Herbert Brown III

Location: appalachian state university - boone, nc - usa

About me

Herb Brown is a professor and program director in the business and information technology education program at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He directs the Graduate program in New Media/Global Education and Online Teaching and Learning at Appstate. He has taught information technology, instructional technology, and business education courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels for 20 years and served 10 years in the role of Director of Technology for several universities. He has held teaching and administrative positions at James Madison University, The University of Virginia's College at Wise, the University of South Carolina and Appalachian State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Vocational Education with a cognate in Computer Information Systems from Virginia Tech. His articles have appeared in Information Technology, Learning, and Performance Journal, EDUCAUSE Quarterly, and the NABTE Journal.

Interests

online teaching and learning, career and technical education, business & information technology education

Skills

online teaching and learning, teaching methodology, information technology education, web development/design

Website

http://edtech.appstate.edu

Activity

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Denese, Your ratio of 20:1 is pretty common for those that have experienced online learning environments. All of the reason you mentioned are true. I also have found that although a 15-20:1 ration might be ideal for most courses, the specifics of the class could tweak that number up or down to be "optimal." Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Mike, Very good point. There is no optimal number without considering all of the factors you identify and more. Your optimal however falls in the 15-20:1 that most people report as their ideal number. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Lucille, That is an interesting point you make. There is no optimal number; however, many others report the ideal to be around 15-20:1 for most classes. If you don't have any kind of orientation to help acclimate the students to online learning, I see where a beginning course might take on that role. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Jason, I find that video interactions are effective with my student populations. I do a lot of videos and the students always comment that the videos are some of the most helpful materials in the course. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Michael, That ratio, or the 15-20:1 range is what most people find to be optimal ratios for most of their classes. Of course writing intensive classes might be better served with a few less, while other types of courses might be able to handle a few more. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Jason, Do you open your courses stating that there is a lot of flexibility in submission structure and timeframes? If so, does that cause you problems with students submitting work whenever they please? I typically start out with a set structure and statements that suggest I will work with students that have extenuating circumstances, but I try not to appear too flexible as in the past this has been problematic for me. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

SUSAN, Well articulated. Could this ratio be different in different types of courses or levels of courses (Grad. or Undergrad) or do you think it is pretty much the same regardless? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Kevin, Did you mean 5:1 or is that a typo? I don't know of any schools that would go for a 5:1 ratio and I don't see how you can get meaningful discussions going with only 5 students. Most people have found that 15 or 20:1 was a good ratio for them so that you can give appropriate feedback and the discussion forums can generate a good threaded discussion among the students. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Douglas, I would argue that a hybrid model of online and face to face is more likely to exceed fully online programs. Completely online programs are difficult in some skills areas, but even those areas can use a hybrid of both sets of tools to provide the most effective learning environment. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Douglas, How, as a faculty member, would you show your commitment to the students specifically? Just showing the students that you take learning serious does not give them what they need to be successful. Students need to know the specifics of the course that will make the successful...every class and instructor is different. It is important for us to provide students a roadmap to success in our courses. Herbert Brown III

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