For Brandon Ballentine of Pellissippi State Community College, that book is the “Desire2Learn Higher Education Cookbook,” recently released by Packt Publishing, a U.K.-based technical book publisher.

A D2L administrator for the college, Ballentine fields questions daily from faculty members who use D2L for their online classes. The D2L learning management system enables instructors to upload and manage online class materials such as study guides, tests, and grades. It is used by colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the globe.

Ballentine says he first envisioned what came to be the book as an online resource for use nationwide.

“I thought, ‘So many schools are writing their own tutorials, their own documentation, and their own tips and tricks,’” he said. “‘Wouldn’t it be great if there was a central site that everyone could go to so that everyone isn’t duplicating work across the state or the country?’”

Before Ballentine could complete the website, however, Packt Publishing contacted him through LinkedIn and proposed the idea for a book.

“I had some decent notes and had started writing some chapters,” he said. “So when Packt got in touch, I had an idea of at least some things I wanted to include in the book.”

The goal of the “cookbook” is to help teachers gain expert knowledge of the tools within D2L, become more productive and create online learning experiences with the easy-to-follow recipes. And Ballentine was just the person to write it.

Having begun working at Pellissippi State in 2009, he is an instructional technology specialist in Educational Technology Services. He also teaches a course on mobile web design. While earning his master’s degree in English at East Tennessee State University, Ballentine worked in the university’s Academic Technology Support group. He says he has always been comfortable with both words and technology.

“As a former English major, it was really nice to have the chance to write a longer piece again. I definitely enjoyed finishing the project, though.” he said. “I have a few ideas for some future writing projects, but I’m not going to start those for a while.”

The “Desire2Learn Higher Education Cookbook” is Ballentine’s first book. It is available through Packt Publishing (www.packtpub.com) and Amazon.

The first GED test takes place in the daytime on Saturday, June 15. The second is split between two evenings, June 27 and 28. Both tests are given at the Hardin Valley Campus.

“According to the statistics, there are more than a million working-age adults who have started but not finished the current GED test,” said Joan Newman, director of Academic Education and Adult Education. “These adults need to complete the test as soon as possible. It will open doors to college, training and better jobs.”

The June 15 test is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The June 27-28 test is 5-9:30 p.m. Cost is $65. Test takers need to register with Pellissippi State 48 hours in advance, to be age 17 or over, and to have completed an official GED practice test.

The GED test covers writing, reading, science, social studies and math. The five parts may be taken separately, but all must be passed to receive the corresponding credential.

In 2014, the GED test will change from its current format to one given entirely on a computer. The revised exam will reflect new Common Core state standards and will require higher-level math proficiency and generally be more rigorous. It also will be more expensive.

Anyone who has not completed the GED before Jan. 1, 2014, will have to start over with the new format.

“We are trying to encourage people to go ahead and take it, or finish taking it, this year,” Newman said.

Even if adults have been out of school for years, they shouldn’t fear taking the GED, she says.

“Approximately 70 percent of adults who take the GED pass,” Newman said. “Unfortunately, only about 1.5 percent of all adults who did not graduate from high school even attempt it. The odds really are in your favor, especially when you’re prepared.”

Newman said Adult Education at Pellissippi State offers several hours of instruction to students planning to take the GED. The college also provides free practice tests that often are reliable predictors of actual GED scores.

“We encourage you to study with us and, through that, build your skills, boost your confidence, and help yourself reach your goals.”

To find out more or to sign up, call Adult Education at (865) 539-7109 or the Testing Center at (865) 694-6454. To learn more about Pellissippi State programs, call (865) 694-6400 or visit www.pstcc.edu.

“‘Registration Days’ at Carter High School will be an opportunity for anyone interested in registering for fall 2013 classes at Pellissippi State to apply, work with a Financial Aid representative and register for classes,” said Mike North, Strawberry Plains campus dean.

“Anyone interested in enrollment at Pellissippi State can come to one of the two registration days we will offer at Carter High School—you don’t have to be a Carter graduate. Interested high school graduates, adult learners or transfer students from other institutions can come on July 10 or 24 to get help with applying to Pellissippi State, financial aid, placement testing, or registration.”

Registration Days takes place 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, and Wednesday, July 24. Pellissippi State staff from the Admissions, Financial Aid and Advising offices will be on hand to assist prospective students. Students can even take a placement test on site.

