Dr. Kellie Alston hosts the "Dear Professor" series, where college students share their experiences and opinions about online learning. In this episode, Dr. Alston interviews Leighana Dail, a 25-year-old online student pursuing a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. Leighana discusses her love for education, the importance of communication between instructors and students, the need for passionate instructors, and her pet peeves, including a lack of communication and working with unmotivated students. She also shares a heartfelt message to one of her professors, expressing gratitude for her guidance and encouragement.About The Guest: Leighana Dail is a 25-year-old online student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about education and hopes to become an intentional and effective kindergarten teacher. Leighana values communication and a sense of passion from her instructors, and she has been taking online courses since 2016.Summary: Leighana Dail, an online student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, shares her experiences and insights about online learning. She emphasizes the importance of communication between instructors and students and the need for instructors to have a passion for teaching. Leighana also discusses her pet peeves, including a lack of communication, handing out grades to students who didn't put in effort, and working with other students online.Key Takeaways:Online students need effective communication between instructors and students.Instructors should have a passion for teaching and inspire students to be motivated.Pet peeves include a lack of communication, handing out grades to students who didn't put in effort, and working with other students online.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoEmail for Dr. Alston: hello@kelliealston.comWebsite: kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://bit.ly/DPS1E1Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/Are you interested in enhancing your mindfulness this semester? Incorporate journaling specifically about your work experience in higher ed.ResourceGrab your copy of The Professor's Week in Review: A Journal of Weekly Reflections on the Higher Ed Experience and make it a mindful semester!Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4yB&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

About The GuestMs. Freida Weston is a 68-year-old student who has defied age barriers and pursued higher education. She obtained two bachelor's degrees--one in Behavioral and Social Science and in Child Development Studies. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human development and Family Studies at North Carolina Central University. Ms. Freida is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to continue learning and achieving academic goals.SummaryIn this episode of the Dear Professor series, Dr. Kellie Alston interviews Ms. Freida Weston, a 68-year-old student who has embraced online learning and is pursuing her Master's degree. Dr. Alston, an e-learning strategist and experienced online instructor, aims to gather insights from students to enhance the design and delivery of online courses. Ms. Freida shares her experience as an online learner and rates her overall experience as an eight out of ten. She emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, good communication skills, time management, and respect for others to succeed in the virtual classroom. She also highlights the need for professors to be attentive, approachable, and create a welcoming environment for students. Ms. Freida expresses her pet peeves, including the lack of face-to-face interaction and hands-on activities in online courses. She values the social aspect of in-person classes and the opportunity to collaborate with classmates on various assignments. In a heartfelt message to one of her professors, Ms. Freida commends her organization, class planning, and clear communication. She appreciates her dedication to creating a conducive learning environment and expresses gratitude for her impact on her educational journey.Key TakeawaysSelf-discipline, good communication skills, time management, and respect for others are essential for success in online courses.Professors should be attentive, approachable, and create a welcoming environment for students.Lack of face-to-face interaction and hands-on activities can be a pet peeve for online learners.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoWebsite: kelliealston.comEmail: hello@kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://bit.ly/DPEpisode2Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ResourceAre 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!Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4yB&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

About The Guest:Takima Hoy-Hines is a nontraditional student pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about owning her own childcare facility in the future.Summary: In this episode of the Dear Professor series, Dr. Kellie Alston interviews Takima Hoy-Hines, an online student pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Takima shares her experiences as an online student, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication from professors, timely feedback, and specific instructions for assignments. Takima also discusses the challenges of group work in an online setting and the need for personal responsibility among students. Overall, she rates her online learning experience a 7 out of 10.Key Takeaways:Clear communication and timely feedback from professors are essential for online students.Specific instructions and expectations for assignments help students meet the requirements.Group work in an online setting can be challenging due to scheduling conflicts and lack of participation.Personal responsibility plays a significant role in online learning success.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoWebsite: kelliealston.comEmail: hello@kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://bit.ly/DPepisode3Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ResourceAre 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!Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4yB&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

