How did you get started with teaching online for Penn State?
Another very talented and incredible professor, Andrew Weisner, provided me with the opportunity to teach online and introduced me to the role.
Kristen
Horn
Online Courses
Introduction
My 8th grade social studies teacher always had "Control your destiny" written on the chalkboard Back then I never really understood the meaning of those simple words, but today, I live by them. I hope to have the same impact on my students.
I am a Penn State alumni myself. In 2007, I graded with a B.S. in Mathematics and in 2008, I graduated with a Masters in Applied Statistics. I have been teaching online for Penn State World Campus since 2009.
After life in Happy Valley, I moved to Corning, New York and worked as a statistical engineer and process engineer at Corning Incorporated for six years. During these six years with Corning Incorporated, I authored two patents and lived in Japan for a year and a half where I supported the start up of a new manufacturing facility.
In 2014, I moved back to Pittsburgh to join the family business, Jerry Horn Construction, Inc., a commercial and residential construction company. Currently, I manage sales, estimating, project management, and operations for the company focusing heavily on business development.
When I am not working, I love learning about essential oils and I try to get crafty using my Cricut. I also enjoy reading business books and running.
What do you like best about teaching online?
The challenge! STAT 200 can be a less than desirable course for many students. On top of that, it is four credits. I love always trying to improve my teaching to make the course enjoyable and manageable for the variety of students I encounter every semester.
How do you engage online students with statistics?
My engagement with students is mostly as guidance and motivation. I’m your biggest cheerleader and want nothing more than for you to end the course with useful learnings. I tend to not give away answers, but instead, ask thought provoking questions and provide tips to guide students to the correct answers. I like to encourage my students to apply topics to their everyday life and field of interest.
What is your best advice to students in order to be successful in an online statistics course?
My best advice:
- Time management! Set a schedule for yourself and stay consistent. Plan your week and allocate specific times with goals for that time prior to the start of your busy week. Take breaks as you work through course materials; do not spend long time periods at once going over the course.
- Communicate! Stay in touch with your peers, your instructor, any available tutoring opportunities, etc. You are not alone and everyone is in the course to learn. Take advantage of that!
- Think about the “why”. This “why” pertains to why you are in the course. Always remember your purpose, especially if you feel discouraged. This “why” also pertains to the course content. Challenge yourself to understand concepts and not just memorize formulas. If you understand the “why” you do not need to remember anything!