Dear Professor: Where College Students Who Take Courses Online Speak Their Minds
According to the National Center for Education Statistics and Education Dynamics, online college enrollment is on the rise. Before the pandemic, online learning programs were typically for people going back to school to augment or change their career or pursuing a graduate degree to enhance their career while they work. However, EducationDynamics found in 2023 that the largest share of students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees online is 35 or younger. That said, 35% of students pursuing online undergraduate degrees are between 19 and 23, and 42% of online graduate students are between 30 and 35. So, as more and more programs are offered online and there is a monumental increase in education technology advancements, we must distance learning right. The aim of this series is to help professors and students experience a more fulfilling online learning environment by allowing students to reveal their needs and pet peeves. My hope is that this information will support professors in making the necessary changes or adjustments in the design and delivery of their online courses which should ultimately enhance student success and satisfaction with distance education. So, if you are interested in hearing what students have to say about their lived experiences online, please hit that subscribe button and join us every Wednesday at 8 p.m. (ET) for lively, transparent conversations. Also, feel free to comment about anything said and ask questions.
Episodes
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 an...
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 s...
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 robu...
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 ins...
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...
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 s...
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 pa...
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. O...
About the Guest:
Dr. Sheniqua Johnson, also known as Sheniqua Inspires, is a multifaceted professional who has made substantial strides in various fields. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she started her career as a registered nurse and eventually branched out into entrepreneurship. Dr. Johnson earned a Master of Science in Nursing and Healthcare Education online and is the CEO and owner of A Better You, where she coa...
Remember the Time Summary:
In this deeply moving and inspiring installment of the Dear Professor series, we are introduced to Dr. Sheniqua Johnson—a masterful storyteller who compels listeners with her narrative of perseverance and determination. As the series aims to give voice to the experiences of online students, Dr. Johnson recounts the rollercoaster ride of pursuing her education amidst trying personal circumstances.
Dr. Johnso...
About the Guest:
Ms. Brittany White is an academic professional specializing in literacy and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the field. With dedication and passion, Brittany runs a reading clinic on her campus, providing tutoring services for elementary school students. Furthermore, she extends her expertise to the Boys and Girls Club, where she hosts reading camps. Brittany maintains a love for outdoor activities, especially in he...
Remember the Time Summary:
In the latest captivating episode of the "Dear Professor" series, our host Dr. Kellie Alston invites Brittany White, an online college student, to engage in a candid and relatable discussion. This segment, titled "Remember the Time," provides an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of pursuing education in a virtual space. Listeners are offered a rare glimpse into a student's personal story that reache...
About the Guest:
Mr. Aaryn Lewis is a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and a recent graduate of Weaver Academy, a performing arts high school. Before attending UNCG, he took online courses at Guilford Technical Community College. As a vocal student and singer, Aaryn has shown a strong passion for the arts. He shares fresh perspectives drawn from his recent transition from high school to col...
Remember the Time Summary:
In this insightful episode of the "Dear Professor" series, Dr. Kellie Alston engages with online college student Aaryn Lewis in a candid conversation about the trials and tribulations of remote learning. This segment, fondly termed "Remember the Time," delves into the personal academic experiences of students like Aaryn, who share their meaningful and sometimes humorous stories from the digital classroom.
A...
About the Guest:
Dr. Sabrina Hinton, an alumnus of Winston-Salem State University and a doctoral graduate from Grand Canyon University, specializes in education organizational leadership. As a proud mother and wife, Dr. Hinton advocates passionately for early learners, families, and teachers. She currently serves as the director of North Point Academy located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where innovative teaching methods and th...
About the Guest:
Ms. Mikaila Wright is a passionate early childhood educator currently teaching pre-K in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. At 26 years old, she boasts a robust nine-year history of online learning, having transitioned from community college to double majoring at North Carolina Central University. Mikaila is currently furthering her education with a graduate degree in Early Childhood Interventions and Family Support....
About the Guest:
Jessica Glass is a dynamic and versatile professional who has made a name for herself both as an educator and a model. With over nine years of experience working with children, Jessica's passion for teaching is evident, and her dedication was further solidified by completing her degree in early childhood education from North Carolina Central University in 2022. Alongside her career in education, Jessica has also pur...
About the Guest:
Ms. Shanita Davis is a dedicated educator with a rich teaching background that spans over 12 years, impacting early childhood education, kindergarten, and first grade. An alumna of North Carolina Central University with a degree in Family Consumer Science, Shanita holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Shaw University. As a testament to her commitment to leadership in education, she has been acce...
About The Guest:
Mrs. Toni Jeter is a 39-year-old mother of two and has been married for 20 years. She has been taking online courses since 2006 and has obtained her early childhood certification and bachelor's degree through online programs. Mrs. Jeter is passionate about education and strives to be her true, authentic self in all aspects of her life.
Summary:
In this episode of the Dear Professor series, Dr. Kellie Alston interviews...
About The Guest: Heather Hall is an artist, an advocate for the neurodivergent community, and a plant enthusiast. She has worked in public schools for six years in exceptional children's departments and now owns her own business as an educational consultant called Triangle Education Advocacy.
Summary: In this episode, Dr. Kellie Alston interviews Heather Hall, an artist and advocate for the neurodivergent community. Heather shares h...
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