Are Students Learning or Just Pas...
Are Students Learning or Just Passing Online Courses? | Alison Beaman
Dear Professor: Where College Students Who Take Courses Onli... by Dr. Kellie Alston
S3 · E1
Sep 23, 2026
36:26
Episode notes

What happens when a student can pass an online course but still questions whether she is receiving a good education?

In Episode 1 of Dear Professor, Dr. Kellie Alston speaks with Alison Beaman about the difference between completing online coursework and experiencing meaningful learning.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Alison Beaman is a returning adult learner pursuing two associate degrees at a community college. She brings extensive workforce experience, strong organizational habits, and a thoughtful perspective on what helps online students learn. Candid, witty, and solutions-oriented, Alison considers both the student experience and the workload professors carry.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Alison explains why completing coursework is not always the same as receiving a meaningful education. ... 

Keywords
higher education
online learning
online education
student engagement
college student experiences
faculty development
student voice
online teaching
instructional design
teaching presence
Where this episode is made