The Fascinating Life of a Former Nontraditional College Student | Dear Professor with Jessica Glass

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 pursued modeling, participating in high-profile events such as New York Fashion Week and Orlando Swim Week. At 29, she is a mother to a six-year-old daughter and enjoys modeling, spending quality time with her child, and nurturing her professional growth.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the "Dear Professor Series," Dr. Kellie Alston engages in a candid conversation with Jessica Glass, a former online student who recently completed her early childhood education degree. Jessica brings a wealth of experience to the table, not only as a graduate but as a mother juggling responsibilities while pursuing higher education.

The discussion delves into the intricacies of online learning from a student's perspective, as Jessica reflects on her journey through online courses, the challenges and benefits of different delivery modes, and her preferences for the structure and duration of online programs. With the shift towards online education becoming more pronounced, Jessica’s experiences offer valuable insights for educators and institutions aiming to enhance their distance learning offerings.

Jessica emphasizes the importance of strong professor-student relationships, even in a digital environment. She underscores the need for support, effective communication, and structured organization within online courses. The conversation brings to light the nuances of non-traditional students' lives and how online programs can be better tailored to their unique circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

Support and Relationships: Students need to feel supported and connected to both professors and classmates in an online learning environment.

Effective Communication and Organization: Clear instructions, regular updates, and organized course materials are critical for student success in online courses.

Course Structure Preferences: Students may favor a hybrid approach that combines the flexibility of online learning with regular live interaction.

Advising and Guidance: Effective communication and organization from academic advisors are crucial to ensure students stay on their intended graduation path.

Motivation Challenges: Asynchronous courses require a high level of self-motivation, which can be challenging for students prone to procrastination.

Important Info

Website: kelliealston.com

Email: [e-mail]

Visual of this episode:

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

Resource:

Click here:bit.ly/drkelliealston

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