About The Guest: Tapresha Cummings is a 34-year-old African American woman from a small town in eastern North Carolina. She is a single parent and an early childhood education major. Tapresha has always wanted to be a teacher and is passionate about lifelong learning.Summary: Tapresha Cummings shares her experiences as an online student and the importance of having a professor who cares. She discusses her initial struggles with online courses and the lack of connection she felt with some professors. However, she found a supportive and caring professor in Dr. Kellie Alston, who made her feel valued and inspired her to continue her education. Tapresha emphasizes the need for open communication between students and professors in online courses. She also highlights the importance of having a clear understanding of course expectations and deadlines. Tapresha shares her journey to becoming a teacher and the impact it has had on her daughters. She encourages students to persevere and stay focused on their goals, no matter how long it takes. Tapresha also discusses the benefits and challenges of group work in online courses and the skills she developed through collaboration. She concludes by expressing her pet peeve of professors opening modules at the last minute and emphasizes the importance of knowing what is expected ahead of time.Key Takeaways:Open communication between students and professors is essential in online courses.Knowing what is expected and having clear deadlines helps students plan and stay organized.Finding a professor who genuinely cares about students can make a significant difference in their educational journey.Group work in online courses can help develop collaboration and leadership skills.Professional development regarding online pedagogy should be a requirement for college instructors who teach online.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoWebsite: kelliealston.comEmail: hello@kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://bit.ly/DPepisode4Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/Priceless ResourceAre 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!Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4yB&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

About The Guest: Dr. Luis Zamarripa is an HR professional with extensive experience in online learning. He pursued his PhD online and has a passion for researching and learning. Dr. Zamarripa is a veteran, a husband, and a father of four. He is known for his positive energy and love for knowledge.Summary: Dr. Luis Zamarripa shares his experiences as an online student and provides insights into the pros and cons of pursuing a terminal degree online. He emphasizes the importance of relevant and applicable content, as well as engaging activities in online courses. Dr. Zamarripa also discusses the need for instructors to be on camera during synchronous courses and to ask more questions to actively involve students in their learning process.Key Takeaways:Online courses should provide relevant and applicable content to enhance the learning experience.Engaging activities are crucial for active learning in online courses.Instructors should be on camera during synchronous courses to build a relationship with students and create an engaging learning environment.Asking questions is essential to involve students in their learning process and promote critical thinking.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoWebsite: kelliealston.comEmail: hello@kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://bit.ly/DPEpisode5Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ResourceAre 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!Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4yB&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

About The Guest:Ms. Elsie Barnes is a 57-year-old former online student from Conway, North Carolina.She has two children and a fiance, and she enjoys planting flowers, playing basketball, shopping, and spending time with her family.Elsie worked as a teacher assistant before pursuing her degree in birth to kindergarten from North Carolina Central University, which she completed online.Summary: Elsie Barnes, a 2021 graduate of North Carolina Central University, shares her experiences and insights on taking courses online. She discusses her background, including her love for teaching and her journey to obtaining her degree. Elsie rates her overall experience with online courses as an eight out of ten, highlighting the flexibility and convenience they offer. She emphasizes the importance of having a reliable internet connection, a laptop, and organizational tools like a binder. Elsie also values the support of her family and the ability to reach out to professors when needed. She mentions that online courses have enhanced her soft skills, such as time management, collaboration, and leadership. Elsie's pet peeve with online courses is group projects where some participants do not contribute but still receive the same passing score. She concludes by expressing her gratitude to a particular professor who pushed her and helped shape her into the teacher she is today.Key Takeaways:Online courses offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to work at their own pace.Reliable internet service and a laptop are essential for success in online courses.Organizational tools like a binder help keep course materials and assignments organized.Family support and the ability to reach out to professors are crucial for online students.Online courses enhance soft skills such as time management, collaboration, and leadership.Group projects can be frustrating when some participants do not contribute but still receive the same grade.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoWebsite: kelliealston.comEmail: hello@kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://bit.ly/DPEpisode6Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ResourceAre 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!Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4yB&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

