by Dana Leland, BBA, Ph.D., MBA, MTX, MACC
Creating online communities to share the learning journey is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. I teach business courses online and in person, including accounting and finance. Both formats allow me opportunities to share my experiences working in the business world with students in interactive classrooms. To create challenging and insightful learning experiences, I incorporate current events and practical examples to help students bridge the gap between theories and applications.
I understand the benefits and challenges of an online education after earning a master’s degree online. I can relate to students who are getting acclimated to a virtual learning environment. One of the many benefits of working in an online classroom as a student is how it improved my communication and presentation skills using various technology and platforms.
Global Collaboration
Online classrooms provide opportunities to collaborate with instructors and students from all over the world. My instructors came from diverse geographic regions and backgrounds and inspired me with the common goal of sharing their knowledge with students.
They say it takes a village to raise a family, but I think it takes an online community to make great students. My mother said, “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Thinking of her words, I consider online learning a journey, not merely an end, but a beginning of something great, inspiring, and rewarding. I believe we are all life-long students, and to be successful, we must continue to challenge and nurture our minds. I wish everyone a fulfilling and rewarding journey.
Dana Leland, Ph.D., MBA, MTX, MACC, is a native Texan. She has a BBA in Accounting from the University of Incarnate Word, an MBA in Business from UTSA, a Master’s in Taxation from FAU, a Master’s in Forensic Accounting from FAU, and a Ph.D. in Finance from NCU. Dr. Leland’s professional experience includes working in both the public and private accounting sectors. She has worked in manufacturing for the past ten years including Bausch & Lomb and Fairchild Aerospace Corporation. Most recently, she worked for a global manufacturing company as the Assistant Controller.
When she’s not working or teaching, Dr. Leland is running, hiking, reading, and entertaining her 12-year-old son, Tate10-year-old twin boys, and 2-year-old daughter. She’s a huge San Antonio Spurs fan and tries to get to at least one game every season. Go Spurs Go!
How I Teach is a new series of articles highlighting the variety and diversity of approaches to the art and science of teaching and learning inspired and written by clients of The Babb Group’s ProfessorServices.com
Angela