About the Guest:

Dr. Mecca Terry is an academic professional with a distinguished background in criminal justice and higher education. With a bachelor’s degree in law and society, a minor in sociology, and two master's degrees — one in criminal justice and another in Human Services — Dr. Terry’s educational journey is quite impressive. She completed her higher education achievements with a PhD in Criminal Justice. Professionally, Dr. Terry is a former probation officer who made a significant career shift into higher education, where she now serves as a lecturer teaching sociology and criminal justice courses.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the Dear Professor series, eLearning strategist and host Dr. Kellie Alston sits down with Dr. Mecca Terry to dive into her experiences as an online student. Dr. Alston, who is versed in the realm of online teaching and learning, facilitates a dynamic conversation that uncovers the realities faced by students in virtual classrooms. The episode touches on the critical aspects of online education, delivering firsthand perspectives that are both informative and thought-provoking.

The discussion navigates through Dr. Terry's academic journey as an online learner, her transition from probation officer to higher education lecturer, and her insights on the needs and challenges of online students. The dialogue places a strong emphasis on the importance of organization, communication, and knowledgeability in online instructors. With her expertise, Dr. Terry offers valuable advice to students and professors looking to enhance the quality of the online learning experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Online learning requires an organized structure, clear communication guidelines, and knowledgeable instructors who can guide students through the course content and resources available to them.
• Faculty must prioritize setting and adhering to communication policies to establish and maintain a strong connection with online students.
• Mentorship and encouragement play a pivotal role in empowering students and helping them see potential within themselves that they may not have recognized.
• Managing transitions in online platforms can be challenging for students; faculty and institutions should provide adequate training and support during these changes.
• The unique challenges of online education can be addressed by focusing on facilitating, assessing, communicating, and empowering—or, as Dr. Alston puts it, "FACE" the students.

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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 available by emailing Dr. Alston at hello@kelliealston.com by May 31st.