What happens when a student can pass an online course but still questions whether she is receiving a good education?

In Episode 1 of Dear Professor, Dr. Kellie Alston speaks with Alison Beaman about the difference between completing online coursework and experiencing meaningful learning.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Alison Beaman is a returning adult learner pursuing two associate degrees at a community college. She brings extensive workforce experience, strong organizational habits, and a thoughtful perspective on what helps online students learn. Candid, witty, and solutions-oriented, Alison considers both the student experience and the workload professors carry.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Alison explains why completing coursework is not always the same as receiving a meaningful education. She reflects on repetitive assignments, unclear purpose, limited feedback, performative discussion forums, and the importance of teaching presence.

She also shares how she challenged assignments that did not appear connected to the course outcomes, why she tracks the estimated and actual time required for her coursework, and what professors can learn from the way students experience their course designs. In her Remember the Time story, an unexpected fire alarm sends an online group project in a surprising direction.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A passing grade does not necessarily indicate meaningful learning.

• Students are more likely to invest in an assignment when they understand its purpose and connection to the course outcomes.

• Visible teaching presence and substantive feedback help students feel guided throughout the learning process.

• Listening to students can uncover course-design concerns that completion data may not reveal.

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and following!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

A Resource for All College Faculty

Before one demanding week blurs into the next, take time to notice what happened.

When you are balancing teaching, grading, meetings, student needs, and everything else higher education requires, meaningful moments can easily get lost. The Professor’s Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience gives you a dedicated space to process your experiences, recognize patterns, celebrate progress, and decide what you want to carry into the week ahead.

Turn reflection into a weekly practice that supports you throughout the semester.

Choose the format that works for you:

Softcover Journal with Pen: https://bit.ly/thewirejournal

Paperback on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4y

Hardcover Journal: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwire

Digital Fillable PDF: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

What happens when the classmates you planned to work with disappear after a fire alarm? In this Season 3 Remember the Time segment, Alison Beaman shares how an unexpected interruption complicated the beginning of a group research project. What began with uncertainty eventually became one of those rare group-project stories with a surprisingly positive ending.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Alison Beaman is a returning college student pursuing two degrees in Office Administration, General Office Administration and Office Finance, at a North Carolina community college. She returned to college in 2022 and expects to graduate in December. Outside of school, Alison enjoys crocheting, video games, and Dungeons & Dragons. She also co-founded a Dungeons & Dragons club at her college.

SEGMENT SUMMARY

During Alison’s first semester back in college, her professor asked the class to think about whom they wanted in their groups for an upcoming research paper. Alison arrived at the next in-person session without having made those arrangements. She began talking with the two women sitting beside her, hoping they might become her group. Then the fire alarm went off. Everyone left the building, but the two prospective group members never returned to the classroom. Alison told her professor that she planned to work with them anyway and contacted them afterward by email, hoping they would not abandon the project. They did not. All three contributed, and the group earned a 98 on the paper.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Group formation benefits from a clear process, especially in courses that move between online and in-person learning.
• Reliable communication channels can help students reconnect when plans suddenly change. • A chaotic beginning does not have to determine the outcome.
• Communication, shared effort, and follow-through can lead to a successful group experience.

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and following!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

Resource for All College Faculty

Before one demanding week blurs into the next, take time to notice what happened.

When you are balancing teaching, grading, meetings, student needs, and everything else higher education requires, meaningful moments can easily get lost. The Professor’s Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience gives you a dedicated space to process your experiences, recognize patterns, celebrate progress, and decide what you want to carry into the week ahead.

Turn reflection into a weekly practice that supports you throughout the semester.

Choose the format that works for you:

Softcover Journal with Pen: https://bit.ly/thewirejournal

Paperback on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4y

Hardcover Journal: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwire

Digital Fillable PDF: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

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About the Guest:

Mr. Duane Vaughn is a senior industrial engineering student at Morgan State University, aiming to graduate in December. Hailing from Chicago, Duane expresses a strong inclination towards supply chain management within various industries, including amusement parks, clothing stores, and sports arenas. Besides his academic pursuits, Duane enjoys staying active and engaged in physical activities like visiting the gym and playing basketball.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the Dear Professor series, host Dr. Kellie Alston engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Mr. Duane Vaughn, a senior at Morgan State University. The conversation provides a window into Duane's experiences and perspectives as an online student navigating the challenges and nuances of virtual learning environments. With Dr. Kellie Alston's expertise in e-learning strategies complementing Duane's firsthand accounts, listeners gain a valuable understanding of what online students truly seek from their educational experiences.

