Are Online Classes Easier Than Traditional Classes?

This is one of the most common misconceptions about online learning. Too many students take online classes because they think they might be easier. In fact, almost every term, several students in my class comment that they are “surprised” at the difficulty level of their online classes. Share and Enjoy:FacebookTwitterGoogle BookmarksemailPrintPDFStumbleUpondel.icio.usYahoo! BuzzPing.fmRedditDiggLiveLinkedInMySpaceTechnoratiRSS

What would it take for you to fail a student?

Believe it or not, a professor does not enjoy failing students. Instructors dream about classes filled with students who all succeed and dedicate themselves to the coursework. Leading a class like this is fulfilling, fun and rewarding. However, in the real world, some students simply do not make the grade. Share and Enjoy:FacebookTwitterGoogle BookmarksemailPrintPDFStumbleUpondel.icio.usYahoo! BuzzPing.fmRedditDiggLiveLinkedInMySpaceTechnoratiRSS

What kinds of tools do you use in the classroom to help students understand the assignments?

I guess I’m a simple man; I tend to rely most on personal, direct communication and a whiteboard to get my ideas across. For many of my colleagues who are younger than me (I turned 42 at the end of August), PowerPoint seems to be a way of life, but not so much for me. [...]

How do you spend your summers?

Ah, long gone are the days when professors had the summers off. That lifestyle is a thing of the past. Share and Enjoy:FacebookTwitterGoogle BookmarksemailPrintPDFStumbleUpondel.icio.usYahoo! BuzzPing.fmRedditDiggLiveLinkedInMySpaceTechnoratiRSS

What do you think of students who read “Cliff’s Notes,” instead of the full book?

Want to read a secret? It is a common practice among graduate students who don’t have enough time (or are too lazy) for all of their assigned reading to occasionally read book reviews instead of the books themselves. This way they can talk intelligently on works they have not actually read. Share and Enjoy:FacebookTwitterGoogle BookmarksemailPrintPDFStumbleUpondel.icio.usYahoo! [...]

Why Can’t Professors Make a Boring Subject Exciting?

Ah, this is the age-old question about teachers. My response will take a little bit of background information; so pardon this detour for a moment. The difference between a scholar and a teacher Simply put – and this an extremely general definition — a scholar is typically someone who is an expert in a field [...]

What do You Think About on the First Day of Class?

This is a great question. Whether teaching in an on-ground classroom or online, there are two, parallel thoughts that go through my mind on the first day of class. Share and Enjoy:FacebookTwitterGoogle BookmarksemailPrintPDFStumbleUpondel.icio.usYahoo! BuzzPing.fmRedditDiggLiveLinkedInMySpaceTechnoratiRSS

Are You Ever Friends With Your Students?

Am I ever friends with my students? If you mean, “Do I have some students whose personalities resonate well with mine?” the answer is yes. Share and Enjoy:FacebookTwitterGoogle BookmarksemailPrintPDFStumbleUpondel.icio.usYahoo! BuzzPing.fmRedditDiggLiveLinkedInMySpaceTechnoratiRSS