Dear Professor: Where College Students Who Take Courses Online Speak Their Minds

Adjusting to Learning in the Digital Age | Dear Professor with Duane Vaughn

About the Guest: Mr. Duane Vaughn is a senior industrial engineering student at Morgan State University, aiming to graduate in December. Hailing from Chicago, Duane expresses a strong inclination towards supply chain management within various industries, including amusement parks, clothing stores, and sports arenas. Besides his academic pursuits, Duane enjoys staying active and engaged in physical activities like visiting the gym and playing basketball. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Dear Professor series, host Dr. Kellie Alston engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Mr. Duane Vaughn, a senior at Morgan State University. The conversation provides a window into Duane's experiences and perspectives as an online student navigating the challenges and nuances of virtual learning environments. With Dr. Kellie Alston's expertise in e-learning strategies complementing Duane's firsthand accounts, listeners gain a valuable understanding of what online students truly seek from their educational experiences. Throughout the talk, Duane emphasizes the crucial role of effective communication between professors and students, particularly in an online setting where physical interaction is absent. He candidly shares his views on asynchronous classes, live session engagements, and the unique challenges posed by the digital sphere of education. This episode delves into the intricacies of student needs, pet peeves, and the distinction between education and training in an online context, all essential factors that contribute to student success and satisfaction. Key Takeaways: * Online students like Duane prioritize communication as a critical component for a successful educational experience, with a preference for timely responses from professors and advisors. * Vaughn appreciates asynchronous classes for their flexibility but acknowledges the potential for distractions and the need for greater discipline. * Keeping cameras on during live sessions is a pet peeve, as it can lead to discomfort and further distractions. * Industrial engineering courses require hands-on training, which presents additional challenges when adapted to an online environment. * Students' perceptions of the effectiveness of online learning are shaped by the degree to which courses balance education and active, practical training. Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com [http://kelliealston.com] Email: hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com] Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ [https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/] Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston [https://bit.ly/drkelliealston] Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience from now until May 31st by simply emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com]. Get ready to make it a mindful semester!

From Party Mode to Panic Mode: Racing Against the Clock for a Forgotten Homework Deadline | Remember the Time with Duane Vaughn

Remember the Time Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the "Dear professor series," viewers are offered a glimpse into the real-world challenges and triumphs of online learning through a candid narrative delivered by Mr. Duane Vaughn. His story exemplifies the lived experiences of many online students, balancing coursework with personal life. Duane recounts a particularly tense evening that encapsulates the all-too-familiar scenario of a looming deadline against the backdrop of social engagement. As the clock ticks perilously close to the midnight submission deadline, Duane's compelling account of the scramble to complete an online assignment in the nick of time highlights the theme of priority setting in an online learner's life. His tale serves as a reminder of the importance of time management and responsibility, packaged within the relatable framework of a college party scene. With an air of suspense and a touch of humor, Duane describes the race against time that many online students will find familiar. His story not only reflects the challenging aspects of online education but also underscores the personal growth and accountability that come with it. This episode is sure to resonate with current and prospective online learners alike. Key Takeaways: * Mr. Duane Vaughn shares his personal experience with a last-minute scramble to submit an online assignment, highlighting the challenges of time management in online learning. * The episode illustrates the need for setting priorities, even when faced with tempting distractions, like a party with friends. * Duane's ability to complete his assignment with just a minute to spare before the deadline emphasizes the pressures online students often face. * The conversation reflects the relatable experiences of balancing social life with academic responsibilities for college students. * The segment provides insights into the daily life of an online student, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the potential pitfalls and triumphs of online courses. Notable Quotes: * "Okay, so it was never funny, but it was always scary and nerve wracking." * "I had to put my friends on hold. I had to tell them to hold on because they was ready to go." * "I had to go back downstairs. I had to do my homework in about 30 minutes just to get, just to get my homework in all time." * "Luckily, I did get it done by 1158." * "I had a great time after that." Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com [http://kelliealston.com] Email: hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com] Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston [https://bit.ly/drkelliealston] Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience available by emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com] by May 31st. Don’t miss this give-a-way!

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in the Financial Markets | Dear Professor with Thomasina Tafur

About the Guest: On today's episode, Dr. Kellie Alston, an esteemed eLearning strategist with extensive experience in online teaching, warmly hosts Ms. Thomasina Tafur, a multifaceted professional and a current PhD student at Pepperdine University. Thomasina's academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in English Literature and an MBA in International Business. She boasts a substantial 20-year career at FedEx, developing robust leadership skills, and has had the unique experience of teaching at Princess Nora University in Saudi Arabia. Currently, she's delving into the world of equity and options trading and is investigating the barriers to women's participation in key Wall Street roles through her doctoral dissertation. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of the "Dear Professor series," Dr. Kellie Alston engages with Thomasina Tafur to dissect her educational trajectory and the experiences shaping her current academic pursuits. Their conversation also focuses on Thomasina's intriguing online learning experiences spanning from literature to trading to international teaching, as well as her ambitious doctoral research. Thomasina Tafur offers invaluable insights into her online learning experiences, including the development of relationships with peers and professors, and the challenges she's overcome in adapting to various online educational technologies. Key Takeaways: * Online learning environments benefit greatly from structured discussions and facilitation to accommodate different learning styles. * Personal connections and networking are invaluable takeaways from higher education experiences, extending beyond the classroom. * The pursuit of a PhD requires more than ambition; a genuine passion for the topic and practical application post-graduation are critical. * Navigating the transition from on-site to online educational experiences poses a unique set of challenges, necessitating adaptability and patience from both students and instructors. * Female representation and participation in the financial sector remain significantly limited, with cultural and structural barriers being key areas of concern. Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com [http://kelliealston.com] Email: hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com] Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ [https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/] Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston [https://bit.ly/drkelliealston] Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience from now until May 31st by simply emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com]. Get ready to make it a mindful semester!

