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

Instructor Presence

Debra, That is great! I love to hear that you are proactive in watching for struggling students. I have also found that if I can get to them early enough I can save them before it is too late in a course. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Erika, Most people would agree with you that 15/20-1 is an ideal online ratio for most classes. There are many variables that could affect that ratio higher or lower. You hit an important point, the amount of time to provide the same level of feedback to students is higher. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Debra, All of the expectations you mention are great and I have many of those as well. They are primarily student-oriented, what expectations do you list for the instructor? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Tony, So if I understand correctly you are asking the students to interact through discussions with three other students in the course. Do they ever get an opportunity to interact with the rest of the class members? The idea of building a community within our learners can be a vital component in student success and feelings of value of the coursework. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Ricardo, Great idea. I also try to design my assignments and discussions in such a way that students can personalize all of the course content based on their goals and interests. That simple design element can mean the difference between motivated and interested students and unmotivated ones that don't care to submit quality work. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Jeannie, The positive attitude and encouragement does go a long way in establishing your presence in a virtual course. Just your timely interaction with students makes a big difference as well. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Tony, This is where I believe we really need to think about our tools and how we can use those tools to address what we believe are best practices. For example, there are many synchronous learning tools that have whiteboard tools that you can use to interact with students. You would also use a screen capture software to record a lecture AND a whiteboard style interaction even using Microsoft Word and the Inking capabilities in it...and a tablet style PC. Think about the importance of those learning activities and if they are that important, find an online tool that will… >>>

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Tony, I like the way you put this. I always try to suggest that there should be expectations in the course for the students as well as the instructor. Both groups are accountable for the learning that will or will not take place in the course. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

David, I agree. Online learning has been realizing that boom as has the hybrid/blended learning environments. Unfortunately regulations have taking a toll over the last several years as the US Dept. of Ed. placed restrictions in place and now states are using those restrictions to levy high prices to other states and organizations that want to offer online programs in their state and are clearly seeing it as a money making venture. It is disappointing. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

James, I use quizzes as check measures to ensure they are completing their prerequisite readings so they are prepared. I have noticed non-responsive students slowly drop off the roster. I usually notice that they start with not completing assignments, I give them encouragement and they put in minimal effort to get the work done. I try to encourage them and continue to communicate with them about any issues that are affecting their work. Sometimes no matter what I do I can't seem to help them. Herbert Brown III

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