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

Regina , What is a large group in your opinion? 40-50? What would you consider an ideal smaller group...10-15? Just curious what works for you. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Rhonda, Timeliness in responses is very important in online courses. The more timely the response, the more the students feel you are connected and "present" in the course. Providing clear and unbiased grading is another. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

William, These are mainly student centered, and I agree they are important. I have also found it important to list some of the key expectations students should have for their instructors around such areas as grading, communication, timeliness of feedback, etc. I have found that I adjust my expectations and course details each semester in response to what I learn each time I teach the class. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Diana, I believe that anytime you can personalize the experience for the students and allow them the flexibility to complete work in their areas of interest you will better motivate them in their learning. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Steven, Sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you are recovering well. Regarding the QAs we all have structure to "work within" to get the courses designed and taught some are better than others. The university I work for I have complete control over the course so I am blessed in that way. I would just recommend that you sit down with the QAs and explain your rationale. They may not see the importance of what you are doing or the strategies you are using...they might find them helpful for all instructors. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Heather, It can be done. It would be something you would need to add in small amounts to find the ideal mix in the online course. It is just like teaching in a traditional class, you try to connect with the online students in a personal way and build a rapport with them "virtually". It might not all come together the first semester you teach online, but the more you do it, the more you learn ways to make this work. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Suzanne, I would say that most people feel the ideal ratio is in the same range that you mention. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Diana, I teach many technical and software courses and I agree with your ratio. I prefer a low ratio for graduate courses as well for the similar reasons you mention here about the amount of quality of the interaction and feedback. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Regina , Do you have a personal ideal ratio? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Suzanne, I agree that instructor expectations should be included with any student expectations we provide. We as instructors should be held accountable for providing a quality learning experience and timely and appropriate feedback. Herbert Brown III

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