Throughout the talk, Duane emphasizes the crucial role of effective communication between professors and students, particularly in an online setting where physical interaction is absent. He candidly shares his views on asynchronous classes, live session engagements, and the unique challenges posed by the digital sphere of education. This episode delves into the intricacies of student needs, pet peeves, and the distinction between education and training in an online context, all essential factors that contribute to student success and satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

• Online students like Duane prioritize communication as a critical component for a successful educational experience, with a preference for timely responses from professors and advisors.
• Vaughn appreciates asynchronous classes for their flexibility but acknowledges the potential for distractions and the need for greater discipline.
• Keeping cameras on during live sessions is a pet peeve, as it can lead to discomfort and further distractions.
• Industrial engineering courses require hands-on training, which presents additional challenges when adapted to an online environment.
• Students' perceptions of the effectiveness of online learning are shaped by the degree to which courses balance education and active, practical training.

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/

Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston

Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience from now until May 31st by simply emailing Dr. Alston at [email protected]. Get ready to make it a mindful semester!

Remember the Time Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the "Dear professor series," viewers are offered a glimpse into the real-world challenges and triumphs of online learning through a candid narrative delivered by Mr. Duane Vaughn. His story exemplifies the lived experiences of many online students, balancing coursework with personal life.

Duane recounts a particularly tense evening that encapsulates the all-too-familiar scenario of a looming deadline against the backdrop of social engagement. As the clock ticks perilously close to the midnight submission deadline, Duane's compelling account of the scramble to complete an online assignment in the nick of time highlights the theme of priority setting in an online learner's life. His tale serves as a reminder of the importance of time management and responsibility, packaged within the relatable framework of a college party scene.

With an air of suspense and a touch of humor, Duane describes the race against time that many online students will find familiar. His story not only reflects the challenging aspects of online education but also underscores the personal growth and accountability that come with it. This episode is sure to resonate with current and prospective online learners alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Mr. Duane Vaughn shares his personal experience with a last-minute scramble to submit an online assignment, highlighting the challenges of time management in online learning.
• The episode illustrates the need for setting priorities, even when faced with tempting distractions, like a party with friends.
• Duane's ability to complete his assignment with just a minute to spare before the deadline emphasizes the pressures online students often face.
• The conversation reflects the relatable experiences of balancing social life with academic responsibilities for college students.
• The segment provides insights into the daily life of an online student, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the potential pitfalls and triumphs of online courses.

Notable Quotes:

• "Okay, so it was never funny, but it was always scary and nerve wracking."
• "I had to put my friends on hold. I had to tell them to hold on because they was ready to go."
• "I had to go back downstairs. I had to do my homework in about 30 minutes just to get, just to get my homework in all time."
• "Luckily, I did get it done by 1158."
• "I had a great time after that."

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston

Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience available by emailing Dr. Alston at [email protected] by May 31st. Don’t miss this give-a-way!

About the Guest:

On today's episode, Dr. Kellie Alston, an esteemed eLearning strategist with extensive experience in online teaching, warmly hosts Ms. Thomasina Tafur, a multifaceted professional and a current PhD student at Pepperdine University. Thomasina's academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in English Literature and an MBA in International Business. She boasts a substantial 20-year career at FedEx, developing robust leadership skills, and has had the unique experience of teaching at Princess Nora University in Saudi Arabia. Currently, she's delving into the world of equity and options trading and is investigating the barriers to women's participation in key Wall Street roles through her doctoral dissertation.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the "Dear Professor series," Dr. Kellie Alston engages with Thomasina Tafur to dissect her educational trajectory and the experiences shaping her current academic pursuits. Their conversation also focuses on Thomasina's intriguing online learning experiences spanning from literature to trading to international teaching, as well as her ambitious doctoral research. Thomasina Tafur offers invaluable insights into her online learning experiences, including the development of relationships with peers and professors, and the challenges she's overcome in adapting to various online educational technologies.

Key Takeaways:

• Online learning environments benefit greatly from structured discussions and facilitation to accommodate different learning styles.
• Personal connections and networking are invaluable takeaways from higher education experiences, extending beyond the classroom.
• The pursuit of a PhD requires more than ambition; a genuine passion for the topic and practical application post-graduation are critical.
• Navigating the transition from on-site to online educational experiences poses a unique set of challenges, necessitating adaptability and patience from both students and instructors.
• Female representation and participation in the financial sector remain significantly limited, with cultural and structural barriers being key areas of concern.

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/

Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston

Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience from now until May 31st by simply emailing Dr. Alston at [email protected]. Get ready to make it a mindful semester!

Remember the Time Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Dear Professor series, listeners join Dr. Kellie Alston and guest Ms. Thomasina Tafur to delve into the dynamic world of online learning. This special segment entitled "Remember the Time" offers a relatable glimpse into the triumphs and tribulations faced by virtual learners, through Thomasina's personal narrative. The episode promises to enthrall readers with an inside look at the often unpredictable nature of online courses.