This is the first time a Pellissippi State registration event has been staged at a community high school.

“This is a new initiative for the college,” said North. “The Strawberry Plains Campus will close for several renovation projects and will not be able to provide enrollment services until it reopens later this summer.

“Carter High School is close to Pellissippi State’s Strawberry Plains Campus, and people in and around the community are familiar with the location.”

No reservation or registration is required. Interested students may walk in at any time July 10 or 24 and find assistance.

For more information, call the Strawberry Plains Campus at (865) 225-2300 or the Hardin Valley Campus at (865) 694-6400.

Darrell Bowles, a Pellissippi State student who is legally blind, attended the COSD-sponsored FULL ACCESS Student Summit in Raleigh/Durham, N.C., in April. The two-day event provided 60 students from around the Southeast with techniques and resources for networking and self-advocacy, plus methods to become better prepared for today’s competitive job-search process.

“They give you advice on how to be better prepared for interviews, how to make yourself presentable, what questions you can ask your potential employer,” said Bowles. “It’s information most people would pretty much kill to have for their first interview. It gives us insight into the minds of employers.”

Bowles will be able to apply what he learned at the Summit once he graduates and begins his career search. He just wishes he’d had those tools when he applied for his first job at the Apple Store a few years ago.

“I was up against a lot of people with retail experience,” he said, “and what little confidence I had was taken away from me.

“My first thought when I was passed over was, ‘Oh, they did it because of my disability.’ My second thought was, ‘Oh, they did it because I didn’t have any sales experience,’ which was true. But then, after the Summit and learning everything I learned, I realized I didn’t portray confidence.

“You have to sell yourself. You don’t want to make yourself sound like something you’re not, but you want to make yourself sound like something you are. I failed to do that.”

Students who attended the Summit had the opportunity to network with some big-name employers, among them, AT&T, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Ernst & Young and Northrop Grumman. The event took place at Research Triangle Park.

Bowles applied for a spot at FULL ACCESS and learned he was going back in March. He was one of only a few students from Tennessee to be accepted and was able to attend through use of the University of Tennessee’s Disability Careers Office van.

Bowles is working toward an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science and Information Technology with a concentration in Networking and Communications Systems. He already has a general Associate of Science degree from Pellissippi State. After graduating in CSIT, he plans to seek employment in his field … taking full advantage of his arsenal of newfound job skills and confidence builders.

The sessions give new enrollees the opportunity to meet with Pellissippi State students, faculty, and staff; learn about what they can expect in college and what the college expects of them; learn strategies for college success; explore degree, major, and transfer options; and discover campus services and resources such as financial aid, tutoring, and computer resources.

Pellissippi State encourages parents, spouses and others supportive of the student to attend as well.

Accepted students are urged to reserve their place as soon as possible. Sessions are available June 11-Aug. 23 at various times at all five Pellissippi State campuses.

The application deadline for fall semester is Aug. 14. Classes begin on Aug. 24.

To sign up for New Student Orientation, visit www.pstcc.edu/admissions/orientation or call (865) 694-6400. To request accommodations for a disability, contact Disability Services at accommodations@pstcc.edu  or (865) 539-7153.

Attended by L. Anthony Wise Jr., Pellissippi State president, and Karen Lively, the college’s new sustainable campus coordinator, the event included recognition of the school as a “Green Achiever,” a program dedicated to recognizing East Tennessee businesses for sustainability initiatives.

“Pellissippi State is proud to join the ranks of other East Tennessee Green Achievers,” said Wise, “and we look forward to continuing to be a leader in environmentally responsible initiatives and programs that reduce our carbon footprint and benefit our students, faculty, and staff.”

“It was wonderful to see how many businesses and organizations in the area are adopting greener practices,” Lively said.

To be recognized as a Green Achiever, Pellissippi State completed a survey outlining more than 100 ways an organization could encourage green business practices. Green Achievers must have accomplished at least one item in each category and have scored at least 30 points.

“It’s very exciting that Pellissippi State met most of the criteria in the recycling, energy and water conservation, and waste reduction categories,” said Lively. “We’ve already implemented some effective sustainability measures and will be incorporating even more in the future, such as providing reusable bags and water bottles to students at New Student Orientation and constructing a solar pavilion.”

