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

Faculty Expectations

Paul, I also include those expectations, but I have also included a policy that allows them 1-2 "forgot" policies that allow them late submissions without penalty as I realize that many of them are working adults and sometimes "life" gets in the way. But they need to use those sparingly since they only get a few! Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Tamer, Communication is paramount with students. The better your communication and the more you communicate the better your presence with your students will be and be perceived. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Tamer, Quizzing them as least gives you some level of confidence that they read and understand the expectations. We know too many times they only read what they feel they absolutely must to get the work done. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Valaire, For many of the reasons you describe hybrid and blended learning environments that blend the online learning and traditional learning environments are growing rapidly. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Valaire, So I assume you are saying there is not only a max. ideal ratio but also a minimum one as well. Most other people feel the same way. Without a min. number of students it is hard to have a meaningful discussion in a course; however, too many and it is hard to manage the specifics of the course and provide specific feedback. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Valaire, Student and course expectations are very important; however, we need to have expectations for the instructors (ourselves) as well to establish the clearest online classroom. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Paul, What have you found that works for you to ensure that you are able to assess students before they fall behind? Have you established a frequency for feedback in your course expectations for yourself that students can go by? Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Wyshondia, I like how you included elements in your expectations that might be considered "instructor" expectations. I believe we need to clearly articulate the expectations for both the students and the instructors. You are also correct that they are specific to each instructor. I evaluate mine every semester and tweak them as needed for each class. I try to identify the common questions and issues that students had during the semester and include those on the "front end" of the course for later semesters. It makes for a smoother online course experience for everyone. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Paul, I would agree that grading should be included in course expectations, but what about behavior, communications, etc. I also believe there should be some clear expectations for the faculty member regarding their role in the course and timeliness of grading, communication, etc. Clear expectations at the beginning of a course help to establish an effective online learning environment. Herbert Brown III

Herbert Brown III

Discussion Comment

Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?

Peter, The research base would also suggest that while online courses enrollments and programs as still growing, blended and hybrid environments are also growing as instructors see the general benefits of online learning tools and methods. Herbert Brown III

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