Case Study 2: Faculty Presence in the Online Classroom - Transcript


Laurie Hulcher
Assistant Director for Graduate Student Relations
Graduate School of Management and Technology
Published: July-August 2007

Category: » Fac-resources » Faculty-development

Student (Ms. Hill)
Dear Dr. Gold:
I’m a student in your online class and I’m having problems. You should know that I’ve been taking online classes here for the past two years.  I want to earn another degree so I can receive a promotion at work.  This is the first time I’ve had a problem.  I’m not sure you’ve noticed, but some of us are lost in this class; especially in the Conferences.  Please let me know when you will be able to answer the questions that we have posted.

Professor (Dr. Gold)
Dear Ms. Hill:
Thank you for writing.  Let me clarify how this class works.  There is a lecture each week, just as it’s stated in the Course Schedule.  Each lecture has an Assignment and a Conference for the students.  If you respond to the topics, you should do fine.

Student (Ms. Hill)
Dr. Gold:
That’s just it.  For the past few weeks we haven’t heard from you in the Conferences.  We keep responding to the Conference topics, but we’re not sure we’re on the right track.  We have questions and some of us are wondering if you’re reading our postings.  Please write back.

Professor (Dr. Gold)
Dear Ms. Hill: 
Teaching is very important to me.  We are all working professionals, but I assure you that I am in the classroom whenever it’s possible.  However, I need to spend my time grading work and returning it promptly.  You need to spend your time with the classwork.  The weekly lectures are in there and you can follow along on your own.  Just do your best with the Conferences.

Student (Ms. Hill)
This is really frustrating!  I’m trying my best; but there is some material that I don’t understand.  Besides, I’m not the only one who feels this way! Some students are posting questions for you and you haven’t responded.  In addition, we really want to interact with you and share our ideas with you about the subject.  This class is hard and sometimes I just feel like giving up!  WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO FIX THIS?

About the Author(s)

Laurie Hulcher, Assistant Director, GSMT, handles a vide variety of student communication, liaison, and case issues including student academic petitions and grievances. Within this role, she also provides guidance to faculty and graduate students on equitable processes for implementing the University's academic policies.

Betsy Alperin, Assistant Dean, GSMT, manages faculty academic affairs. Her responsibilities include promoting programs to develop, reward, and retain faculty and enhance their effectiveness. She also teaches EDCP 100, Principles and Strategies of Effective Learning.

Heloisa Siffert, Senior Instructional Support Specialist, Center for Support of Instruction, develops and delivers faculty training programs, and collaborates with the academic units on online classroom setup, course design, and resolving technical issues. Her areas of expertise include graphic design and web development.

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