Open SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2018 – Columbia-Greene: Laura Jean Bopp

Laura Jean Bopp, SHRM-SCP, is an online adjunct instructor in the Division of Technology at Columbia-Greene Community College. She teaches Human Resources Management, Business Communications, and Business Math. She has over 20 years of professional experience in Human Resources and Business Administration, eight years within the Business Office of CGCC, and is certified by the Society of Human Resources Management as a Senior Certified Professional. Laura is proud to teach at Columbia Greene being a graduate of the college. She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree from The College of Saint Rose.

I have been teaching remotely for CGCC since 2010, and prior to that, I taught for three years in-class at the College. Having experienced both in class and online interactions with students, I find online instruction offers an opportunity to partner and maneuver through the class one on one. My goal is to ensure students are comfortable with the online platform and to guide them towards success. Over the years, publishers have improved their online texts and tools to effectively assist instructors and students in a virtual classroom environment. Each semester is different, and I work to meet the student where they are in their online learning experience.

To connect with my students, I have a Skype meet-and-greet within the first two weeks of class to set the stage for the semester and ensure they are comfortable within the technology. We leave it open for any future Skype meetings.