Transforming online learning: Insights from Dr. Gary Brumitt

Let’s chat with Lecturer Gary Brumitt, our go-to guy for finance and accounting, who just earned his PhD. He’ll share how he’s bringing these topics to life in our online asynchronous classes.

You received your PhD in May. How has this influenced your approach to creating content for your courses?

Although PhD studies are geared more towards research education, my doctoral studies still positively influenced my teaching. In the MHA finance courses I teach, I try to layer the topics into a more logical flow and teach detail, but under a controlled pace. I also simultaneously interweave student interaction, and engagement into lectures. The PhD program played a part in my crafting these ideas into my pedagogy.

Can you describe some of the key challenges and opportunities you see in translating complex finance and accounting concepts into an online asynchronous format?

Without the face-to-face interactions, I feel it is important to identify topics that provide difficulty to students and create videos that demonstrate these concepts, usually through working problems. It is also key to tailor assignments that target the core competencies and learning objectives of the class. Since I won’t see these students every week, it could be challenging identifying what areas for which they need additional help.

What innovative teaching strategies or technologies are you incorporating into your online courses to enhance student understanding and engagement?

I focus on demonstrating problems utilizing the virtual whiteboard and create videos with Microsoft excel on camera. Best practices dictate shorter videos, so I need to be strategic around what topic areas to cover, and when to add some detail not included in the course textbook.

How do you ensure that students receive the same level of personalized support and interaction in an asynchronous online environment compared to traditional in-person classes?

Be accessible. Offer to meet outside of the course via Zoom. As an online instructor, meeting with students virtually should be a part of your life and schedule.