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

Alicia, What would you say is your "average?" 25 students seems a little high to me, and as you note, it makes it much harder to provide regular one on one attention to students. I am having this argument with administrators at my institution right now - what is optimal, versus what it takes to "make" a class. Always a challenge. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Alicia, I like your variation on expectations. Delivering it as an FAQ instead of "expectations" might come across a little less forceful for some students. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Sabrina, The research continues to show strong increases in online course and program enrollments so you are right for the forseeable future those numbers should continue to rise. Let me be the devil's advocate on the statement about math instruction online. What if the course was a synchronous course and everyone had tablets with a stylus. Most synchronous tools have built in whiteboard where the instructor and students can write just like a whiteboard in the classroom. Or the instructor could use an attached document camera and paper to work out problems. Collaboration tools that mimic these traditional classroom interactions… >>>

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Elizabeth, From a support perspective, I agree that the students need the ability to connect one on one with an instructor for help at times. What this post was really getting at was the optimal student to instructor ratio for the average online course, do you think 10 students to a class max, or 50? Are there criteria that help to determine the optimal ratio? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Tiffany, You are right, communication is the key to engaging students and also ensuring they feel your presence in the online classroom. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Responsibilities of Teaching Online

Jennifer, I can say your final statement is ABSOLUTELY true! I have seen many students drop just for this reason or technical problems. Sometimes it can even be a smaller issues when they are on the "edge". Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Jennifer, Those examples are very important. You can use your own personal examples to help connect students to their content in more meaningful ways, AND use student personal examples as well. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Tiffany, Great! I think it is helpful to have a statement about faculty expectations, it holds us accountable as well. We must follow through with your expectations though, since the alternative could be problematic. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

John, I am sure your relaxed approach allows students to feel they can open up a little more and might encourage stronger discussions and interactions. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Jennifer, I really like your statement of "trust." This is especially important when students can't see you personally. When you follow through with your responsibilities and provide quality feedback and "understanding" and guidance the students will feel a stronger connection with you building that sense of community. Herbert Brown III

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