Get to Know Faculty Member Monika Myers

This week, let's get to know one of A-State's online faculty members, Dr. Monika Myers of the Department of Criminology and Sociology. Although she is originally from Arizona, she now calls Jonesboro home.

Place of birth:

Culver City, California

Hometown:

My family lives in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Why did you choose A-State?

I was very fortunate to receive offers from three universities. I chose A-State because it has a large number of international students from many different cultures around the world. I think cultural diversity is a good sign of a rich and engaging learning and teaching environment.

What is your connection to Jonesboro?

I lived in Jonesboro and worked on campus for four years before moving to Arizona. I think it would have been harder to become an online instructor without having spent that much time working on campus. I have a really good feel for the university's students, culture and the areas around campus.

What's the first thing learners should know about online courses?

Many students think online courses are easier than traditional in-person classes. But in fact, online learning is much harder.

Why is online learning important for students?

Teaching online helps make higher education accessible to more people. Online learning also gives students more opportunities to write. I happen to really enjoy writing.

What makes teaching online enjoyable for you?

It's hard to teach well online. On average, instructors are rated about 10% lower when teaching online courses. Still, I like the challenge. I've spent a lot of time researching effective online teaching methods, and I think it's fun to put what I've learned into practice.

What makes a good instructor?

Compassion for students.

Your educational philosophy in a nutshell?

What will students remember in 10 years? I always try to teach students things they'll retain and remember 10 years from now.

If you could choose a different subject to teach, what would it be and why?

Organizational Behavior or Psychology.

What's the one thing you want everyone to learn from your course?

Crime has been declining in the United States for about the past 30 years. We often feel like we live in more dangerous times than our parents did, but the truth is we're actually living much safer lives.

Who was your favorite teacher (and why)?

Mr. Friedlander, my 12th-grade biology teacher. He started our anatomy lesson by having us draw the organs in the abdominal cavity and label the ones we knew. I was sure I knew them all, but when I drew mine, I forgot several organs, including the liver. That made me realize the gaps in my own knowledge. Now I realize I need to start my own lessons by having students first recognize what they don't know about the topic being taught. Otherwise, they'll think they already know everything and won't be open to learning anything new.

What makes a good student?

A good student is one who always wants to show what they're capable of.

What is the value of a college education?

A college degree is an asset no one can take away from you. It helps you live a better life, both financially and personally.

How do you build community in your online classroom?

I always encourage students to interact and talk with each other. In fact, students who actively engage with their classmates tend to perform better academically than those who participate less in discussions.

What's the most challenging part of being an online instructor for you?

In an in-person class, I can watch students' facial expressions and sense what they're thinking as they engage with the material. I can tell when they're confused, frustrated, overwhelmed, or upset. When teaching online, I can't see their faces, so it's much harder to know whether they're absorbing the material.

What kind of music do you play in your car?

Pandora Toddler Radio

Your favorite movie?

Groundhog Day

Your favorite TV show?

Blacklist

A fun book you've read recently?

The Benefit and the Burden: Tax Reform Why We Need It and What It Will Take.

Your favorite trip?

A family trip with relatives to Cancun.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Indonesia

The best advice you've ever received?

The first thing you need to do in college is learn to write really well.

What would you like to share with students?

Learn statistics. You'll actually use it.

What's your hobby?

Running. I started running five years ago through the "Women Can Run" program hosted by the city of Jonesboro, and I've kept up the habit ever since.

Your favorite sports team?

The Cubs.

Your ideal meal?

Brown sugar pop tarts and Diet Coke.

What would a perfect day look like for you?

Getting a full day of sleep.

What do you like about Jonesboro?

Everyone is so kind.

Cats or dogs?

Both.

E-books or print books?

E-books

Beach or mountains?

Both

Dinner or late-night snack?

Dinner

You wish you could?

Cook

Something only your friends know about you?

I'm terrified of bees.

Your favorite quote

You can't do everything. You can do some things. Do the things you can.