James Jackson

Location: chicago, il

About me

James is the Senior Associate at JAJ & Associates, Adjunct Faculty and eLearning Consultant at MaxKnowledge and member of the Board of Advisors of Dream Catchers Global. James was the Associate Provost of Faculty Development, President of the Online Division at Harrison College and the Director for the Center of Technology Resources for Indiana Business College. Because of his extensive background in technology and his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for assisting aspiring business owners, James has provided his leadership/project management skills in many start-up operations mentoring dozens of young leaders over his career. All providing great growth opportunities for his stakeholders.

James has developed more than 50 courses and dozens of programs in the areas of technology, business, progress management and general education. James has been an instructor for more than 15 years during which time he provided training to over 500 trainers and more than 5000 students. His academic background includes a Masters of Education in Occupational Training and Development and is currently working on his doctoral dissertation in Higher Education Administration emphasis on Strategic Enrollment Management. James enjoys working with students and assisting them through complex concepts which he is able to turn into easy to understand and usable skills.

A full profile of my professional career is available on LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesajacksonjr

Connect with me on LinkedIn and here in the Lounge.

Interests

my family, golf, tennis, swimming, and participating in youth sports.

Skills

faculty development, elearning, program and curriculum development, project management, business analysis and technology integration

Activity

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Traits of Successful Instructors

Jennifer, very well stated. The more we as instructors know about our students the better we can meet their needs. Students today come from very different backgrounds. Some from very good K-12 systems yet others from failing systems. Many students in career colleges have long been removed from a formal education setting so knowing their "story" can assist greatly in understanding how best to meet their preferred learning styles and make up for some of their limitations. Each student will be different and an understanding of how to reach each student at their level of skill and understanding is key… >>>

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Traits of Successful Instructors

Arlene, no doubt that we as instructors do get better over time. I know for me I had to learn from my mistakes, evaluate the results of each course and group of students and over time I learned what worked and what needed improvement. Maintaining a record of your achievements based on your goals for each group of students can also be a great tool in becoming a better instructor. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Traits of Successful Instructors

Marie, very well stated. Instructors today encounter many resource deprived students and as such we need to be prepared to assist them in many ways. Understanding their preferred learning styles, their level of literacy, and if they may suffer from any type of learning disorders is critical to achieving the learning outcomes as outlined in a course syllabus. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Traits of Successful Instructors

Joseph, students expect their instructor to be a subject matter expert and also understand how current events impacts their subject area. They also demand that their instructor create a safe and sharing learning environment where they can ask questions and learn from their mistakes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Traits of Successful Instructors

Renee, very good point. Organization, being prepared, and keeping students engaged are all critical skills a successful instructor must have in order to achieve the desired learning outcomes. Thanks for sharing. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Traits of Successful Instructors

Frank, a good guide will still be viewed by students as a buddy and at times a controller so it appears you are doing good with the guide role. A guide will be both coach and referee at times but is always focused on students achieving the intended learning outcomes of any course and each specific lesson. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Improving Classroom Management

Stephen, there is no excuse for an instructor to not be properly prepared for a class or for a course. Preparation is key and lack of preparation sends a message to students that is difficult if not impossible to overcome. Credibility as an instructor can take a lifetime to achieve but one bad day can take it all away. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Classroom Discipline

Michael, classroom discipline is as much an art form as there is a science by which you can progressively improve. Focus on small and manageable changes in your teaching skills and master those first then you will have more and more confidence to take on some of the more challenging aspects of classroom management. Your environment can also play a major role in the types of situations you will have to encounter and the frequency of those encounters. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Self-Doubt

Sharon, great example. Persistence is the key and patience a valuable skill to have as an instructor. By taking the time to assist a student in overcoming their fear, you have provided the industry with yet another great individual and valuable employee. Thanks for all that you do. James Jackson

James Jackson

Discussion Comment

Self-Doubt

Mary, your statement is exactly why schools like ours focus on hiring true subject matter experts as instructors. Only you as an expert know what your students will need in the way of skills and knowledge to be successful in the workplace. Thanks for all that you do and your dedication to your students. James Jackson

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