Comments From Psychology 501 Evaluations: Spring 1998 Students

Each bullet represents a different individual. Ten of 14 responded to a phone interview conducted by a graduate student who removed identifying information before providing the results to the instructor. I have to wait to post more recent information until I have a sufficient accumulation of students to protect their anonymity.

You do not have permission to print this or reproduce it in any form. Hate to be draconian, but this is material I am interested in using in an article and journal editors in my field frown on information being published elsewhere.

As compared to a 2 credit hour face -to-face graduate course I learned:

• More, Very engaged in processes and no opportunity to drift off.
• More, Felt like it was more individualized, could focus on what was important, I do better working alone.
• Equal, Missed face to face interaction, had trouble getting used to the other way.
• Less, No comment.
• Equal, Good way to do graduate course because I could fit it into my schedule.
• Equal, No comment.
• More, No comment.
• More, Put the amount I wanted to learn up to me.
• Equal, Learned same amount, links gave you options to see more information.
• More, Why is it only a 2 credit hour course, should be changed to 3 credit hours,
• Exposure to new things such as MUD and using the information right away.

As compared to a 2 credit hour face-to-face graduate course: My motivation to complete it was:

• No answer, To get the classes I am teaching on line.
• Equal, No comment.
• Less, didn't have the constant reminder of a faculty member.
• Equal, Applied directly to my job but I procrastinated on the final project.
• Less, Doesn't count towards my degree.
• Equal, Haven't finished yet due to work but plan to finish.
• Less, No comment.
• Less, Hard for the teacher to hold people accountable when they are not in front of you.
• More, Fail if I don't, time factors.
• Equal, Had to work harder to finish, took more self-discipline(I always finish what I start).

What study of time management technique did you find to be most effective?

• During the spring semester I tried to set aside a certain time and set of days to work.
  
• Self-starter:Didn't like making out a chart of when I was working on the course.
  
• I don't know, No particular technique stood out more than the others.
  
• Working on course outside of working hours.
  
• Logged on several times a week, no particular technique.
  
• Don't know, frequently logged on and off.
  
• Working on the course at the same time each week.
  
• Never found one. Tried different types.
  
• Decided to set aside a specific time each week.
  
• Tried to set aside one day (A block of time) to work. Printed everything so that I could underline. Keep a organized notebook of all printouts.
  
  

Which two topics were most useful to you?

• Copyright was very useful and how to teach by being a catalysts instead of being a lecturer.
• All were useful.
• Types of interaction in internet courses, copyright and ownership issues.
• Copyright issues and web page design.
• Can't think of anything.
  
• Copyright issues and assessment techniques.
• Liked several but can't remember what they were.
• Scholarship assessed and copyright.
• Strategies and techniques for creating a web class(links organization), testing techniques for the internet course.
• E-mail, copyright, Whole course was good.

What would you like to see added?

• More technical background(HTML, software).
• Net forum.
• Can't think of anything.
• Nothing.
• Nothing.
• More sites to visit of people who are teaching on-line courses, on-line conferences.
• Can't think of anything.
• Information for registration as a policy for people outside the university.
• New technologies.

What would you like deleted?

• MUD, didn't help me personally, might depend on area.
• I didn't like MUD, but it probably shouldn't be deleted.
• Can't think of anything.
• Partnered Activities.
• Nothing, it was easy to maneuver.
• Like to see it more manageable, had information overload.
• Can't think of anything.
• Textbook.
• Nothing, everything was essential.
• Nothing.

How long should Psy 501 ID's and passwords be left functional?

• Till you decide that the class should be closed, till the last person finishes.
• Forever, At least one year , it has great resources.
• No idea.
• At least a year with the option of longer if we ask.
• Discontinue right after the course. Allow us to have access to a separate links page and list serve in order to continue to interact with students.
• As long as you are willing to let us visit your web page.
• At least one year.
• At least one year.
• Have an alumni links page for reference but don't really need access to course pages.
• At least a year with the option of asking you to extend it or give limited access for a day.

Based on this course, what are the two most important qualities or skills for the :

Student:

• Self-motivated, enjoy learning.
• perseverance and time management.
• working knowledge of HTML and time.
• Internet navigation skills and self- confidence.
• Understanding of technology and being organized.
• Time management and being comfortable with technology.
• Being able to use a computer that works, better equipment.
• Being a self-starter and need to be working on a project so that you can use what you learn.
• Time management, self-discipline and comfortable with basic computer skills.
• Desire to learn technology and how to put stuff on the web.

Teacher:

• Ability of project a personality through the pages and accessibility.
• Offer commentary, explain to a diverse audience through the internet.
• Time and skill using the computer.
• Effective presentation of material (no information overload) and interaction with students.
• Patience, broad understanding of technology, understanding of different learning styles.
• Patience, being able to give clear directions in writing, and flexible time-wise.
• Commitment to working individually with students.
• Responsiveness and understanding(empathy).
• Quality Interaction to help guide you in the right direction otherwise you could feel disconnected.
• Flexibility, supportive and individualized.

Administrator:

• Don't know.
• Understanding(knowledge) and flexibility.
• Don't understand question.
• Can't answer.
• No idea.
• Giving credit for people giving the internet course(reduced load ect.) and quality control.
• Don't know.
• Regular attention to links, being aware of what is going on the internet.
• Understanding of what preparing and managing a course involves.
• Understanding of the special needs of people involved in this technology.

What are the top two resources you now need to complete your course or program development?

• Not in program, done with course.
• Faster computer and know more about scanning material.
• Use HTML.
• Motivation, time and incentive.
• Access to computer and knowledge of coding.
• Graphics software, on-line testing software.
• Time.
• Time and feedback from my division.
• Complete more research in my field and complete final steps in reference to creating an internet course.
• More support from colleagues and interested in using web-course packages from the internet.

What do you see as the most critical problem facing the Internet instructor?

• Copyright issues and technology that can show better video clips.
• Time management, very time consuming.
• Departmental Administration and their outdated view of what an internet instructor does, time needed, and the differences between an internet course and a regular course.
• Protecting access to my material.
• Technology can crash on you and you can lose communication.
• Effective interaction with students once the course is developed, Intellectual property rights(who owns the course).
• Holding the student accountable.
• Coming to the realization that the internet is not like a face-to-face class. Adopting a teaching style appropriate to the course.
• Making sure the students have equipment and skills for completing the course (computers at home).
• Want to be there for my students , but don't always have time to get everything done, time management, keeping standards and yet trying to be flexible without letting the flexibility be abused. Should get a three hour reassignment (release time) if you are taking the course.

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