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?

Catina, I agree, but online learning is still growing rapidly. Blended and hybrid learning environments are also growing rapidly as faculty realize the power of the online learning tools that can be used in any environment. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Muriel, I assume you also are clear on your grading expectations to your students. I find that I change my expectations almost each semester. After I experience a miscommunication issue with my students, I try to determine if I need to go back and change my expectations to head off those same issues in later semesters. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Omari, I agree with your comments. It is important to establish both instructor and student expectations. By establishing clear expectations at the beginning of the course, you will head off potential issues of miscommunication later in the course. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Cynthia, I agree, the student would need to substantiate his comments. If he had a valid argument with evidence, what would be your next step? Would you consider his argument as valid, but he has to do it that way anyway, or some other course of action? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Rebecca, It does take a lot of time to create videos; however, my students consistently report that the videos I create are some of the most valued learning tools in the courses I teach. With feedback from students like that, I feel compelled to provide them regardless of the amount of time it takes me to create them. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Todd, I would agree with your statements. Most people report on average 15-20:1 for a ratio, based on the same reasons you provide. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Rebecca, There is no set ratio; however, many people report a range of 15-20:1 for most classes they teach to get the right amount of interaction and timely feedback to students. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

William, This is very specific to your courses and I am not sure this is the same for everyone, but you make some important points. The optimal course ratio can very greatly based on the type of course, the method of delivery, the assignments and interactions included, and much more. There is no ideal, but many people report a range of 15-20:1 for most classes to be able to provide the right amount of feedback to students in a timely manner while still allowing for dynamic discussions to take place in discussion forums, etc. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Michael, I agree that the elements you mention are important. I would also suggest that expectations for you as the instructor are also important for the students to understand your role and what they can expect from you in the course helps as well. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Rebecca, Providing information about yourself does add a personal touch to the course. It is also important to outline clear expectations in the course for not only the students, but also what the students can expect from you the instructor. If you set clear expectations at the beginning of the course, it can alleviate a lot of problems later in the course. Herbert Brown III

End of Content