Who Are These People? Who Are These Online Students?
“I am leaving the country today and I will not have access to Internet until Wednesday or Thursday of next week. If I can I will definitely chime in on discussion threads.”
I had not heard from this student for over ten days. His work had been excellent; his discussions posted frequently. Why the sudden silence and then the surprise message?
He was in the process of deployment. While at a temporary “waiting” base, he did not have internet access. After ten days of “silence,” he sent a letter of apology with his late Unit 5 project: “The base computer would not read my jump drive so I had to retype my paper.” He did, the entire manuscript.
This student completed his courses from Iraq. No other assignments were turned in late except for a few discussion posts, delayed because of a sandstorm.
What a privilege to teach students, young and old, who are determined, often against all odds, to continue their education and improve the lives of themselves and their children. One young student, recently released from prison, thanked her classmates for their encouragement as she risked expressing her thoughts on successive posts. An older student decided not to drop the class after initial self-doubts and frustration with technology. She was recently widowed, had never used a computer, but was determined to finally complete her AA degree after many years of being wife and mom. Another student completed the course from her hospital bed – yet another during chemotherapy, another after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. One who was deaf thanked the class for their congratulations on his thoughtful discussions long before they knew of his communication challenge.
At Kaplan University these are some of our students, people of all ages, all stages of life, excited to be learning. Often scared and unsure at first, they grow with confidence, motivated and encouraged by a supportive community of online learners and instructors. What a privilege to be part of these lives.
Nancy Bo Flood, Ph.D. Kaplan University Adjunct Instructor
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
HI NANCY BO FLOOD I LIKED THE BOOK.
I heared 1 of your stories.
Its very interesting.
HI NANCY I ALWAYS WANTED TO MEET YOU BECAUSE I LIKE YOUR BOOKS. I LIKE THEM BECAUSE YOU TEACH PEOPLE OF DIFFRENT AGES.
hi your stories were great and i loved them and also e-mail me.
i have alot 2 tell u and once again i loved your story.
hi Nancy Bo Flood
hi Nancy Bo Flood. I like your books!
oh and u must have alot of reading 2 do and wonder how u make a book and wonder if u get money 4 that
i want 2 b a doctor and a lawyer!
i’m from tsaile and i’m in 5th grade.
i’m 11 years old i love the way u think about Navajo and i’m navajo!
I LIKE YOUR BOOKS THAT YOU WRITE I WAS VERY INTESRT IN THEM.
HEY NANCY THAT BOOK THE NAVAJO YEAR IS GREAT. I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT THE NAVAJO YEARS. I LIKE THE PICTURES. I WONDER IF YOU GET PAID FOR THEM CAUSE I ARE REALLY LIKE THEM BECAUSE THEY TAUGHT ME A LOT.
HI Nancy, I liked your book, The Navajo Year. It was nice to read with the whole class. I liked all the animals in the book. BYE!
Thank you, everyone from Tsaille, for your comments. I am SO excited to meet you and talk about the Navajo Book, the Sand to Stone book and do some fun and funny writing together — get ready to create a monster! Nancy Bo Flood
As a past student and a returning one, I can not express the gratitude I have for your teachings. In my few terms here with Kaplan, I have not met any other instructor like yourself. You have really helped me blossom both personally and educationally, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. Now I have to find one of your books and read it =) The world is truly lucky to have someone like you in it.
Hello again. Happy for ;your obvious happiness.
Bo,
You bring life and meaning to the pathway of knowledge and experience. The spirit never ages, I know, I am blessed with one.
Pats – what a truly wonderful surprise. How can I get in touch with you? nancy