Gretchen Richards

Blog Comment

Improving Employment Outcomes and Community Integration for Veterans with Disabilities

Robert,

I think it would transfer nicely with safety nets. The safety nets would have to include training individuals on the college side on how to avert PTSD bursts and sucidial ideation. Professors have to be trained to address the whole person and not their specific area of expertise. I would love to be involved in this project.

Gretchen Richards

Discussion Comment

open ended questioning

Roy,

On the first day, I learn what speciality my students are entering. Then everytime I introduce a new subject, I try to encourage conversation on how that subject affects their career choice. If I receive a deer in the headlights look, I will try to related it back to their chosen field. All my tests are written, no scantrons. It is a blend of knowledge based on the materials discussed in class, the slides and textbook. Then their answer has to include how they would apply that knowledge in their field.

Gretchen Richards

Blog Comment

Study Reveals The Best Study Strategies for College Students

I have found if my students can apply textbook content with current events or their life, they will see the value in the lesson. This entices them to learn more through research, interviewing family/friends, and asking questions.

As for the highlighting, underlining, and summarizations, I guess that worked for my generation and is a technique I would not like to loose.

Gretchen Richards

Discussion Comment

Where is the line for too much?

There are so many different tools available for streaming video, animation, three D presentations, IMovie, etc. Where do you think the imaginary line of too many technology bells and whistles is located? How do you know?

Gretchen Richards

Discussion Comment

On-line Courses vs. Softskills

During my traditional educational experience, soft skills were taught that I do not see being a value added experience on-line. I am afraid by isolating our students more, we are taking away the ability to network, socialize, and overcome the fear of communicating either one to one or one to many. How do you add the value of learning soft skills to your online students?

Gretchen Richards

Discussion Comment

Addressing students

When I respond to a student's grade, quiz, or discussion board posting, I always use Ms. or Mr. and their last name. To me, if I require them to address me as Dr. to show respect, then turnabout is fair play by respecting them through their title. How do you address your students?

Gretchen Richards

Discussion Comment

Generation Gap or Lowering the Bar?

Sometimes I wonder if we use the excuse of the generation gap and how the younger generations respond as a way to lower the educational standards. The ability to speak and write in a professional manner is imperative. Credibility can come into question if the student in their professional career cannot compose a solid sentence or express a thought without using street language. Do you believe the generation gap theory has resulted in lowering our educational standards?

Gretchen Richards

Discussion Comment

Acceptable Use Policy and Cyber Aggression

As I mentioned in Forum 1, my doctoral research was on institutional and counseling policies and procedures response to cyber aggression. When I read about the Communication Code of Conduct, I reflected back to the Acceptable Use Policies of the institutions I researched. Their AUP did not really address cyber aggression or clear consequences for inappropriate behavior. If your institution has an Acceptable Use Policy, then the Communication Code of Conduct should stem from that policy correct? If not, other than the instructor, who would enforce or support the Communication Code of Conduct? Should legal counsel or someone in administration,… >>>

Gretchen Richards

Discussion Comment

Securing Effective Communication on Social Network & VirtualSites

I conducted my doctoral research on cyber aggressive behaviors against institutional and counseling policies and procedures. I have to tell you I am very concerned on several levels using social networking and virtual worlds as locations for effective instruction. First of all, there are security issues and breaches in privacy. Although I did not find a FERPA ruling, I feel it will be a matter of time before FERPA steps in and addresses this issue. Secondly research has shown there is a disconnect between fantasy and reality between the ages of 13 to 27 unless they are in a grounded… >>>

Gretchen Richards

Discussion Comment

Andragogy v. Pedagogy in on-line instruction

Thank you Tim. I have always had older adults in my courses because I teach specialized courses that require some background knowledge or experience. Therefore, I am always concerned when I receive curriculum designed for the younger population and not an adult.