Pellissippi State has launched a number of green programs through its Sustainable Campus Initiative in recent years. The college employs recycling, water refilling stations, purchase of “green block” renewable energy, automatic light switches and faucets, hybrid vehicles for staff and faculty use, electric charging stations for alternative fuel vehicles, and replacement of traditional lighting with low-energy LED in the Clayton Performing Arts Center.

Pellissippi State students even voted to enact a sustainable campus fee of $10 per student for each semester. The funds go toward initiatives to make the college a healthier, more environmentally friendly space.

One recent initiative embraced by students and the full-service Cafeteria on the Hardin Valley Campus is Meatless Monday, an international movement aimed at reducing meat consumption by encouraging everyone to avoid meat one day of the week.

GoGreenET.com is an online resource hosted by the Greater Knoxville Business Journal. The site provides information to guide East Tennessee businesses and organizations toward improved environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.

For additional information on the college’s sustainability efforts, call at (865) 694-6400.

Students Maggie Jane Barta and Caleb Joshua Knox Bost were named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team. They were nominated by Pellissippi State President L. Anthony Wise Jr. in recognition of scholarly achievement.

Edwar J. Aguiar Chinchilla and Munira B. Punjvani were the recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Award–International, presented to students with international backgrounds in recognition of the pursuit of excellence.

Inductees into the 2012-13 Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges were Ashley Blair, Tonya D. Blasco, Colby Brooks, Jonathan J. Caylor, Mark Cragle, Lauren Foster, Lacy Hayes, Patrick Jarman, Jonathan C. Jones, Linda J. McLin, Michael W. Nance, Casey Owens, Christopher P. Pappas, Sridevi Ponnuchamy, Elizabeth Spenser, Katherine Swisher, Jennifer W. Talley, Valerie Clarke Tipton, Leah Watkins, Kelly Wright, Ricardo Zapata and Stacey Zupka.

Awards of Merit were presented to students in several academic disciplines: Ines Mena-Solano, Civil Engineering (Engineering Technology); Jacob Boling, Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Technology); Jonathan Jones, Interior Design Technology; Lisa Kaminski, Communication Graphics Technology (Media Technologies); and Ronald Harness, Video Production Technology (Media Technologies).

Outstanding Graduate Awards were given as well. Recipients included the following: Linda Hinkle, Behavioral Sciences; Kelly Wright, English; Niloo Ranjan, Mathematics; Abigail Cacace, Natural Sciences; and Lydia Pair, Nursing.

Students in Liberal Arts were recognized with Excellence Awards in the following subjects: Brittany Scrivner, French; Katelyn White, History; and Jessica Evans and Robert Tallent, Spanish.

Business and Computer Technology Outstanding Graduate Award recipients and their disciplines of study: Jane Sellers, Health Care Office Administration (Administrative Professional Technology); Karen Akins, Computer Accounting (Business Administration); Bobby Snodderly, Management AHEAD Program (Business Administration); Leah Watkins, Management (Business Administration); Sandra Sila-Massengill, Marketing (Business Administration); and Caleb Cooper, Networking and Communications Systems (Computer Science and Information Technology).

Business and Computer Technology Outstanding Student Award recipients and their disciplines of study: Kerry Jett, Business (Administrative Professional Technology); Candace Gilbert, Culinary Arts (Business Administration); Tammy Jo Johnson, Hospitality (Business Administration); Sarah Werling, Programming (Computer Science and Information Technology); and Jennifer Shannon, Paralegal Studies.

The Engineering and Media Technologies Outstanding Graduate Awards were presented to Sonja Girardi, Civil Engineering (Engineering Technology); Benjamin Manuel, Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Technology); Jennifer Talley, Interior Design Technology; Casey Owens, Communication Graphics Technology (Media Technologies); Rachel Emerson, Photography (Media Technologies); Jared Wilson, Video Production Technology (Media Technologies); and Alexander Briggs, Web Technology (Media Technologies).

The Electrical Engineering Outstanding Student Award was presented to Patricia Eckhart. Travis Silcox was named the recipient of the Mechanical Engineering John C. Mauer Award of Excellence.

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs’ ACBSP Student Leadership Award was presented to Christopher Alexander.

Faculty member Beverly J. Rogers was selected by students to receive the Faculty of the Year Award. Rogers is an associate professor of Nursing at Pellissippi State.

