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

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Amanda, We are seeing an increase in online learning and hybrid learning that combines the best of both environments. Completely replace....only time will tell, but probably not in the immediate future. I also teach computer classes in the classroom and online. Let me play devils advocate. What is the fundamental difference of a student watching (and able to rewatch whenever they want) how to complete a computer function in a video than watching a teacher do it in the classroom live? What if the instructor is doing it through LIVE video and can still answer your questions LIVE and they… >>>

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Patricia, You have hit on several strong points. Online learning will continue to grow and we will see an increase in hybrid learning environments where much of the "content" of a course or program is delivered online and the remaining critical hands on components are focused on those types of critical skills. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Patricia, Do you have the opportunity to have live sessions with a video conferencing solution for those thing you feel most passionate about? That way you could have some face to face time on those important topics. You can always provide alternatives for those that can't connect live. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Beverly, Even in the programs we traditionally consider hands-on and skills based. Also those courses that require specialized equipment. We are seeing an increase in hybrid courses, wherein the faculty member moves the "static/knowledge" content to an online form and opens more time in the on-ground classroom to focus on those elements that need to be there. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Responsibilities of Teaching Online

Faith , Not a specific one, this varies by class. You will find the first time you do it you will likely have too little information, but you will improve each semester. Review the other responses in the forum here and you will find some common threads and ideas: Communication processes, times, format; student expectations, grading, contact information, etc. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Belinda, Would you consider his suggestion as an alternative for him on the lesson, so just feign interest and allow him to share his thoughts? Would you consider his option as a "rework" for that assignment in the lesson....is it possible that it is irrelevant? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Belinda, I would agree with your written communication comment. I have certainly accidentally sent the "wrong" message to students in the past through written communication. The more you do it, the better you get. Using a technique like the sandwich method for providing feedback can help: provide a positive comment, then the necessary criticism, then another positive comment. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Belinda, I agree these need to be clearly articulated to the students. Do you use a communications policy that says when and how you will respond to students or is that only during office hours already listed? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Mary, The expectations you mention are primarily student expectations. Are there also faculty expectations? How can you be sure that the students have read and understand the expectations of the course - is that our concern? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Responsibilities of Teaching Online

Faith , That is true to a point. However, as an instructor you have to be flexible too. Sometimes I give them a "quick" response so they know they reached me successfully, then when I can , I follow up with more detail. You should make sure you clearly articulate on your syllabus the hours and timeframes students should expect responses. 24-hour response, etc... Herbert Brown III

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