Sunday, July 31, 2016

Zotero+WebDAV

I use Zotero to keep track of papers I (need to) read and recently I ran out of space in the Zotero servers because of attachments. Luckily, Zotero allows you to sync attachments using WebDAV. All I need is to setup WebDAV on my group's server. Space problem solved!

Apache config directive:

    Alias /zotero /zotero
    <Location /zotero>
        Options Indexes
        DAV On
        AuthType Basic
        AuthName "zotero"
        AuthUserFile /etc/apache2/webdav.password
        Require valid-user
    </Location>

Graduate Study: Full-Time vs Part-Time

A lot of students ask me which is better, full-time or part-time graduate study. Full-time study would mean that the student will take courses and write a thesis without other 'work' commitments. Part-time study on the other hand allows the student to have other 'work', such as being an instructor, in addition to taking courses and writing a thesis. I have done both, my MS was part-time and, currently, my PhD in full-time.

Part Time

Advantages
  • The student earns while studying because he/she is employed.
  • The student can improve on his/her teaching skills.
  • Student may be given reduced teaching load.

Disadvantage
  • Difficult to focus on research because of teaching-related activities such as grading and meetings.
Full Time

Advantages
  • Can focus more on research and hopefully finish on time.
  • Can earn additional income if student is on study leave with pay.
  • Increased opportunity to travel because of more free time.

Disadvantages
  • Dependent on scholarship for financial support.
  • Limited opportunity to practice teaching.

Essentially, it all depends on the student. Even if a student is doing the study part-time but has good time management skills, it is possible to finish on time.