Dear Professor: Where College Students Who Take Courses Online Speak Their Minds

by Dr. Kellie Alston

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 grad ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • Adjusting to Learning in the Digital Age | Dear Professor with Duane Vaughn

    Adjusting to Learning in the Digital Age | Dear Professor with Duane Vaughn

    S02 E12
    26:57

    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 and playing basketball. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Dear Professor series, host Dr. Kellie Alston engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Mr. Duane Vaughn, a senior at Morgan State University. The conversation provides a window into Duane's experiences and perspectives as an online student navigating the challenges and nuances of virtual learning environments. With Dr. Kellie Alston's expertise in e-learning strategies complementing Duane's firsthand accounts, listeners gain a valuable understanding of what online students truly seek from their educational experiences. Throughout the talk, Duane emphasizes the crucial role of effective communication between professors and students, particularly in an online setting where physical interaction is absent. He candidly shares his views on asynchronous classes, live session engagements, and the unique challenges posed by the digital sphere of education. This episode delves into the intricacies of student needs, pet peeves, and the distinction between education and training in an online context, all essential factors that contribute to student success and satisfaction. Key Takeaways: Online students like Duane prioritize communication as a critical component for a successful educational experience, with a preference for timely responses from professors and advisors. Vaughn appreciates asynchronous classes for their flexibility but acknowledges the potential for distractions and the need for greater discipline. Keeping cameras on during live sessions is a pet peeve, as it can lead to discomfort and further distractions. Industrial engineering courses require hands-on training, which presents additional challenges when adapted to an online environment. Students' perceptions of the effectiveness of online learning are shaped by the degree to which courses balance education and active, practical training. Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com Email: hello@kelliealston.com Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience from now until May 31st by simply emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com. Get ready to make it a mindful semester!

  • Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in the Financial Markets | Dear Professor with Thomasina Tafur

    Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in the Financial Markets | Dear Professor with Thomasina Tafur

    S02 E11
    46:28

    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 robust leadership skills, and has had the unique experience of teaching at Princess Nora University in Saudi Arabia. Currently, she's delving into the world of equity and options trading and is investigating the barriers to women's participation in key Wall Street roles through her doctoral dissertation. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of the "Dear Professor series," Dr. Kellie Alston engages with Thomasina Tafur to dissect her educational trajectory and the experiences shaping her current academic pursuits. Their conversation also focuses on Thomasina's intriguing online learning experiences spanning from literature to trading to international teaching, as well as her ambitious doctoral research. Thomasina Tafur offers invaluable insights into her online learning experiences, including the development of relationships with peers and professors, and the challenges she's overcome in adapting to various online educational technologies. Key Takeaways: Online learning environments benefit greatly from structured discussions and facilitation to accommodate different learning styles. Personal connections and networking are invaluable takeaways from higher education experiences, extending beyond the classroom. The pursuit of a PhD requires more than ambition; a genuine passion for the topic and practical application post-graduation are critical. Navigating the transition from on-site to online educational experiences poses a unique set of challenges, necessitating adaptability and patience from both students and instructors. Female representation and participation in the financial sector remain significantly limited, with cultural and structural barriers being key areas of concern. Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com Email: hello@kelliealston.com Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience from now until May 31st by simply emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com. Get ready to make it a mindful semester!

  • The Turning Point: How One Unexpected Suggestion Took Me in a New Direction | Dear Professor with Dr. Mecca Terry

    The Turning Point: How One Unexpected Suggestion Took Me in a New Direction | Dear Professor with Dr. Mecca Terry

    S02 E10
    37:58

    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. Terry is a former probation officer who made a significant career shift into higher education, where she now serves as a lecturer teaching sociology and criminal justice courses. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Dear Professor series, eLearning strategist and host Dr. Kellie Alston sits down with Dr. Mecca Terry to dive into her experiences as an online student. Dr. Alston, who is versed in the realm of online teaching and learning, facilitates a dynamic conversation that uncovers the realities faced by students in virtual classrooms. The episode touches on the critical aspects of online education, delivering firsthand perspectives that are both informative and thought-provoking. The discussion navigates through Dr. Terry's academic journey as an online learner, her transition from probation officer to higher education lecturer, and her insights on the needs and challenges of online students. The dialogue places a strong emphasis on the importance of organization, communication, and knowledgeability in online instructors. With her expertise, Dr. Terry offers valuable advice to students and professors looking to enhance the quality of the online learning experience. Key Takeaways: Online learning requires an organized structure, clear communication guidelines, and knowledgeable instructors who can guide students through the course content and resources available to them. Faculty must prioritize setting and adhering to communication policies to establish and maintain a strong connection with online students. Mentorship and encouragement play a pivotal role in empowering students and helping them see potential within themselves that they may not have recognized. Managing transitions in online platforms can be challenging for students; faculty and institutions should provide adequate training and support during these changes. The unique challenges of online education can be addressed by focusing on facilitating, assessing, communicating, and empowering—or, as Dr. Alston puts it, "FACE" the students. Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com Email: hello@kelliealston.com Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your FREE copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience available by emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com by May 31st.

