Faculty Member Says Time Management is Key to Online Learning
By Maggie Fairs, Dicomm Media
Relating to her students is not hard for one Meritus University professor. Barbara Elliott, who teaches philosophy and communications in Meritus’ undergraduate business degree program, knows exactly what it’s like to complete studies online because that is exactly what she did.
“I completed my Ph.D. through online study, so when students talk of troubles, anxieties and general nervousness around studying online, I absolutely get it.”
A seasoned nursing professional with a Bachelor of Nursing degree and Master’s of Nursing from Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Barbara completed her Ph.D. in Adult Education Leadership online from Walden University.She has been teaching online courses for the past three years and has been a faculty member at Meritus University since its launch in October2008. “Because of my online learning experience, I feel incredibly comfortable teaching online.”
According to Barbara, “I have been able to bring my experiences from the workforce into the classroom to help my students advance their studies; this has been a real benefit to my students.”
In talking about the aspects of learning in the online environment, Barbara explained, “I also love the sharing of information that online study affords you, both as a student and as a professor.”
Using an example of how she embellishes her online classroom, Barbara discussed what she does as faculty, in the online environment, that students tell her they enjoy. “When I receive a question from a student, rather than responding to the student individually, I post an online thread containing both the question and the answer. My thinking is that if one person has asked this question,there are others with the same concerns. By starting an information thread, I am able to connect effectively with my students in a way that helps everyone. The online format also allows much more interaction,and as I have students from all across Canada and indeed the world,this is invaluable to them. Not only can I share information with my students, but they can share information with each other. Honestly,it’s great! “
Citing what online students already know, and new students are learning about, Barbara said, “I strongly believe that Meritus University provides a learning environment in which there are minimal barriers and challenges for adult learners wanting to complete a degree program.”
Barbara has one strong piece of advice forher students and for anyone considering online study: get your timemanagement skills into shape – or count on becoming much better at timemanagement – especially if the usual adult-learning issues have to bebalanced with work and family. “This is the number one thing I hearfrom my students -- and the number one thing I took from my onlinestudies. Time management is key but once you’ve mastered it, you willuse it always -- in all aspects of life -- not just the classroom.”