March 2000 — Features

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Web-Enhanced Lecture Course Scores Big with Students and Faculty

by Brad Stith, University of Colorado-Denver

 

13)  Chat rooms are best with small groups only. Large groups should use threaded discussion on the bulletin board. You can set up review sessions for pre-selected groups of students, using the chat room.

 

14)  You may want to discuss dial-up info for students accessing the Web through the university computer from their home computer. I did not emphasize this way of accessing the Web, since most students could already access our university computer from their home, or access the Internet through AOL.

 

 

Student Surveys

I gave a student survey just before finals week, and found that the Web did enhance a majority of the students’ experience in the course (http://www.cudenver.edu/~bstith/survey.html). Students spent an average of 2.9 ± 2.8 hours per week (n=18). Student comments about the use of the Web for researching course topics included:

“I have learned the Web has amazing information about many subjects. I also used it for [another course].”

“[It] helped in not only explaining concepts from a different perspective than text but it also helped in consolidating ideas. It also encouraged me to use the Web to further explore ideas.”

The course Web site comments included:

          “A better way to communicate with other students in class.”

          “Easy access made studying easier.”

          “Getting grades without disrupting the teacher.”

          “A bit adventurous, which makes it entertaining and light.”

      “This was my second online course, but the Web coupled with the class lecture cemented many topics and discussion.”

          “I think it was a great idea, even though it was hard to learn at first because I had no previous experience on the Web.”

          “I love taking the online quizzes more than once. The material stays in my head.”

          “I like having the lecture notes on the Web, in addition to the calendar.”

          “I’ve actually registered for an online summer class. It has taken some of the mystery away from using the Web.”

          “Although I considered it a valuable research tool in past, I have a better idea of how powerful a resource it can be.”