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Liberty University
Patti Hinkley, Ed.D.
Associate Professor & Online Chair, Center for Counseling & Family Studies
Liberty University
Having been a part of Liberty University’s online and distance learning programs since their inception in 1986, Patti Hinkley provides a wealth of knowledge and experience for the school. Initially starting out as an academic advisor, she moved to the counseling department to work as a faculty instructional coordinator, which eventually led to a career as a professor and various positions as an administrator with the online program at Liberty. Currently, Hinkley teaches several counseling courses for the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling department in addition to her primary administrative duties as an online administrative chair in the Center for Counseling and Family Studies.
What are some of the biggest differences and similarities between online versus traditional programs?
Of course, the biggest difference is the face-to-face contact found in the traditional programs. There are a few people who need that type of interaction to learn best. However, I believe the outcomes are very similar between the two. As a matter of fact, my dissertation compared the outcomes of our resident students to the distance learning students after graduation, and the research indicated there was no significant difference in success in the field, as well as getting accepted into doctoral programs.
I have actually found that I get to know students better through the online classes because every student must participate in discussions, while in the classroom, the quiet students can always refrain from participating.
What about the online learning medium do you think makes it a solid educational choice?
I think that online learning is a solid educational choice for students who are self-motivated and disciplined to work independently. I have taught both in the classroom and online, and they are basically two different mediums for teaching and learning. As a professor, you have to use the best strategies in each medium in order to help the students to learn the materials. In a classroom, students learn more by listening to lectures, while with online, the students do more independent studying by reading and research, with less lecturing. Both are valid ways to teach and learn.
Often, online colleges are marketed to be the easier, more convenient solution. Does the added convenience actually make things easier or could it make things more difficult for the wrong student?
I think online learning is more convenient. However, I wouldn’t say it is easier. As a matter of fact, I’ve heard many students say it was more work. At the same time, they felt like they learned more, and that it was worth it. I believe online learning is designed for the more mature and disciplined students. If a student cannot discipline himself to work independently apart from social interaction, then online learning would not be for him.
What course management systems—such as Blackboard or eCollege—have you used?
I have only used Blackboard, and I do feel it is an effective tool to use for instructing and communicating to students. It provides a great framework to display course materials, have class discussion forums, and post assignments online to be graded. Sometimes students will receive feedback from their professor within hours of submitting an assignment. The only disadvantage I can think of is technical glitches that take place with technology at times. Technology is great when it works, but when it doesn’t, it can be a great frustration.
As an online instructor how much interaction do you have with students? In what ways are you able to provide one-on-one instruction and group interaction?
I interact with students several times throughout the week. I always post an announcement at the beginning of the week, then participate in the discussion forums throughout the week, grade papers, and respond to emails and phone calls from students. Then, after grading the assignments for each week, I send a class feedback email that summarizes what I saw in their work. Sometimes I add in some additional information or my personal opinions on the subject matter. The one-on-one instruction takes place through either phone calls, individual responses in the discussion forums, as well as individual feedback on assignments.
From your experience, does it make a difference to employers whether or not a degree was earned at a brick-and-mortar school or online college?
I don’t think this makes a big difference for most employers. There may be a few traditional employers out there who don’t fully understand online learning, and they may be skeptical. However, once they give the online graduate a chance, many find them to be even more effective. I’ve heard this many times over from supervisors for our practicum and internship students.
What are some of your favorite projects or assignments in your online course?
The assignments I enjoy the most are ones that are practical and help the students apply their learning to real life situations. I also enjoy reading projects where the students can talk about their own personal and professional growth.
