Colorado Mountain College honors adjunct instructor Gilliland
By Kristin Carlson
Sterling-based accounting instructor JoAnn Gilliland was named 2012’s adjunct faculty of the year for online learning, at the college she works for that’s located on the Western Slope.
Every year, each of Colorado Mountain College’s seven mountain campuses, as well as the college’s department of online learning, can nominate adjunct and full-time instructors for the faculty of the year award.
Gilliland, who lives and works from her hometown in Sterling, creates her virtual classroom for Colorado Mountain College via discussion boards and online readings and tests.
“Teaching online can be challenging,” she said. “Learning the software is nearly as challenging as the course material, so I try to make sure no one gets frustrated.”
Lauded for quick, clear responses to student questions
A recurring theme in Gilliland’s recommendations is student appreciation for her rapid responses to their questions. They also appreciate understanding the real-world applications for the information she teaches.
“I try to come up with problems that apply to real life, that get us out of the book and out of the box,” Gilliland said. “It’s so rewarding when students say they’re using the information they learned online in their careers.”
She has great respect for the multitasking students she teaches. “Most of them are pursuing degrees, raising families and working full time,” she said. “It’s wonderful that they don’t have to leave home to reach their goals.”
As a student, Gilliland herself was on the other side of the online learning equation. She earned her master’s degree online from Regis University in Denver.
Now, Gilliland guides others online at Colorado Mountain College, a community college that also grants bachelor’s degrees through 11 learning locations on the Western Slope (grouped into seven physical campuses), as well as via online learning. Three of the campuses are residential: in Steamboat Springs, Leadville and Spring Valley (near Glenwood Springs).
For more information about virtual or in-person educational opportunities at the college, visit www.coloradomtn.edu.