Thomasina recounts a particularly memorable day from her online PhD program, where she faced unexpected technical difficulties during a crucial Zoom presentation on Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. The episode emphasizes themes such as problem-solving, perseverance, and the importance of community support within an online learning environment. Wrapped in humor and humility, her story resonates with anyone who's had to pivot quickly when technology fails. This special segment remarkably captures Thomasina's journey to overcoming obstacles.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating technical challenges in online courses can be daunting but solvable with patience and resourcefulness.
• The importance of developing a contingency plan for presentations, such as sharing your materials with others beforehand.
• The value of a supportive online community and fostering connections with classmates to help overcome unexpected issues.
• Keeping perspective and staying calm when faced with difficulties, as the worst-case scenario is often less catastrophic than imagined.
• The episode underlines the learning opportunities that come from experiencing and resolving technology-related setbacks.

Notable Quotes:

• "I do know how to do this. I'm not stupid."
• "Fortunately for me, the professor said, okay, we're going to have somebody else present right now."
• "So from that day forward, anytime it was my time to present on Zoom, I would share my PowerPoint presentation with both the professor or another student."
• "I also learned to be grateful for your colleagues, especially the ones that raise their hand and say, hey, I'm going to get off this Zoom, not listen to somebody else's presentation so I can help you."
• "What's the worst thing that can happen? Okay, you don't present tonight…Say a little prayer. You'll get through this and try to take something away from it."

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston

Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience available by emailing Dr. Alston at [email protected] by May 31st. Don’t miss this giveaway!

About the Guest:

Dr. Mecca Terry is an academic professional with a distinguished background in criminal justice and higher education. With a bachelor’s degree in law and society, a minor in sociology, and two master's degrees — one in criminal justice and another in Human Services — Dr. Terry’s educational journey is quite impressive. She completed her higher education achievements with a PhD in Criminal Justice. Professionally, Dr. Terry is a former probation officer who made a significant career shift into higher education, where she now serves as a lecturer teaching sociology and criminal justice courses.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the Dear Professor series, eLearning strategist and host Dr. Kellie Alston sits down with Dr. Mecca Terry to dive into her experiences as an online student. Dr. Alston, who is versed in the realm of online teaching and learning, facilitates a dynamic conversation that uncovers the realities faced by students in virtual classrooms. The episode touches on the critical aspects of online education, delivering firsthand perspectives that are both informative and thought-provoking.

The discussion navigates through Dr. Terry's academic journey as an online learner, her transition from probation officer to higher education lecturer, and her insights on the needs and challenges of online students. The dialogue places a strong emphasis on the importance of organization, communication, and knowledgeability in online instructors. With her expertise, Dr. Terry offers valuable advice to students and professors looking to enhance the quality of the online learning experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Online learning requires an organized structure, clear communication guidelines, and knowledgeable instructors who can guide students through the course content and resources available to them.
• Faculty must prioritize setting and adhering to communication policies to establish and maintain a strong connection with online students.
• Mentorship and encouragement play a pivotal role in empowering students and helping them see potential within themselves that they may not have recognized.
• Managing transitions in online platforms can be challenging for students; faculty and institutions should provide adequate training and support during these changes.
• The unique challenges of online education can be addressed by focusing on facilitating, assessing, communicating, and empowering—or, as Dr. Alston puts it, "FACE" the students.

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/

Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston

Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience available by emailing Dr. Alston at [email protected] by May 31st.

Guest: Dr. Mecca Terry

Website: https://www.drmeccakterry.com

Remember the Time Summary:

In this insightful segment of the Dear Professor series titled Remember the Time, we step into the experiences of educators adapting to technological changes within virtual classrooms. Host Dr. Kellie Alston invites Dr. Mecca Terry to share an impactful story reflecting their immersion in online education's evolving landscape. Their conversation sheds light on the transition from Blackboard to Canvas, revealing the ripples such a change invokes.

The episode emphasizes the resistance to change and the necessity of adaptability, particularly in distance learning platforms. As Dr. Terry recounts her uncertainty about her instructor's ability to transition from Blackboard to Canvas, keywords such as "online education," "technological adaptability," and "learning management systems" highlight the core themes. Her initiative to personally assist her professor underscores the communal effort often required to overcome challenges in an evolving digital ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

• The transition from Blackboard to Canvas in higher education can lead to resistance among faculty, particularly those less technologically inclined.
• Adequate training and support are crucial for faculty during transitions to new learning management systems.
• Students can play a critical role in assisting professors in navigating new technologies.
• Openness to learning from various sources, including students, can benefit educators during technological upgrades.
• Economic factors, such as cost reductions, might drive institutional decisions to switch learning platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• "So the most nerve-wracking moment was when my university went from using blackboard to canvas."
• "He informed me that the university offered training to support faculty, but he was not going because he did not understand why we were making the change."
• "I was disturbed. I was frustrated when he told me that."
• "I helped him… I did not want a delay in my process. It was selfish."
• "He was willing to learn. He just refused to take the training."