About The Guest: Kye Howard is a 47-year-old doctoral student pursuing her Ed.D. in organizational leadership and organizational development. She has worked in law enforcement for 23 years and is a single mother to an eight-year-old. Kye is an avid fitness kickboxer, roller skater, and science fiction buff. She aspires to one day narrate a TEDx talk.Summary: In this episode of the Dear Professor series, Dr. Kellie Alston interviews Kye Howard, an online doctoral student. Kye shares her experiences as an online student and discusses the importance of face-to-face communication with professors. She also highlights the need for clearer feedback and more Christian integration in her online courses. Kye rates her overall online learning experience as a seven out of ten.Key Takeaways:Online students desire face-to-face communication with professors for a more engaging and personal learning experience.Clear and constructive feedback is crucial for students to understand and implement changes in their assignments.Online discussion boards should have clear guidelines and expectations to promote respectful and effective communication.Online courses should incorporate more Christian elements for students who choose to attend a private Christian university.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoWebsite: kelliealston.comEmail: hello@kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://bit.ly/DPE7Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ResourceAre 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!Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4yB&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

About The Guest:Heather Lee is an online student pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is also a training and curriculum specialist at a child development center. Heather is passionate about gardening and enjoys traveling with her husband.Summary:In this episode of the Dear Professor series, Dr. Kellie Alston interviews Heather Lee, an online student pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Heather shares her experiences as an online student and discusses her love for gardening and her career goals in the child development field. She rates her overall experience with online courses as an eight out of ten, highlighting the flexibility it offers. Heather also discusses her needs as an online student, including the importance of organization and the use of journals and binders to stay on top of assignments. She emphasizes the need for clear communication and references in online courses to ensure understanding and success. Heather also shares her pet peeve, which is the lack of effective communication in online learning environments.Key Takeaways:Online courses provide flexibility and cater to different lifestyles.Organization is essential for success in online courses, with the use of journals and binders.Clear communication and references are crucial for understanding and meeting assignment expectations.Lack of effective communication can be a major challenge in online learning environments.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoWebsite: kelliealston.comEmail: hello@kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://bit.ly/DPEP8Music Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ResourceAre 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!· Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournal· Amazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4y· B&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire

About The Guest:Larae Christie is a senior at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Child Development. She is also an aspiring artist, model, traveler, and influencer on Instagram. Larae creates fashion and lifestyle content, including "get ready with me" videos and travel vlogs. She recently landed a job as a flight attendant, which has sparked a new passion for her. Larae is dedicated to helping students grow and reach their goals.Summary:In this episode of the Dear Professor series, Dr. Kellie Alston interviews Larae Christie, a senior at North Carolina Central University. Larae shares her experiences as an online student and provides insights into what makes an online course successful. She emphasizes the importance of having an organized course layout and a professor who shows personality and relatability. Larae also discusses her transition from a nursing major to pursuing a degree in early childhood education. She shares her excitement about becoming a flight attendant and the challenges of balancing her career aspirations with her education.Key Takeaways:Online courses should have an organized layout to help students navigate easily.Professors should show personality and relatability to engage students.Personal questions should be addressed during office hours, not in class sessions.Lecturing for long periods without engagement can lead to disengaged students.Thank you for following, listening, rating, and sharing.Important InfoWebsite: kelliealston.comEmail: hello@kelliealston.comVisual of this episode: https://youtu.be/NiKd6X_cH5oMusic Credit: Maskros by Bowmull https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ZdbTFzb4Ne/ResourceAre 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!Vervante: https://bit.ly/thewirejournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/40W4U4yB&N: https://bit.ly/hardcoverwireDownload: https://bit.ly/thefillablewire