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"It really excites me to see how online learning is empowering our students. They are realizing dreams that may have otherwise been unachievable."
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AIU Online: Please tell us about your educational and professional background.
MD: I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin and my Master's of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in Sculpture from Studio Art Centers International (SACI), in Florence, Italy.
As far as my professional background...I am an active artist and have been teaching at the college level for the past ten years.
AIU Online: What made you start teaching?
MD: I enjoy helping people and seeing them succeed. My passion for creating artwork and my interest in computers led me to my present position. Through independent study, I learned many graphics programs. While earning my undergraduate degree, I started teaching Photoshop, painting and sculpture.
I started teaching at the college level while working on my Master's of Fine Arts degree at SACI.
AIU Online: Did you always have the desire to teach?
MD: Yes, I really enjoy teaching and working with students. Additionally, being in a creative environment enriches the creation of my own work. I feel it is important to stay in touch with the art students who share in my passion for the arts.
AIU Online: That's interesting...So, how long have you been at AIU Online?
MD: I've been at AIU Online for about a year now.
AIU Online: What specific classes do you teach?
MD: I teach courses in the School of Visual Communication including Photoshop, Web development, multimedia, advanced multimedia and Illustrator.
AIU Online: Sounds like you have a full load...Was this your first time teaching online?
MD: I do in fact have a full load, but I really enjoy what I do. To answer your question…I've actually taught online for about three years now and I can honestly say that AIU Online is certainly the best! I have never been involved with an academic environment where everyone is so helpful, motivated, and interested in what they are doing. It has been a truly remarkable experience! The students amaze me! They are some of the most intelligent, forthright, and dedicated students I've ever encountered.
AIU Online: Given your experience teaching online, how would you rate AIU Online's platform to those at other universities?
MD: I have used three different platforms and would say that AIU Online's platform is quite intuitive and easy to use. It is set up in a very logical manner and the navigation is simple.
AIU Online: What are the benefits to online learning?
MD: Certainly the flexibility and convenience are benefits. It really excites me to see how online learning is empowering our students. They are realizing dreams that may have otherwise been unachievable. I'm delighted when I get a student who, for example, is a single mother of 4 in rural South Dakota, who wouldn't otherwise have access to a quality education and is able to attend AIU Online and earn her degree.
AIU Online: You are right. I can see how that can be an amazing feeling...So tell me, what makes AIU Online students so special?
MD: I have taught at several different schools and I have found student apathy to be a problem. For the most part, students at AIU Online are motivated, dedicated, appreciative, and hard working. They want to understand the material so they can apply it to their existing or future jobs.
I have found the faculty to be outstanding; they are committed to the success of the students. I have learned a great deal from my colleagues as well as the students. AIU Online truly provides a student-centered learning environment.
AIU Online: What are your thoughts about the quality of the education students receive at AIU Online?
MD: In earning my degree, I was never taught any practical business related skills that students at AIU Online are learning and subsequently, I lost quite a few clients. In addition to theory, students at AIU Online are learning practical career skills that directly translate into the business arena.
I try to impart career-relevant skills to my students and AIU Online's program makes this an easy task. Each class includes group and individual projects that help foster this. Occasionally, a student will complain about their group members. In the real world, they cannot always pick and choose with whom they work so they have to learn how to overcome whatever discomforts they are experiencing so that the project is completed and the ultimate goal is reached. The assignments really have a practical intent that helps the students learn the material and skills they will need to transition into a professional arena.
AIU Online: Have you found that your students already work in the Digital Design or Visual Communication fields in some capacity?
MD: Yes. Many of my students are already working in this or related fields, which is helpful for students who may be completely new to the industry because they can learn from me, the coursework and from the experiences of their classmates.
AIU Online: What is the online environment like at AIU Online?
MD: A common misconception of online learning is that students will take classes alone with no interaction from professors or classmates. This is not the case at AIU Online. Our classes are interactive. The live discussions are enjoyable and lively because the students get to know each other and enjoy learning. I have formed bonds with many of the students and have really enjoyed working with them.
AIU Online: Would someone who has not had any formal BFA training do well in this program?
MD: Absolutely! The first class is an introductory course with the purpose of getting everyone on the same page and understanding the online classroom. We provide tutorials at the beginning of the program for students to familiarize themselves with the software and upcoming lessons. The resources available to students are outstanding. The program has really been designed to help students learn and succeed.
Students can always come to me for assistance as well as work in groups to overcome obstacles. The online learning events are fantastic, and the books we use are very well written. The live sessions in my classes are full of little tips and hints to make the student projects easier. I really encourage my students to attend the live sessions and if they cannot attend them during the schedule time, they can always go back and listen to the archives.
AIU Online: Do you think that students lose anything by earning their degrees online?
MD: Not really. In fact, I believe students gain a sense of freedom and the independence they need to learn how they learn best. They can learn at their own pace and when it is convenient for them.
AIU Online: What technology is used to make the courses interactive and engaging?
MD: We use a platform called CommonGround during our live chat sessions. It allows students to hear me speaking in real time using streaming audio. It is sophisticated technology yet very user-friendly. The students can interact with me and each other privately or publicly during these sessions.
There is also a whiteboard feature that enables me to use visual aids such as pictures and diagrams and this technology makes the courses that much more engaging and interactive for students.
AIU Online: That sounds fascinating...Please elaborate on the software versions. Are students learning from the latest software?
MD: Yes, AIU Online does a superb job of providing the students the latest software and textbooks. Because our programs and technology are current, we are able to easily incorporate the latest software versions into the curriculum. Students can be sure that the education they receive here is current and relevant.
AIU Online: In your opinion, what kind of person makes a good online student?
MD: One who really wants to learn. The student should have a high level of maturity and realize that earning their degree at AIU Online is part of the process of getting the job they want.
AIU Online: Any final thoughts about the future of online learning?
MD: My belief is that it will continue to grow by leaps and bounds as people become more knowledgeable about this educational option. More students are graduating with degrees from online universities and once they achieve success and excel in their fields, the more value and credibility this space will have.
It is a great way for many people to learn because they are very busy. Online learning provides students with flexibility. It allows people to get their degree while maintaining their existing commitments to family, a career, or whatever is important to them. Students can learn at night, in the morning or on their lunch breaks, it is so accessible. The future of online learning is bright.
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