What I Learned from a Technology Glitch | Remember the Time with Thomasina Tafur

Remember the Time Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the Dear Professor series, listeners join Dr. Kellie Alston and guest Ms. Thomasina Tafur to delve into the dynamic world of online learning. This special segment entitled "Remember the Time" offers a relatable glimpse into the triumphs and tribulations faced by virtual learners, through Thomasina's personal narrative. The episode promises to enthrall readers with an inside look at the often unpredictable nature of online courses. Thomasina recounts a particularly memorable day from her online PhD program, where she faced unexpected technical difficulties during a crucial Zoom presentation on Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. The episode emphasizes themes such as problem-solving, perseverance, and the importance of community support within an online learning environment. Wrapped in humor and humility, her story resonates with anyone who's had to pivot quickly when technology fails. This special segment remarkably captures Thomasina's journey to overcoming obstacles. Key Takeaways: * Navigating technical challenges in online courses can be daunting but solvable with patience and resourcefulness. * The importance of developing a contingency plan for presentations, such as sharing your materials with others beforehand. * The value of a supportive online community and fostering connections with classmates to help overcome unexpected issues. * Keeping perspective and staying calm when faced with difficulties, as the worst-case scenario is often less catastrophic than imagined. * The episode underlines the learning opportunities that come from experiencing and resolving technology-related setbacks. Notable Quotes: * "I do know how to do this. I'm not stupid." * "Fortunately for me, the professor said, okay, we're going to have somebody else present right now." * "So from that day forward, anytime it was my time to present on Zoom, I would share my PowerPoint presentation with both the professor or another student." * "I also learned to be grateful for your colleagues, especially the ones that raise their hand and say, hey, I'm going to get off this Zoom, not listen to somebody else's presentation so I can help you." * "What's the worst thing that can happen? Okay, you don't present tonight…Say a little prayer. You'll get through this and try to take something away from it." Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com [http://kelliealston.com] Email: hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com] Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston [https://bit.ly/drkelliealston] Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience available by emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com] by May 31st. Don’t miss this giveaway!

The Turning Point: How One Unexpected Suggestion Took Me in a New Direction | Dear Professor with Dr. Mecca Terry

About the Guest: Dr. Mecca Terry is an academic professional with a distinguished background in criminal justice and higher education. With a bachelor’s degree in law and society, a minor in sociology, and two master's degrees — one in criminal justice and another in Human Services — Dr. Terry’s educational journey is quite impressive. She completed her higher education achievements with a PhD in Criminal Justice. Professionally, Dr. Terry is a former probation officer who made a significant career shift into higher education, where she now serves as a lecturer teaching sociology and criminal justice courses. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Dear Professor series, eLearning strategist and host Dr. Kellie Alston sits down with Dr. Mecca Terry to dive into her experiences as an online student. Dr. Alston, who is versed in the realm of online teaching and learning, facilitates a dynamic conversation that uncovers the realities faced by students in virtual classrooms. The episode touches on the critical aspects of online education, delivering firsthand perspectives that are both informative and thought-provoking. The discussion navigates through Dr. Terry's academic journey as an online learner, her transition from probation officer to higher education lecturer, and her insights on the needs and challenges of online students. The dialogue places a strong emphasis on the importance of organization, communication, and knowledgeability in online instructors. With her expertise, Dr. Terry offers valuable advice to students and professors looking to enhance the quality of the online learning experience. Key Takeaways: * Online learning requires an organized structure, clear communication guidelines, and knowledgeable instructors who can guide students through the course content and resources available to them. * Faculty must prioritize setting and adhering to communication policies to establish and maintain a strong connection with online students. * Mentorship and encouragement play a pivotal role in empowering students and helping them see potential within themselves that they may not have recognized. * Managing transitions in online platforms can be challenging for students; faculty and institutions should provide adequate training and support during these changes. * The unique challenges of online education can be addressed by focusing on facilitating, assessing, communicating, and empowering—or, as Dr. Alston puts it, "FACE" the students. Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com [http://kelliealston.com] Email: hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com] Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ [https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/] Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston [https://bit.ly/drkelliealston] Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience available by emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com [hello@kelliealston.com] by May 31st.