora radio station is… Contemporary Folk.

If you could create your own online course what would it be called? Spirituality of an Online Community

You are an online student visiting campus for the first time. Where do you go for lunch? Super 88 Food Court down the street from our office.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Wonder Woman, definitely

I will most likely be browsing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Reddit. Facebook

The first TV jingle that comes to mind. Couldn’t tell you why, but here it is: “Double your pleasure, double your fun, with Double mint, Double mint, Double mint gum.”

This spring I am looking forward to... warmth!  Sitting on my front porch drinking coffee before work, cooking out on the back deck. Wearing shorts!

Rye Gentleman

Rye Gentleman, Instructional Designer

What was the last book you read? Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain

Where did you go to college? North Carolina School of the Arts for undergrad, San Jose State University for grad

If you could travel to any place and time, where and when would you go? 2045 to see if the singularity has happened yet.

The name of my favorite Spotify radio station is… Prog rock radio.

If you could create your own online course what would it be called? From Shakespeare to Whedon: Dialogue that changed the lexicon. A lot.

You are an online student visiting campus for the first time. Where do you go for lunch? The Banh Mi stand at Super 88.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Who’s to say I’m not one already?

I will most likely be browsing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Reddit. Yes

The first TV jingle that comes to mind. No!

 This spring I am looking forward to... riding my bike sans snow tires.

 

Play our Valentine’s Day Word Jumble — and use the hints to win a prize!

Please be sure to submit your solution by 11:59 PM ET February 14, 2014 to be eligible to win!

BU Valentine's Day Jumble

To spread the joy on this Valentine's Day, we've put together a word jumble full of words that relate to our beloved online community -- and you'll win a prize if you can unscramble them, subsequently use the boxed-in letters to put together a three-word phrase, and then send your solution to us at disted@bu.edu.

Oh, and since we forgot to send you flowers or chocolates, we're instead giving you a hint for each of the jumbles. Enjoy! And happy Valentine's Day!

HINTS

  1. Higher ed is just so cool,
    this is what we call a school.
  2. Our students may live far and wide,
    but still feel a sense of this -- and pride!
  3. Modem or wireless -- doesn't matter how:
    It's where your connection has you right now.
  4. We can't just come right out and tell ...
    but the answer is abbreviated in this page's URL.
  5. Take our courses in your PJs, or in an ascot --
    either way, these dogs are your mascot.
  6. If your class requires you to read,
    this may be just what you need.
  7. Often invoking memories of fun,
    this is a synonym of jumble No. 1.
  8. When the Sox' latest win made everyone giddy,
    the team went parading through this city.
  9. Finish your classes once and for all,
    then hang proof of this on your wall.
  10. Use this to meet your teacher face to face,
    without needing to be in the same place.