Graduation is one of the most meaningful moments in Dr. Karen Paulson’s position as a higher education professor. Three times a year, Paulson watches online students from across the globe achieve their goal of earning a graduate degree.
As the online program coordinator for the Department of Education Policy Studies, Paulson plays a key role in helping those students build practical knowledge, connect with peers and faculty, and walk across the stage at commencement as the next leaders in higher education.
She teaches and advises students in the Master of Education in Higher Education, which is offered online through Penn State World Campus in partnership with the Penn State College of Education and Department of Education Policy Studies.
Learn more about Dr. Paulson in the Q&A below.
Can you explain your teaching philosophy and approach to online education?
Students are here to not only learn about theories but how to apply them and how they influence daily functioning within postsecondary institutions of learning. As a practitioner in the Master of Education program, I’m here to facilitate that learning, drawing out the connections between theory and what many of them experience daily as higher education professionals. If a student does not understand a concept, I work with them to help them learn. Most of them have never been a graduate student before, so I am here to guide them.
I’m very proud that we require the Foundations of Institutional Research course, which means that our students graduate with a much clearer understanding of various forms of data professionals encounter every day in higher education. The course is built with a range of abilities in mind, and everyone graduates from the program better able to ask questions and understand key data elements.
What do you enjoy most about teaching online?
I love our students! They all come with a deep desire to make a difference for college students, whether that is in a student-facing position or a more administrative role. Many of them already work in the field and have extensive experience working with various policies and circumstances that affect students, faculty, and staff in a variety of institutional settings. In addition, our students represent nearly every sort of office that is found on a college or university campus. Our online discussions are lively because of the wide range of perspectives and knowledge.
It’s also particularly satisfying that our higher education students graduate and become our colleagues, especially when they keep in touch after graduation to let us know their successes.
What aspects of teaching online have challenged you, and how have you responded to support student success?
Probably the most challenging aspect is that it is difficult when an online student goes silent and I don’t know why. I don’t know whether they are simply busy with work, have something going on in their personal lives, or don’t understand an assignment and are hesitant to contact me.
In these situations, I completely understand that students may feel overwhelmed, no matter the underlying reason. I also get that they want or feel like they have to take care of whatever it is themselves. I am here to support them, even if it is just listening. I may be able to provide assignment extensions, discuss study strategies, or recommend World Campus student support services or administrative options. I’ve tried to let all our students know that if our faculty and I don’t know what’s going on, we can’t help at all. I try very hard to be available and responsive. I do follow up with students to let them know they are not alone.
How do you build community and foster engagement in the online higher education program?
The online higher education program has been focused on building community with our students and alumni since it began. We have an unofficial Facebook group that current students and alumni can choose to join. In that group, students can ask to borrow textbooks and graduation regalia, find professionals in certain role groups to interview for class assignments (such as academic advisers, enrollment managers, etc.), and attend online social events. Students and alumni talk about professional life, academics, sports, and appreciate children and pets of all sorts.
During graduation weekend, we encourage students to attend the Penn State World Campus Reception, an open-house event I attend to meet students and the loved ones who support them. I’m so happy and pleasantly surprised when students come from multiple states and we get to hug and congratulate each other in person. A group photo commemorates the occasion, and we post it in the Facebook group as encouragement to those who are in the middle of their studies.
Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of your work as an online faculty member?
It’s poignant and makes me proud when students have faced difficulties and are working to clear a deferred grade in class. Their persistence in the face of obstacles and how they focus and submit excellent work humbles me.
A Penn State education online
Penn State World Campus has been offering a Penn State education online since 1998 and is consistently recognized as one of the top institutions for online learning in Pennsylvania and the country.
Today, Penn State World Campus offers a comprehensive selection of more than 200 degree and certificate programs.
Faculty like Karen Paulson are the foundation of the diverse variety of programs and academic excellence.
Explore programs like the Master of Education in Higher Education and the Graduate Certificate in Institutional Research that are offered online through Penn State World Campus.
