Meet our Faculty: Joel Short, MBA
September 18, 2020 1:29pm
What made you want to become an online instructor at SC?
The impact the instructors made on me during my time in graduate school was something I wanted to pass along to future learners. I always found the experiences they shared from their professional experiences to be helpful and wanted to be able to do the same.
How do you think your own professional experiences make you an effective online instructor?
My professional experience in working for Koch Industries has allowed me to maintain a cutting edge in technology and business, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to share what I have learned with learners in the classroom at SC.
What is one misconception about earning an online degree that you hear often and what to do you say in response to correct it?
One misconception I have heard is that getting an online degree is easier. In response, I would say that is not true. In my experience of being on campus and online, I believe they are the same; however online does provide more flexibility for learners.
How do you help your online learners who might be struggling with their coursework?
I ask what they are struggling with. If it is understanding the content, I provide supplemental instruction. If it is that they feel behind, I work with them to get caught up. If they are discouraged, I provide encouragement. I try to always make myself available to them to help them through any issue. If an online learner is struggling, it is my job to figure out why and help find a solution.
What advice would you give to someone who is concerned about establishing connections and networking in an online environment?
I would say they have come to the right place by considering the online environment at SCPS. With a professional employee teaching each class, that is also currently working in the industry, the connections and networks that are built are broader than any other option. Through my online learning, I was able to build a network of professional connections stretching far beyond the local campus area and continue to see the online environment as a great opportunity to make professional connections and network.
How do you stay connected with your learners in the online classroom setting?
Through weekly lectures via live video, my learners and I interact on a regular basis. I also am in touch with them throughout the week in discussions, emails, phone calls, and private video meetings if/when needed.
How do you feel SCPS stands out from other online colleges?
When I began to consider a college to pursue my graduate degree, I did not look long. Not because it was not important, but because my wife, who is an education research professional, had already done the research and SCPS was where she attended and got her MBA. She had told me all about the quality of education and aspects of professional studies that made SC stand out from the rest. From my experience, SCPS stands out from the other online colleges in the way the environment is focused on building opportunities for learners’ futures. A lot of colleges have adult learning programs that offer the flexibility, shorter-term classes, and adult learning environment; however, SCPS is the one that offered classes taught by current industry-leading professionals that could provide real-life examples of their experiences in the workplace.