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

Providing Feedback

Erin, I have tried to provide a combination of recording and "inking" comments on written work and posting that feedback. I personally found that the hand written "inked" comments in word were as effective for many students as the recording. So now I provide an inked copy (using a tabletPC and MS Word) as I would a normal paper copy in a traditional class and offer as you suggest to talk to them through skype or other means to add personal clarification if needed. I don't want to use Word reviewing features (other than comments) so they can't just accept… >>>

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Providing Feedback

Kimberly, Well put. Positive feedback is so critical in all learning, but especially online learning where students may already feel somewhat disconnected from their learning. Providing them details of somethings they did well and showing them clearly how they can improve will help them be more successful in the future without turning them off of their learning. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Responsibilities of Teaching Online

Erin, The online "easy" factor can be a hard one for students to understand somehow. I have also found that a number of students enter online courses and programs with the expectation that courses will be easier and then do not perform well when the reality of the rigor hits them. Hybrid is definately a format we will see much more in the future. Even faculty that have traditionally only wanted to teach in person courses are realizing the importance of CMS systems and online resources to augment the traditional classroom. Expect to continue to see that area increase. Herbert… >>>

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Responsibilities of Teaching Online

Christine, I agree that the time commitments are different. I find I also need to be available for my traditional classes outside of normal class hours. Even though many students wait to ask questions in class, I still have to be available if they have questions on assignments, etc. Fundamentally are the responsibilities not the same: instruct the students, help them gain new knowledge, provide appropriate feedback on assignments that reinforce their learning....The way we do it might be a little different, the tools we use and even the need for more flexible communications.... Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Robert, I like to hear that. I think it is extremely important for all instructors to be reflective practitioners. As you noted there is so much we learn also if we are just open to it. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Julie, I agree that there will continue to be tremendous growth in hybrid learning environments. Most universities are tracking ONLINE and Traditional, if we also tracked closer the hybrid model, we would see a tremendous growth in the last 5-10 years in this area and I would argue that MOST coursework in the future will have SOME hybrid component. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Alfred, There is a clear indication of continued growth in online learning; however, I agree that we will continue to see both methods as well as hybrid models in to the foreseeable future. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Robert, Excellent point! The online learner does need to clearly understand the rigor and expectations of an online course. It can be more challenging and time consuming at times based on the nature of the tools and learning environment. The anytime, anywhere learning environment can also be a challenge for many that might have marginal time management and organization skills and are not self-starters. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Kenneth, I find that at a minimum I try to respond to students in the evening and in the mornings to address both of the core groups and times you mention. Herbert Brown III

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