Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Executive Director's Blog – Too Much Information?

From the Executive Director
Forum, Fall 2016

You’ve probably seen, or said in exasperation, the expression TMI. Too much information! That’s an understandable response in these days of 24/7 cable news and incessant email and text alerts.

As I write, the people of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are again desperate for information. For the third time in a little more than a month, this community has been challenged by events beyond its control: first, protests in the wake of a shooting; then the killing of three law enforcement officers on a lazy Sunday morning; and now historic flooding, the result of a storm with no name that required the relocation of thousands from their homes. In each case, citizens have been dependent on local television and social media not only for developments but for information about how to stay safe.

And in each case, as we locals watched events unfolding at familiar locations, we learned that the nation was watching as well. In Baton Rouge we watched to avoid roads that were closed or blocked, and we watched the water’s path. The title of a favorite novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was never so palpable. You watched in empathy and compassion even as you tried to comprehend our situation, possibly feeling as helpless as we. You sought information from us: how had we fared, what did we need, how could you help.

Is it possible in such a tragic situation for there to be too much information? Certainly not in the near term, no matter who or where we are.

There’s a difference, however, between information and learning. Learning is a process in which a learner engages information, culls and considers it, finally integrating it into her knowledge bank before using it to advance further learning.

A study conducted in fall 2015 and released in March 2016 by the Pew Research Center looked at Americans as learners. While we in Phi Kappa Phi like to speak of ourselves as lifelong learners, it turns out most Americans feel they are as well. Pew found that 73 percent of adults consider themselves lifelong learners —74 percent personal learners who have pursued activities to advance their knowledge base, and 63 percent professional learners, full- or part-time workers who pursued work-related training or expertise in the past year.

You may be surprised to read that most of this learning did not happen online. By far, interview respondents reported their personal learning experiences took place at an actual physical locale, such as a school, church, or library. Even those who reported professional learning did so at a work-related venue rather than online, despite possessing appropriate technology to do so.

And while the reasons respondents pursued learning varied, the primary reason cited was to make their lives more interesting or full, or to help them help others. People are looking for opportunities to grow as individuals. In seeking information, they’re expressing curiosity.

The Pew study, with its focus on what they call “the joy and urgency of learning,” is worth a read [Pew Research Center, March, 2016, “Lifelong Learning and Technology”]. Pew concludes: “The rise of the knowledge economy, the growing imperative to learn and the proliferation of educational platforms have combined to make America a nation of learners.” The love of learning really does rule.

Too much information? Not necessarily. It’s what you do with it that counts. What learning might follow the recent tragic devastation in Louisiana?

-Mary Todd, Executive Director

Love of Learning Deadline is October 1

Need funding to attend a conference, support dissertation research, or pay for textbooks? Apply for a Love of Learning Award!
Available to active Phi Kappa Phi members, Love of Learning Awards help fund post-baccalaureate studies and/or career development including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching/studies and more.
Eighty awards, at $500 each, will be distributed during Session B. The deadline to submit applications is this Saturday, October 1.
Applications are open to all active (dues current) Phi Kappa Phi members who:
  • Have completed their baccalaureate studies by application submission deadline
  • Have not received a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship
For more information, check out the FAQs and Love of Learning fact sheet. Ready to apply? Click here!
If you have additional questions, contact Kelli Partin, awards manager, at kpartin@phikappaphi.org

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Phi Kappa Phi Installs Chapter 337 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott

Phi Kappa Phi will install its 337th chapter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott today, September 21.

The installation of the Embry-Riddle chapter comes after a thorough chartering process and approval from the Society’s board of directors. To be eligible, an institution must be a regionally accredited four-year college or university with an established reputation of excellence and an expressed commitment to upholding the values of the Society.

“Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to welcome Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott to our growing community of scholars,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “The university’s commitment to excellence is evident in its undergraduate research emphasis, cutting edge programs in security and intelligence, and community engagement.”

Officers elected by the chartering group to serve the newly installed chapter include President Anne Boettcher, Vice President Melanie Wilson, Secretary Katherine Greene, Treasurer Jonathan Gallimore, Public Relations Officer Curtis James, Awards & Grants Coordinator Ray Newton, and Administrative Assistant Virginia MacGowan.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Highlight Your Phi Kappa Phi Membership

Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is a stamp of excellence. And when it's time to apply for a job, a scholarship or a graduate program, our many resources will help you highlight your membership in the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society.
  • Logo Graphics: Proudly display your Phi Kappa Phi membership on your résumé by including an official Society logo.
  • Member Verification Letters: Email Deanna Landry at dlandry@phikappaphi.org to request your personalized membership verification letter.
  • Press Releases: Using a program known as Merit, Phi Kappa Phi sends press releases on behalf of members for achievements such as being initiated into the Society, receiving a Phi Kappa Phi award, becoming a chapter officer and more. These press releases are distributed electronically to members’ hometown newspapers and posted to the Phi Kappa Phi Merit Page. In addition, a customizable online profile is created for members to easily share achievements with family and friends on social media. 
For more information about highlighting your membership, contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800.804.9880, ext. 217.