Engage with this candid testimonial illuminating the intricacies of adjusting to new digital tools in the educational sphere. Tune in for the full episode premiering on Wednesday, May 15, for an in-depth exploration with Dr. Mecca Terry on the Dear Professor series. Don't miss out on more revelations where students and educators share their thoughts on the online academic journey—follow on your favorite platform and stay informed!

About the Guest:

Ms. Teni Ogunsan is an accomplished bioinformatics graduate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. At the time of the podcast, she is located in Minnesota at the Mayo Clinic, where she serves as a research coordinator. Teni is preparing for an exciting transition as she gears up to embark on her journey to medical school in Tennessee. With a deep-seated passion for the sciences fostered by both of her parents - her mother a physician and her father a software engineer - Teni is also cognizant of health disparities, especially in maternal health for women of color, and is motivated to make a real difference in healthcare after completing a dual M.D. and Ph.D. which she will pursue later this year in Tennessee.

Episode Summary:

In this revealing episode of the "Dear Professor series," eLearning Strategist Dr. Kellie Alston facilitates a candid discussion with Ms. Teni Ogunsan, providing a glimpse into the experiences and insights of online learners. Teni, once a thriving stem field student, sheds light on the adaptability required during the emergency transition to online education amid the pandemic, the diverse needs of online learners, and the pet peeves encountered in a virtual learning environment.

As Teni navigates the waters of asynchronous learning, the conversation delves into the importance of professors addressing varied learning styles and ensuring their accessibility. She reflects upon the collaboration and connection fostered through group work, despite its controversies, as well as offering a balanced critique of online monitoring methods.

Key Takeaways:

• Teni emphasizes the flexibility and ability to rewatch lectures as a significant advantage of online learning.
• She articulates the need for varied learning materials and accessible professors to form a fulfilling online learning experience.
• Group work, when executed correctly, can foster collaborative learning and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Audio distractions and the absence of non-verbal cues in the virtual classroom are some of Teni's main pet peeves.
• Teni urges for instructors to consider students' mental well-being when monitoring for academic integrity online.

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/

Dynamic Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston

Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience and make it a mindful semester!

May Giveaway: Email Dr. Alston at [email protected] to request a free copy of the The WIRe Journal. Deadline: May 31st

Please include your address in the email.

Remember the Time Summary:

In this captivating episode of the "Dear Professor" series, Ms. Teni Ogunsan candidly recounts one of her most nerve-wracking online course experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. This intimate dialogue with Dr. Kellie Alston uncovers the emotional rollercoaster that comes with navigating technology-driven education—inviting listeners to empathize with the challenges of modern learning environments.

Ms. Ogunsan details the daunting expectations set by a strictly proctored biochemistry final, its requisite surveillance adding an extra layer of stress to the exam. Amid an already heightened state of anxiety, a technical issue compounds the tension, when crucial visual material fails to display during the test. Despite fears of academic doom, she discovers camaraderie in collective frustration through the shared experience with her peers. This segment of the series is rich with themes surrounding the pressures of academic integrity measures and the unpredictable nature of online exams, making it a must-listen for students and educators alike.

Key Takeaways:

• The heightened anxiety caused by strict proctoring measures during online examinations.
• Technical difficulties experienced during an online final exam can lead to immense stress for students.
• Ms. Teni Ogunsan experienced mixed emotions from test anxiety to relief upon realizing others shared her predicament.
• The "Dear Professor" series provides a platform for students to share their online learning experiences.
• The episode sheds light on the psychological impact of surveillance software used in online course assessment.

Notable Quotes:

• "So already coming into this exam, I was freaking out, and I was like… What if the system flags me and then I'm going to be, you know, called in for cheating…"
• "And I was like, am I the only one who doesn't have this image? I was so tempted to, like, grab a phone and call, but I was like, I can't do anything."
• "I'd also heard that with the system… that if we, like, looked away… I didn't want it to appear like I was cheating."
• "Thank God it was actually a system error. So everybody lost that image as well, and they were all freaking out as well."
• "It really wasn't that bad, but my brain was looking at the worst situation."

Resources:

Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing!

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [email protected]

Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston

Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience and make it a mindful semester!

Get a free copy of The WIRe Journal until May 31st by emailing Dr. Alston at [email protected]. Include your full name and address in your email.