Meet Our Faculty: Allison Apaza, MBA Health Administration
October 15, 2020 9:08am
What made you want to become an online instructor at SC?
When I joined Southwestern many years ago, it was at a time when online learning was a bit more novel than it is today. There were several schools exploring online options, but most of the programs I researched did not seem to truly value learner growth or have much focus on academic rigor. I was extremely impressed with the leadership at SCPS. There was a true passion for excellence, and a commitment to the learner’s experience and growth. In the years since I joined, I have found the leadership to continually innovate, focus on learner success, and, most importantly, serve the faculty and learners with integrity and transparency.
How do you think your own professional experiences make you an effective online instructor?
Because I have worked in a variety of roles, including international health, mental health, and emergency services, I feel I understand the world our learners are entering. I can explain more abstract topics with real-world examples that I have personally experienced, and provide resources to which only those who are engaged in the field may have access. I can also provide practical guidance about learners’ career aspirations and professional goals.
What is one misconception about earning an online degree that you hear often and what to do you say in response to correct it?
I often hear “It’s online, so it must be easy.” Nothing could be further from the truth. I always tell learners that online education is exactly as rigorous as traditional in-person courses, and they should expect (and demand) to be held to the same standards as their on-campus peers.
How do you help your online learners who might be struggling with their coursework?
I am very sensitive to the fact that many of our learners have complicated lives and careers that can dramatically impact their ability to fully engage in class. Many of my learners are deployed military, single parents, or busy professionals and fitting in a rigorous, research-focused class can be extremely challenging. I want my learners to view me as a guide to success rather than just an enforcer of deadlines and rubrics. To that end, I am always willing to work with learners to find practical solutions to their workload struggles—that might mean adjusting deadlines, providing guidance about time management, or simply making referrals to appropriate resources who can assist with research and writing methods. Southwestern has so many resources, sometimes it is just a matter of facilitating the right connection.
What advice would you give to someone who is concerned about establishing connections and networking in an online environment?
The online environment is what you make of it. Consistently engaging in discussions, attending live sessions, and reaching out to peers and your instructor with questions or concerns are the best ways to avoid feeling isolated in the online classroom. I always encourage learners to engage with peers and instructors beyond the confines of the course material. The discussion boards are a great opportunity to share personal experiences, which helps forge deeper connections.
How do you stay connected with your learners in the online classroom setting?
I am committed to remaining extremely involved in each of my courses. This means I participate as much as possible in discussions, share current events, post resources, and even try to provide helpful hints about assignments and projects. I also try to create as many new lectures and video announcements as possible each session in order to consistently emphasize that I am tailoring my material to meet each course’s specific needs.
How do you feel SCPS stands out from other online colleges?
I am continually impressed with the integrity of the leadership as SCPS. I have found the administration to be incredibly receptive to feedback and committed to excellence and growth. I have been very proud to see the ways that SCPS has grown over the years and I feel we have such a high-quality program in terms of accessibility, rigor, consistency, and real- world applicability. I really have not seen a better program in Kansas.