BRAIN FOOD
Here are some great links to websites we love. If you have one to suggest,
please email the link to us at: hpro@occ.cccd.edu
ACADEMICS
Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT) OpenCouseware
Thousands of full college-level courses with syllabi, lecture notes, quizzes, exams, etc.
-- FREE! No registration required.
Stanford Engineering Everywhere
"For the first time in its history, Stanford is offering some of its most popular engineering classes free of charge to students and educators around the world...View lecture videos, access reading lists and other course handouts, take quizzes and tests, and communicate with other SEE students, all at your convenience.
SEE programming includes one of Stanford’s most popular sequences: the three-course Introduction to Computer Science taken by the majority of Stanford’s undergraduates and seven more advanced courses in artificial intelligence and electrical engineering" (http://see.stanford.edu/).
Khan Academy
Thousands of YouTube video tutorials in a wide variety of subjects: math (algebra,
geometry, trigonometry, statistics, calculus, etc.), science (biology, chemistry,
physics, organic chemistry), economics, history, banking and finance, etc. Also
includes SAT prep, GMAT prep.
Patrick: Just Math Tutorials
More video tutorials to help you with math than you can shake a stick at!
Great stuff.
Guide to Grammar and Writing
Explanations and interactive practice quizzes to help you improve your writing
mechanics including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphing,
research and writing skills.
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Another great resource for essay and research paper writers.
Science Magazine online
Keep up with the latest in the sciences.
Sloane Career Cornerstone Center
Explore careers and the education required for STEM majors (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), as well as for computer science and healthcare fields. Great resources, interviews with professionals and more.
SUCCESS SKILLS
Daily Writing Tips (Blog)
No matter what kind of writing you're doing: an essay for a class or for a scholarship, a business letter, a website or blog, or a posting to your Facebook page, the ability to communicate in clear, correct English is key to your success. Get the help you need with grammar, punctuation, usage, spelling, style and more. Learn about writing competitions and getting your work published. Worth a look.
A Word A Day (AWAD)
Build your vocabulary one word at a time. Provides definition, pronunciation, etomology, sample usage and, as a special bonus, an inspiring quotation every week day. Free email subscription, or just visit the website whenever you like.
Mind Tools
A complete resource for developing success skills valued in academia as well as in
the career world. Includes time management, problem solving, decision-making, and
study skills among others.
GPA Calculator
Enter units and letter grades for up to 50 courses. Use the calculator to determine your total GPA from among multiple institutions or to project what your GPA will be if you earn particular grades for courses in progress and planned. Super useful tool!
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Volunteer Match
Matches your interests, experience and availability to organizations in need of
volunteers in your geographic area.
INSPIRATION
TED - Ideas Worth Spreading
Their website tagline says it best: "Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to
the world." Caution: this website is as addictive as potato chips.
JK Rowling's Commencement Speech at Harvard University (2008)
http://harvardmagazine.com/2008/06/the-fringe-benefits-failure-the-importance-
imagination
Harvard Magazine Video: The author of the "Harry Potter" books cites the benefit
of failure.
Conan O'Brien's Commencement Speech at Dartmouth University
(2011) http://www.dartmouth.edu/~commence/speeches/2011/obrien-speech.html
Dartmouth video and full text: The late-night comedy show host advises graduates
to expect their dreams to change and that disappointment provides the opportunity
to reinvent ourselves.
David Foster Wallace: This is Water (Kenyon College Address
2005) http://web.archive.org/web/20080213082423/http://www.marginalia.org/
dfw_kenyon_commencement.html
Full text: The author of Infinite Jest and professor of creative writing at Pomona
College delivered his commencement speech to the Kenyon College class of 2005.
SOCIALIZE THEMATICALLY
Meet-Up Orange County
These groups range from writer's groups to culinary outings, from aerial
photography to hiking, to Spanish language to fitness to weight loss. There's a
group for everyone!