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

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Deana, I believe this is more effective than providing students with a detailed list of 20 bulleted items describing what they should do. Describe the expectation, provide a simple sample of what you expect and go from there. Samples go a long way in the learning process. It doesn't even have to be an example of the specific assignment in the course (then they might just copy it) it just needs to demonstrate the expectation. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors - 2

Diane, Sometimes you offer help to students and they don't take it even though they do need it, how might you work with them to get them to connect with you for help? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Responsibilities of Teaching Online

Deana, True they are very similar. Do you think that online environments require anything special that traditional classes might not require? What about the depth that you cover expectations? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Diane, Many traditional classes do incorporate online activities and tools. For example, many instructors use the CMS with traditional classes just to manage the assignments, submissions, and grading. Many teach blended/hybrid classes that try to blend the best of online and traditional. A newer model, the "flipped" classroom moves most of the knowledge content and assignments to an online format, leaving the traditional classroom time for more in-depth discussions and interactions. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Albert, Cheating and fraud are certainly a problem. However, we have even seen an increase in cheating and fraud in traditional classrooms. Note some of the recent news headlines of SAT cheating groups being busted, prestigious universities reporting major cheating incidents, etc. I believe this is a bigger academic issue than just online classes and one we certainly need to get a handle on. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Jonida, This is also my magic number, but it does depend somewhat on the content of the course and level of interaction desired. I prefer courses with substantial interaction with the students which would require smaller numbers. Writing intensive courses or highly technical courses that I teach I would prefer fewer if possible to provide the students with the one-on-one help that many will need. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Albert, My maximum is closer to 20-25 in most courses I teach. Much beyond that I find I cannot give the students the individual attention they are due. It does depend on the content of the course and delivery methods used. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Tom, All are great tools. As you imply here, the importance is connecting with the students in the way they communicate. That is what will provide the students with the feeling of your "presence." Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Karen, I have also found that a quality example that struggling students can look at will often give them the details then need to adjust their work to meet expectations. Clear expectations are important, but a quality sample clearly demonstrates the application of those expectations. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Joseph, Do you provide the students with any example of what a good post looks like? I find that sometimes if I don't provide an example of my expectations it is difficult for students to reach that expectation. I can tell them what they should do in great detail, but often it is still not enough. Herbert Brown III

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