Using Socializing Tools To Improve The Academic World

Working as a business economist, Mary Long of River Edge, quickly
learned that she could not survive as a working mom without her computer, SmartPhone and other hand-held devices to help her organize her schedule, work
assignments, and duties at home. Using a number of applications she has
discovered throughout the years, Mary has been able to take notes at meetings,
schedule important conference calls and monitor her assignments.

At the same time, these same tools get Mary an A+ at managing her
daughters’ extra-curricular activities, medical appointments, and social and
academic commitments. In addition, she's become a pro at keeping track of
what’s coming up for the entire family, including vet and groomer visits for
her dogs, Dolly and Molly.

With her new venture, From Pencils To Pointers, Mary is
following her passion of helping students learn how to use these same devices.
“When we think of e-tools, we immediately think of something negative,” she
says. “But electronic tools offer more than just games and texting. The tools
that have helped make me in business can be applied in the academic world.

“Most parents have experienced a child who forgets their
assignments and misses due dates. For some it has become a way of life,"
Mary explains. “My goal is to show students how to use their computers, school
academically and socially.”

According to Mary, From Pencils to Pointers teaches students how
to efficiently prepare their own electronic study guides that can be viewed and
listened to from their handheld device anywhere they have Wi-Fi access.

“At the same time, they learn how to manage their time by using time-sensitive
electronic agendas and other project management applications. The student who
advances in the program will be developing project management skills that will
stay with them and help them run their future businesses and households.”

Mary says she got her idea while helping her daughter with her
middle school assignments. She noticed that most students owned IPODS and many were seen out wearing ear buds, texting or gaming. “I began to imagine what would happen if those ear buds were not only playing their favorite tunes, but reciting the facts for the next science midterm.

"I started to think how I could how I could help a student trade
e-gaming for e-tools that could, for example, develop a timeline in his
or her personal calendar for a history project, or how they could email an
audio message to classmates working on a team project.”

This “a ha” moment started to click and that’s when From Pencils
to Pointers was born. “Everything happens for a reason,” she explains. “I was
blessed with a child who needed my unique organizational and advocacy skills,”
she says. “I was so happy when I found out I could share these tools with her
and now I want to help other students.”

To learn more you can visit From Pencils to Pointers website at http://www.frompencilstopointers.com/

Contact Mary before September 1 to receive a chance for an
individual, complimentary session. Reservations are on a first come, first
served basis and will be limited to 10 students.  Mary can be reached at marylong@frompencilstopointers.com

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To read more "slice of life" stories about women who are following their passions, go to www.amorejourney.com/blog