Class Introduction

Once again, welcome! An important aspect of completing an online class successfully is to feel connected to your instructor and classmates. 

Research shows that students are more successful when instructors are present (Chronicle, 2020). Here are some ways to be present:

1. Incorporating videos/audios aligned with learning outcomes;
2. Frequent communication;
3. Checklists to remind and foster self-regulated learning;
4. Low-stakes assignments, especially early in the term to help students acclimate;
5. Provide regular, timely feedback in various forms (individual/group; writing/audio, etc.);
6. Show you care about them; their learning and their success;
7. Encourage/Define collaboration; and
8. Demonstrate flexibility and patience (source).

So, I want to know something about you. 

Create a new forum post and please tell the group a bit about yourself using these questions.

1. Where you are from, and how long have you been working in academia.
2. If you had another lifetime to chose another career, what would it be?

Here is a bit about myself.

---

I became interested in working in academia when I was an engineer creating educational software. I have been working in education for 10 years. Most of my experience is in online education in Central Asia. I worked in Bishkek for about 5 years before moving to Kazakhstan. I would study geology if I had time for a fourth field. I am fascinated by God's work in nature. I want to understand the geological processes of an area. As you might guess, I enjoy being in nature and hiking.