“The more we try to keep up with the Joneses in terms of preparing our little athletes for future success, the less likely we are to leave ourselves time to enjoy the simple pleasures of family life.” – Angie Abdou, in Home Ice.     If hockey parents aren’t shrieking in the stands this winter, it’s because… Read more »

The topic of sports has been on people’s minds lately, with the current NHL hockey season ramping up for the playoffs as well as the recent Olympic and Paralympic games in PyeongChang.  In Part two of our interview with AU’s Creative Writing professor, Dr. Angie Abdou, she talks about her upcoming books that combine her… Read more »

For many people, writing a book and seeing their name in print is their ultimate dream.  Athabasca University’s creative writing professor, Angie Abdou, has taken her passion for writing and written several successful novels, including The Bone Cage, The Canterbury Trail, and her latest novel, In Case I Go.  But does the life of a… Read more »

Dr. Angie Abdou is an assistant professor in the English department, specializing in creative writing. Her creative writing has won various awards and media recognition. What pedagogical standpoint is most reflective of your way of teaching? Dr. Abdou: Again, that comes back to the pedagogy of me seeing myself as a mentor and a partner…. Read more »

Dr. Angie Abdou is an assistant professor in the English department, specializing in creative writing. Dr. Abdou’s own creative writing has won awards and media recognition. Please fill us in on the range of course you have taught or designed at Athabasca. Dr. Abdou: I am in charge of the writing courses, primarily. I do… Read more »

Facebook: Council member Jan Lehman clarifies myths. AUSU council member Jan Lehman invites students for a conversation. Jan indicates several myths. For instance, unlike popular belief, it isn’t the case that any student can join a student union and impact change, as constraints include “team dynamics, resourcefulness, internal or external pressures, procedural complications, and time… Read more »

Facebook: Recommended apps for taking notes. A student requests advice on what app will work seamlessly on a computer and tablet. Most students respond with Microsoft OneNote, which is accessible to Windows laptops, iPads, iPhones, Samsung phones, and Samsung tablets. A student, on occasion, uses multiple devices simultaneously for the same note. Another student uses… Read more »

AthaU Facebook Group Keep going, you’re getting there.  A recent AU grad shares her experience and provides encouragement to students still working on their degrees; great to see these success stories! Discord Suddenly everyone wants to study.  Conversation in the #general channel is dominated by the myAU outage; students swap updates and work-arounds until myAU… Read more »

If you haven’t yet read our honourable mention or our runner up for the fiction contest, you really should check them out as well, but this week, I’m very proud to be presenting our Fiction Voice Writing Contest Winner.  “Stray Dogs” by Catherine Moise.  After reading it, I have to agree with our judges, it… Read more »

AthaU Facebook Group You gotta kick your own ass.  A student struggling with an individualized-study course format seeks help, and the community responds with advice and tools for staying on track. Discord Student housing in an insane real estate market.  A thread in the #coffee-shop-lounge spotlights the dismal options facing students who need housing in… Read more »