"I like to think that’s what I do with my students―to challenge them to try something new, think about things in a different way."

- Dawn Smith, UMUC Faculty Member
School of Undergraduate Studies

MyUMUC Story:

Dawn Smith Brings Adventure to the Virtual Classroom

Dawn Smith has been teaching undergraduate computer information technology at UMUC for two years now, but says she’s been working in and teaching technology nearly all of her adult life. Also an avid traveler and a former online student herself, Smith is able to provide great advice to her students on how to live an exciting, yet disciplined life.

After taking the necessary courses for teaching, and with some experience under her belt with consulting, Smith reveled in the idea of combining the subject matter with her medium of teaching.  Since she had received her second master’s degree in training and development almost entirely online, she thought it was appropriate that she should teach online.  “I was intrigued with the potential of distance education.  I found UMUC where I can combine both my technical background and experience with online delivery — a perfect fit!”

Teaching online also accommodates Smith’s taste for exciting adventures outside the classroom. For the last four years, Smith has visited Asia at least three times each year. She has also seen the pyramids and tombs in Egypt, gone on an African safari, explored the Galapagos Islands, and watched the Caribbean World Series in Caracas. Smith is also an accomplished sailor who has sailed in the Great Lakes, Florida, Philippines, Thailand, Australia, and the Caribbean.

Smith says that one of the things that inspires her to travel is her husband of 20 years. Before she met him she had never been out of the country. But since their first trip to Hong Kong, he has been challenging her to try new things and expand her horizons, much to her enjoyment. In fact, Smith says that her marriage has been the adventure of which she’s most proud.  She said, “He is always challenging me and getting me outside of my element, my ‘comfort zone.’ I like to think that’s what I do with my students―to challenge them to try something new, think about things in a different way, challenge their perceptions of how things are or should be, and expand their horizons.”

Smith says that she likes to bring structure as well as challenge to the classroom. “Some of my students are out in the trenches, jumping out of helicopters, and dealing with situations I could never handle – many already have enough ‘adventure’ in their lives.  I try to also bring a little structure, sanity, and safety into the classroom.”

The key to balancing full outside lives and a successful course load is discipline, according to Smith. Speaking to her ability to travel extensively and teach, she explains that when taking online classes it is important that students set aside specific days and times that they will devote to their studies. Coming from an experienced online student, professor, and adventurer, this advice is clearly the key to success!

Smith says that part of the reason she travels is, "to take advantage of a gift I am privileged to have. Most people I meet either don’t want to or for some reason just can’t  travel. I want to do this for as long as I can – every trip is an adventure – it keeps me young" But her adventures never distract her from her main focus—teaching. “I am definitely the type of person that needs to get her work done first before she can relax and play.”

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