For additional information about Pellissippi State, visit www.pstcc.edu or call (865) 694-6400.

Creative learning camps for kids continue through July, with classes beginning on July 8. Early registration is encouraged. The youth summer course selection for July, offered through Pellissippi State’s Business and Community Services Division, includes the following:

“Girls on the Run”—July 8-12, 9-noon; ages 8-12; $75. This summer camp introduces participants to the physical-activity-based Girls on the Run program and helps them prepare for the 10-week fall season. Fee includes healthy snacks, water and a gift. Space is limited.

“Self-Defense for Teen Girls”—July 8-12, 2-4 p.m.; ages 13 and up; $95. Attendees learn basic self-defense skills, safe-dating strategies, predator awareness, escape techniques and assault prevention in an age-appropriate way.

“CreACTivity”—July 8-12, 1-4 p.m.; ages 8-10; $115. Students explore and expand their abilities in all areas of acting for the stage, with the chance to display their skills in a showcase performance. Instruction provided by The WordPlayers.

“ImaginACTion”—July 15-19, 1-4:30 p.m.; ages 11-13; $125. Participants use imagination and technique to create characters for the stage in this active class. The class is capped off with a showcase performance. Instruction provided by The WordPlayers.

“Claymation”—July 15-19, 1-4 p.m.; ages 8-15; $119. Working in small groups, attendees write a script, create clay figures, take photographs and compile a short animated movie. Includes a movie premiere featuring all final projects.

“The Amazing History Adventure”—July 15-19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; ages 9-13; $169. Presented in conjunction with historic Ramsey House, this day-camp experience offers hands-on activities, games and crafts based on early American history. Participants must register by July 8 and should visit the BCS website for a list of materials to bring each day. Classes meet at Ramsey House, 2614 Thorngrove Pike, in East Knox County.

“App-tastic”—July 15-18, 9-noon; ages 8-15; $115. This four-day class teaches students how to build their own app that will work on an iPhone, iPad, iPod or Android with Wi-Fi capabilities.

“Manners Come From the Heart”—July 15-16, 10:30-noon; ages 7-12; $65. This class helps younger students develop tools to make friends easily and feel confident as they learn manners for all occasions.

“Confident Teens in Today’s Changing World”—July 17-18, 12-1:30 p.m.; ages 13 and up; $65. Students learn how to boost confidence and decrease feelings of awkwardness in this social skills class.

“Keyboarding and Basic Computer Skills”—July 22-25, 9-noon; ages 6-10; $115. Youngsters have fun learning their way around the computer in age-appropriate activities, including doing online searches and making greeting cards.

“Microsoft Office Sampler”—July 22-25, 1-4 p.m.; ages 8-15; $115. Attendees can get a head start on future job skills by learning the basic tools for creating documents (Word), presentations (PowerPoint) and spreadsheets (Excel).

“Cambridge ACT Test Prep Class”—July 20, 8:30-noon (pre-test); July 29-20, 5-8 p.m. (math/science); Aug. 5-6, 5-8 p.m. (English/reading); Aug. 10, 8:30-noon (post-test); $425, with $100 discount to those registering by July 5. Students preparing to take the ACT gain test strategies in this curriculum, which has a solid record of improving scores. Must register by July 12.

Unless otherwise noted, all courses are at Pellissippi State’s Hardin Valley Campus. Participants may bring snacks or money for snack machines (optional).

For additional information or registration, visit www.pstcc.edu/bcs or call (865) 539-7167. The BCS website lists updated class schedules and information on new course offerings.

Esther Dyer, dean of Pellissippi State’s Division Street Campus, views the new display case frame created by students Ted Maitlen and Ben Manuel (not pictured).

When Ted Maitlen thought about his future, he did not picture himself on a college campus.

“I never thought school was for me,” he said. “I didn’t do well in high school. I never really saw college as an option.”

Maitlen has turned that image on its head at Pellissippi State Community College.

As a top student in Engineering Technology’s Industrial Maintenance concentration, the 29-year-old just completed the academic year with support from the prestigious Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarship.

The scholarship provided $2,000 for tuition and fees. Upon graduation this fall, Maitlen also will receive a customized Westward toolkit worth $2,500 from the company, a leading supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products.

