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Post University
Dr. Patrice Farquharson
Early Childhood Education professor
Post University
Dr. Patrice Farquharson taught online early childhood education courses at Post University, where she developed the first online degree program to be offered there – an associate degree in early childhood education – more than 10 years ago. She holds a doctorate degree in education from Nova Southeastern University, and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Southern Connecticut State University. Some of her teaching specialties include early childhood education, non-profit organization management, and the role of men in early childhood education. Farquharson also serves as executive director of the West Haven Child Development Center, Inc., bringing both an academic background and expertise as a working professional to her virtual classroom.
What are some of the courses that you’ve taught online recently?
I have taught Environment for Play; Health, Safety and Nutrition; Children’s Literature and Language Arts; Teaching the Exceptional Child; and Practicums I, II and III. I am currently teaching Child Care Administration.
What course management system does Post University use? How do students log in to their courses?
Currently, Post University uses Blackboard 9.1. Students receive a username and password to log in once they are registered for a course. They are emailed the website with directions for logging in.
Do you provide video or audio lectures in your online courses? What materials do you provide for your online students?
I provide anything that I would provide [in a campus-based classroom]. I use materials that I own and I upload them or I embed the Web link right into my course.
What kind of homework assignments/exams do you give your online students?
There are usually two discussion threads for each week. I place the discussion thread on the discussion board and link it for students from the lecture page. I have given multiple choice quizzes which they self-correct. I usually don’t put much weight on these. I prefer to assign research papers or reflections papers, portfolios, etc. Sometimes I have them work on group projects and use [Blackboard's] group tool.
I also include visuals and up-to-date activities like creating “glogs.” These are poster presentations created through a program that allows a student to create a project using the Internet. I also have them record themselves doing a service announcement and videotape themselves conducting a lesson, and then they upload these materials to me. Technology is so advanced, and the students find it easy to navigate.
Is it asynchronous? Can students log in to their courses whenever they want?
Yes, students can log in to their course whenever they want within an assigned time frame.
How does going to college online at Post University compare with going to college at a traditional, brick-and-mortar campus?
Since Post is also a brick-and-mortar campus, and I was originally hired to teach on campus, I find it to be very similar. When I first started developing [online] courses, I was instructed to make them very personal. By that, I mean to make sure my personality and style showed through in the lectures. I find I write them as if I am present in the moment. The lectures are also interactive, meaning the students may read one, then go to the discussion and post a response.
In many ways the students are more accountable online. They have to post a response to the question (as opposed to attending class and not actually participating in the discussion), and they have to respond to other classmates. I can keep track of when and how many times the student accesses the course, and the homework assignments are submitted right through the assignment link. The time and date is recorded. I get to know my students online and sometimes they will share more in a discussion thread than they would face-to-face.
What sets the Post University apart from other online universities? What are its unique advantages?
I believe Post University [has many] unique advantages. It has a traditional brick-and-mortar campus with athletic programs and a diverse student body. It has a strong academic standards committee, a curriculum committee, a faculty senate and a Dean’s Council. Faculty members develop their own online courses and monitor any adjuncts in their discipline, and professional develop[ment] is available to faculty to acquire the latest tools in technology.
