James Jackson

Location: chicago, il

About me

James is the Senior Associate at JAJ & Associates, Adjunct Faculty and eLearning Consultant at MaxKnowledge and member of the Board of Advisors of Dream Catchers Global. James was the Associate Provost of Faculty Development, President of the Online Division at Harrison College and the Director for the Center of Technology Resources for Indiana Business College. Because of his extensive background in technology and his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for assisting aspiring business owners, James has provided his leadership/project management skills in many start-up operations mentoring dozens of young leaders over his career. All providing great growth opportunities for his stakeholders.

James has developed more than 50 courses and dozens of programs in the areas of technology, business, progress management and general education. James has been an instructor for more than 15 years during which time he provided training to over 500 trainers and more than 5000 students. His academic background includes a Masters of Education in Occupational Training and Development and is currently working on his doctoral dissertation in Higher Education Administration emphasis on Strategic Enrollment Management. James enjoys working with students and assisting them through complex concepts which he is able to turn into easy to understand and usable skills.

A full profile of my professional career is available on LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesajacksonjr

Connect with me on LinkedIn and here in the Lounge.

Interests

my family, golf, tennis, swimming, and participating in youth sports.

Skills

faculty development, elearning, program and curriculum development, project management, business analysis and technology integration

Activity

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Traits of Successful Instructors

Jo, well stated and I cannot agree more concerning the importance of day 1 of any new class. We only have one chance to make a good first impression and making the wrong impression can take the entire classroom term to overcome. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Self-Doubt

Samiya, well stated. Students do tend to fear the unknown and this is one reason that day 1 of any classroom is so critical. This critical day is our chance as instructors to help students understand the focus of the course and we expect them to be confused and even concerned. This is actually expected and good. We use this expectation to heighten the students awareness and level of attention. As students hear from their instructor that their feelings are normal and even expected, they immediately begin to calm down and realize there is a plan in place and other… >>>

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Self-Doubt

Alison, fair but firm definitely works. At the end of the day it is all about the students and their success. If your methods produce successful students then this would be where I would focus my attention with regard to what you what students to know. Nothing wrong with having a reputation for being "tough" but you also do not want students to be in fear before they even get to know you and your course. I would also recommend you talk with your champion students and get them to assist you in spreading the word that you are tough… >>>

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Traits of Successful Instructors

Ellen, excellent post. Another phrase that provide food for thought is to go out of your way to show your interest while at the same time being interesting. Make it about the student but also make sure students feel you are interested in their well being and success while keeping the learning process interesting. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Self-Doubt

Tamara, so true. For some students the ONLY positive influence in their lives is the positive energy they receive from school. This is why it is so critical to find positive methods of feedback versus methods that further tear down at the student's self worth. Keep up the great work and thanks for all that you do. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Self-Doubt

Diana, thanks for your comments and bring forward a critical point. Student success is directly related to how any institution can work together as a team. Instructors cannot do the work alone and the best institutions are those that understand the importance of teamwork and how student success is everyone's goal and not just that of the instructor. Your institution is lucky to have you and I am certain you are a vital part of the overall success of your institution. Keep up the great work. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Self-Doubt

Sarah, what an awesome case study and thanks for sharing. The attention you describe here is what makes good instructors like you truly GREAT! Thanks for all that you do and I hope others will follow your leadership. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

Nicole, students are very aware if their instructor is interested in them and the subject matter. Getting students to engage and be motivated in your classroom is directly related to how they perceive your interest in them and how interesting you appear to be to them. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Fear Factor with Tests

Jason, great use of technology in the classroom. Yes, Online resources can be considered as technology in the classroom and has proven to be a very useful tool. Offering additional resources Online also allows you to measure how engaged your students are to the learning process. A student that never uses your Online resources and is not doing well in classes can become more motivated to use the Online tools by discussing with them how they are falling behind because they are not doing the additional work to learn the materials. Of course it is important to make sure students… >>>

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Fear Factor with Tests

Thomas, assessments can be just as powerful as learning tools as they are for measurement. It is all in how you are creative in their use. The focus needs to be on engagement and getting students excited about the activity and keeping their attention levels high. Simply lecturing to students is simply an outdated technique that is being replaced with more active learning methods. Keep up the great work. James Jackson

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