Maitlen began classes at Pellissippi State fall 2011. Prior to college, he served three years in the Army before being discharged and returning to East Tennessee. When he reenlisted six months later, he was deployed to Iraq, where his unit provided security for high-level officials, including U.N. inspectors present for the country’s first election.

Back at home, though, the recession took a toll on Maitlen’s civilian career. His employer cut jobs, and his position as a crane operator was eliminated. He struggled to find work and eventually decided to give college a try.

Maitlen started by visiting Pellissippi State’s Hardin Valley Campus and picking up some information about Industrial Maintenance. He also met with Pat Riddle, the concentration’s coordinator and a faculty member. Once Maitlen made the commitment to enroll, he has worked steadily toward a degree.

Part of his motivation rests in securing a better career with a good company. Even more powerful, he says, is his desire to provide a more secure future for his family.

A husband and the father of two, Maitlen attends class in the day, doing homework in between and in the evening. He also helps his 5-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter with their homework.

“There’s not much I’m more proud of than those two,” he said.

Riddle recommended Maitlen for the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarship. He described the student as a hard worker, a self-starter, someone willing to help his classmates.

But when asked about the recommendation, Riddle mentioned first a modification Maitlen made to a Humvee in Baghdad that made his team’s patrols safer. According to Riddle, Maitlen figured out a way to cool the fuel solenoid by rerouting the windshield washer fluid.

“This allowed us to stop and restart our vehicle without having to get out and lift the hood (a two-man job) to pour water over the solenoid in order to cool it,” Maitlen said.

Pretty impressive considering that Maitlen was not technically even the unit’s mechanic.

“That kind of quick thinking and problem solving, that’s almost at an instinctual level with him. It’s one of the things that impress me about Ted,” Riddle said.

Maitlen is the fourth Pellissippi State student to earn a Grainger scholarship and one of 100 nationally to receive it for the past academic year. The scholarships are coordinated by the Pellissippi State Foundation.

To learn more about enrolling at Pellissippi State, visit www.pstcc.edu/admissions or call (865) 694-6400. To find out more about scholarships, go to www.pstcc.edu/financial_aid.

Classes in June begin on June 3, and the late summer classes begin on July 8. The June youth summer course selection, available through Pellissippi State’s Business and Community Services Division, includes the following:

“The CSI Experience”—June 3-7, 9-11 a.m.; grades 5-8; $105. Students will have the chance to solve a mock crime using simple forensic techniques. Lab activities may include fingerprinting, blood typing with simulated blood and more.

“Adventure Into the Digital Science Classroom”—June 3-7, noon-2; grades 5-8; $105. A class for the “not so faint,” this course begins with virtual dissections and then moves on to actual dissections using forensic techniques.

“Girls on the Run”—June 10-14, 9-noon; ages 8-12; $75. This summer camp introduces attendees to the Girls on the Run program and helps them prepare for the 10-week fall season. Fee includes healthy snacks, water and a gift. Space is limited.

“Confident Teens in Today’s Changing World”—June 10-11, 12-1:30 p.m.; ages 13 and up; $65. Students will learn how to boost their confidence and decrease their feelings of awkwardness in this social skills class.

“Self-Defense for Kids”—June 17-21, 2-3:30 p.m.; ages 7-12; $85. Using role play and games, participants will learn basic self-defense techniques, as well as strategies covering escapes, strangers and bullies.

“Jewelry and Wearable Art”—June 17-21, 9-noon or 1-4 p.m.; ages 10 and up; $119. Students will leave this course with several completed pieces, which may include bracelets, earrings, pendants and more.

“Young Artist”—June 24-28, 9-noon or 1-4 p.m.; ages 8-15; $119. Activities may include basic drawing, figure drawing, perspective drawing, book and journal making, oil pastels, polymer clay, portraits, or sculpture.

“Manners Come From the Heart”—June 25-26, 10:30-noon; ages 7-12; $65. This class is meant to help younger students develop tools to make friends easily and feel confident as they learn manners for all occasions.

All courses listed take place at Pellissippi State’s Hardin Valley Campus. Participants may bring snacks or money for snack machines (optional).

For additional information or registration, visit www.pstcc.edu/bcs or call (865) 539-7167. The BCS website lists updated class schedules and information on new course offerings, as well as descriptions of the youth summer classes that begin in July.