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.

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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!