  • Navigating the Frightening Freedom of Learning Online | Dear Professor with Teni Ogunsan

    Navigating the Frightening Freedom of Learning Online | Dear Professor with Teni Ogunsan

    S02 E09
    44:58

    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 parents - her mother a physician and her father a software engineer - Teni is also cognizant of health disparities, especially in maternal health for women of color, and is motivated to make a real difference in healthcare after completing a dual M.D. and Ph.D. which she will pursue later this year in Tennessee. Episode Summary: In this revealing episode of the "Dear Professor series," eLearning Strategist Dr. Kellie Alston facilitates a candid discussion with Ms. Teni Ogunsan, providing a glimpse into the experiences and insights of online learners. Teni, once a thriving stem field student, sheds light on the adaptability required during the emergency transition to online education amid the pandemic, the diverse needs of online learners, and the pet peeves encountered in a virtual learning environment. As Teni navigates the waters of asynchronous learning, the conversation delves into the importance of professors addressing varied learning styles and ensuring their accessibility. She reflects upon the collaboration and connection fostered through group work, despite its controversies, as well as offering a balanced critique of online monitoring methods. Key Takeaways: Teni emphasizes the flexibility and ability to rewatch lectures as a significant advantage of online learning. She articulates the need for varied learning materials and accessible professors to form a fulfilling online learning experience. Group work, when executed correctly, can foster collaborative learning and reduce feelings of isolation. Audio distractions and the absence of non-verbal cues in the virtual classroom are some of Teni's main pet peeves. Teni urges for instructors to consider students' mental well-being when monitoring for academic integrity online. Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com Email: hello@kelliealston.com Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ Dynamic Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience and make it a mindful semester! May Giveaway: Email Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com to request a free copy of the The WIRe Journal. Deadline: May 31st Please include your address in the email.

  • Flexibility is Chief: How Online Learning Helped Me Reach My Goal | Dear Professor with Dr. Sheniqua Johnson

    Flexibility is Chief: How Online Learning Helped Me Reach My Goal | Dear Professor with Dr. Sheniqua Johnson

    S02 E08
    51:02

    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 coaches and supports multitasking women in prioritizing their well-being. Additionally, she runs Stronger through Faith Media, a media company that assists individuals in storytelling and gaining media exposure through book publishing, coaching, and podcast creation. Dr. Johnson is also a prolific author with 15 books to her credit. Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Dear Professor series, host Dr. Kellie Alston engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sheniqua Johnson, delving into her experiences as an online student and the intricate balance between being a learner, professional, and caregiver. The episode uncovers the challenges and triumphs faced by online students, highlighting the virtues of flexibility and empathy in the education system. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the significance of a flexible online learning environment that respects and adapts to adult students' complex lives. She discusses her journey through a master's program, the struggles of group projects across time zones, and the necessity for professors to understand and nurture their students beyond academic performance. The conversation spotlights the importance of professors who offer support, see the individual behind the student, and propel their learners towards success against all odds. Key Takeaways: Online learning needs to offer flexibility to accommodate varied schedules of adult learners. Group work in an online setting poses challenges, especially with participants across different time zones, hindering convenience. Student-professor connection is paramount, with a calling for educators to understand and empathize with students' personal circumstances. Dr. Johnson's previous teachers and professors significantly influenced her approach to her work and interactions with her own clients and students today. Maintaining communication and offering constructive feedback with grace can profoundly impact a student's educational experience. Thank you for listening, rating, sharing, commenting, and subscribing! Website: kelliealston.com Email: hello@kelliealston.com Visual of this episode: Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ Resource: https://bit.ly/drkelliealston Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed. Grab your copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal for Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience and make it a mindful semester!