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

CLAUDIU , Unfortunately that doesn't usually happen the decision makers are the administrators. If you had to pick a number range from your experiences what might it be? The range at which the quality of the instruction decreases? Are there factors that effect your optimal range? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

corinne, I agree with these student-centered expectations. It is important to articulate the structure and design of the course to the students. Should there also be expectations for the instructor of the course? What might those look like? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Scott, I would suggest that we are probably at the 50/50 split or more now or very soon. If you include hybrid learning (online/class mix) then we are there and beyond. Some brick and mortar schools may feel that way, but when you have schools like MIT and Harvard GIVING AWAY online courses to name a few...there is a continuing strong shift toward online. The hybrid models is growing as fast or faster. Will it replace it completely...not any time soon, but it is growing exponentially and the schools that decide to completely ignore the shift might not be in… >>>

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Katherine, This is the presence elements. The more the students see you active and present in the course, the more likely they will also be motivated to remain active and present in the discussions and other elements of the course. When instructors are not in regular contact with the students, then the students are typically less active and involved. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Patricia, Great positive response to a difficult situation. Students get very frustrated when technology, software and systems don't work, and rightfully so, but helping them understand that the frustrations are part of the learning process as well is Great. I tell my students that I often build assignments that WILL frustrate and challenge them....that is where the greatest learning takes place. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Kimberly, Can you clarify what you mean about skills and lecturing classes. Many online environments include all aspects of learning? Why do you see this strong of a difference between them? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Kimberly, In this current economy we are all experiencing this unfortunately. That is the importance of this message. Even with budget cuts should we just now say 50 per class is acceptable? Something has to give budget or not if quality education is going to be maintained. Do you have a magic number from your experiences 10-20 for example?? Are there other factors that might influence this ratio? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Traci, So your optimal number would be between 10-20? Have you found that there can be too few? Is it the same for all classes or are there factors that might influence the ratio? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Rene, Are there other things that you can do as the instructor to ensure that students "feel" your presence in an online course. Students can feel disconnected from the learning and other students depending on the design of the course. Is there anything you can think of to help the students feel are you there and present and active in the course? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Kimberly, We will certainly see a tremendous increase in hybrid online courses in the next 3-5 years. Research is already showing strong continued trends, and everything I see shows that increase will continue. Content of the courses and programs can also be restricting factors. Herbert Brown III

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