Meet our Faculty: Darron Esan, MS Criminal Justice
November 16, 2020 11:25am
What made you want to become an online instructor at SC?
Working my primary job within the police department, I know several other online instructors with Southwestern College. Having had several discussions and knowing them the way I do, I share a similar passion to have a positive impact on students. Southwestern College gives me the ability to not only contribute to the learning of college level students, but also allows me to have a positive impact on many who serve within our country’s military. This is a very rewarding aspect of teaching at Southwestern College.
How do you think your own professional experiences make you an effective online instructor?
My experiences began as a student in undergraduate work. I remember learning from many professors who had been in law enforcement. Many of the theories and lessons taught by them have resonated to this day. As a 24-year police officer, sergeant, and now lieutenant, I believe that my experiences in interacting with the community will prove to be very beneficial to my students. Being able to share stories of success as well as failures will provide a good foundation for future law enforcement professionals.
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 have had many people tell me they believe online learning does not allow the ability to work with the professor or other students while completing their studies. I have found this to be inaccurate. Having obtained by bachelor’s degree in a face-to-face setting and my master’s degree online, I can compare the two. I found through online studies, I had more access and communication with my professors which helped me complete my degree. I felt more confident while taking classes online and was able to meet with many classmates in an online format to work with them despite being in different states.
How do you help your online learners who might be struggling with their coursework?
The biggest way I try to assist online learners who may struggle is to continue to communicate openly throughout the course. Part of open communication involves answering their questions in a timely manner as well as conducting follow-up when they have questions. Letting the students know that I have a true interest in their success is very important to me. I do not want the learners to feel like ‘just another student’ in a class. Each of them is an individual and each deserves my full attention and assistance.
What advice would you give to someone who is concerned about establishing connections and networking in an online environment?
My advice for establishing connections as a professor would be to imagine that the learners are your children or family members. Ask yourself how important it may be to let you family members/children feel supported, and act accordingly. After all, these students will be the ones who share the community with my family/children after my time here is complete.
How do you stay connected with your learners in the online classroom setting?
For the most part, I rely on email communication with my students. When I am aware of a problem or issue completing assignments, I try to check up on the learners via email as much as possible. I have offered telephone communication as I recognize that email communication falls short at times of voice tone and emotion. Should a student want to communicate on the telephone, I am more than willing to have a conversation.
How do you feel SCPS stands out from other online colleges?
Southwestern College is different from many colleges in that they provide excellent course templates to deliver the material which has been developed and reviewed by many people before final approval and delivery. In addition, Southwestern provides the course template to each professor, but also allows for professors to add material which enhances the learning and is based upon the unique experience(s) each professor may have. Southwestern is constantly working with faculty to review course materials and improve their curriculum in any way. The refusal to simply let the online format be on ‘cruise control’ and look to always improve is what makes Southwestern College so special.