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

Faculty Expectations

Lauree, I agree completely. I have found that I have to give my online students many more specifics than my on campus students. This is the nature of online. The more detail you can provide, the less likely something will be misinterpreted. I sent a couple of hours in a meeting today just defusing issues between a student and a faculty member because communications between then were misinterpreted. The more specific you can be not only with expectations but also assignments and grading the less problems you will encounter. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Courtney, This is your specific systems apparently. Our system supports two way video and audio so you can have a better idea of what the students are doing on the other end. Even when my students are only chatting, I ask them questions to get them to interact with me. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Eric , Some would argue with the right tools and online course design that you can build very interactive environments for your students. The more you build a sense of community in your courses with your students, the more natural it will feel. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Rebecca, Rubrics are very important tools for the student AND the instructor to ensure unbiased assignment feedback and a clear framework for students to successfully complete their assignments. Good point about the rubrics. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Joan, I would be concerned if I regularly heard these student concerns. That tells me that there is a problem with my curriculum or assignments. This should be a flag to reevaluate the course its structure and assignments to ensure they are effective. If you only hear this from one or two, maybe it is not an issues, but if you hear it often, it should be addressed. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Eric , I have found that there are definitely times that students bring up some very important points that can help us to be better instructors. Being reflective practitioners is important to ensure we can be the best instructors possible. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors - 2

Rebecca, I really like how you suggest that you will redirect her complaints to a more positive way and redirect her back to the learning. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Christy, All good points. We do need to work to build up our students and encourage them. It can be difficulty to complete online coursework so the positive feedback and encouraging words go a long way toward the students' success. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Gail, True, students do need to learn how to research and find answers themselves. That leads us, as instructors, to be the guide on the side and help guide them in their learning experience. However, there are times when they need just a little more guidance than others. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Gail, This is an excellent point. I teach business communications courses which are writing intensive and it is very hard to give the individual writing feedback in a timely manner if the number exceeds about 15 as you mention. Herbert Brown III

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