The trend in education is changing.  Not only is technology here to stay, but so is the non-traditional student.  By non-traditional, we mean the student that is over 50 years of age,  a first generation college student, and probably African American.

    One of the major challenges currently confronting non-traditional students is updating skills in reading and writing.  In most classes that are non English major courses, we develop a comfort level with our writing as long as the professor finds it coherent.  However, speaking from the perspective of a potential English major, be warned and do not become lulled into a zone of complacency.  For sure, the University required English courses lay the best foundation for all future writing.

    It is important to stress reading.  Read everything possible.  Reading is  such a vital component to improving writing skills.  Extend reading beyond the textbooks by daily reading a newspaper and 50 pages from a "big" novel of 500+ pages.  Begin by reading only 50 pages until  becoming adjusted to a reading schedule, then increase the daily number of pages.  Don't feel intimidated.  If one uses public transportation to and from school, there is reading time.  Click on Suggested Reading to get an idea for some reading material.

    Another wonderful method for improving writing skills is daily "journaling."  Many English professors require students to keep a journal.  If your professor does not make such a requirement, do it on your own.  Write about your daily activities.  Journals have been known to produce wonderful topics for research papers.  Click here to view some topics that might help with Journaling.

    Be sure to use the resource labs at your school  in developing the needed skills to become an effective writer.  Also, the computer is a great resource to aid in your reading and writing development.

    Look at some of My Favorite Sites.  Obviously, my Internet experience is extremely limited.  Therefore, it is advisable to connect with the computer immediately and bond with it.  The more one experiments with a computer, the friendlier it becomes.  By the way, to get to know me just click on Get to Know Me.