Behind the Scenes with Dr. Farooq Khan (Chemistry faculty)

Hello, I am Dr. Farooq Khan and I am the Professor of Chemistry, and Interim Dean, College of Science and Mathematics at the University of West Georgia.

There are several major differences in face-to-face and online classes. In a face-to-face class, there are students who rarely speak up. In eCore classes, discussions are required, so that there is no “quiet” student. Second, in a face-to-face class, I inject quite a bit of humor. I would have to work hard at writing humorous lines for eCore courses while ensuring that I am not taken out of context. As a result, I am a very solemn eCore instructor. Finally, in eCore Chemistry, I find that ideas that can be expressed very simply in a face-to-face environment (simple figures, formulae, equations, etc.), take a lot more ingenuity.

One of the things I do differently using eCore than my face-to-face class is that I am more serious. Secondly, I try to be very careful in defining expectations and deadlines explicitly, more so than a face-to-face class.

The writing skills of eCore students pleasantly surprised me at first.The eCore students are older than the typical traditional students in face-to-face courses, and their life experiences are reflected in their writings.

In addition to Chemistry, I also teach Environmental Science. Teaching online, I have learned how to moderate discussions on sensitive topics (immigration, health issues, taxation) while teaching ENVS 2202. I have also adopted this format for face-to-face courses, where appropriate.

An interesting thing happened on a recent trip. The Atlanta airport is one of the busiest in the world, and I am particular about reaching three hours ahead of time for international flights. (My wife says I stress too much!) The last time I showed up, and saw long lines, an agent asked me to try one of the computer-aided check-in counters. I told the agent that it would not work for international flights. She scanned my passport, and within a minute I got my boarding passes printed for the entire trip! I had three hours to kill now! I ate an expensive meal, and bought a John Grisham novel (that I had at home, half-read). If my wife were present, that would be cause for chagrin!

Something my students might not know about me is that I am a New York Mets fan! I spent 1985-1990 at Columbia University, and became a Mets fan during that span when they were a really good team. A quarter century later, while living 30 miles away from Turner Field, I still root for the Mets, not a particularly competitive team any more during most years.

*Learn more about the University System of Georgia's eCore and see Dr. Khan's chemistry class.

Comments

Online Students Giving Back: Volunteer Opportunities in Georgia During the Holidays

As we move into the final weeks of class and into the holidays, many online students look for opportunities to reconnect in person and make a community impact. The holiday break is an excellent time to engage in volunteer opportunities that can boost resumes and provide personal fulfilment. If you are working through the holidays or struggling to balance it all, consider starting small. Even a donation or a call to an elderly visit or friend is a powerful start. And as an online student, you have likely developed unique skills that can make you effective in both virtual and in-person community endeavors. Following are a few ideas for holiday volunteer work in Georgia: Ring the Bell. You can become a holiday Salvation Bell Ringer and help raise funds for disaster relief, homeless shelters, and anti-human trafficking efforts. You can sign up for as little as a two-hour shift in your local area. Share the Feast. The Big Gobble (Columbus, LaGrange, and Albany) is one of many organiz...

Developing Your Elevator Pitch: USG eCampus Career Focus

Your elevator pitch is a 30-second summary of who you are and how you impact others. It’s called an elevator pitch because it’s a statement that you could use to introduce yourself in the time that it takes to ride an elevator. Sounds simple? Not necessarily. Even when our career goals are clear in our minds, it can take some practice to introduce yourself in a brief yet impactful way. Why You Need an Elevator Pitch An elevator speech is really all about first impressions. You’ll use it in networking. Networking occurs not just in formal situations such as career fairs, but also when you meet a new person in a social or academic setting. Sometimes, these new connections lead to jobs or career leads. You’ll also use a version of your elevator speech in job interviews. This may be when you first meet an interviewer or after the interview begins and you are asked to tell about yourself. In many USG eCore and USG eMajor online classes, you’ll have an introductory discussion post to help yo...

Fall Job Fairs Announced for Students Across the USG

A priceless benefit of being a student at a college or university in the University System of Georgia (USG) is the opportunity to attend job fairs. Job fairs often attract companies to campuses who are eager to hire upcoming graduates. Taking advantage of these events while still a student can provide you with opportunities that may be harder to find later. Even if attending a job fair doesn’t lead directly to employment, the experience of networking and talking to recruiters will be beneficial. Below is a list of just some of the job fairs scheduled for Fall 2024 across the USG. If you’re institution is not listed, check the career services page on your institution’s website. New information for fall fairs may be forthcoming. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College What: General career fair with employers, internships, and graduate schools When: November 6, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For: All ABAC students Where: Tifton Campus Albany State University What: General career fair with ...

Planet eCampus

Search This Blog