February 2001 — Features

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Increasing Productivity in Course Delivery

by Leonard Presby, William Paterson University

Question 5:

Based on the statistical analysis, it seems that students' feelings concerning the course improved as the semester continued.

Question 6:

As indicated before, every student felt class time is important. Some felt that class time is necessary in order to hear others' opinions, and others felt that going to class is necessary in order to discuss assignments and problems.

Question 7:

The most significant suggestion, which sums up online instruction, was:

"It's a lot of work for an online class, but I guess that's what you are here for."

Conclusion

There is no doubt that an online course serves as a useful tool that helps students learn. Students, who were apprehensive at first about this type of delivery, are typically very satisfied with it. However, we must realize that actual class contact could prove more beneficial than a pure online course. Students want it and need it. Can a video or discussion group serve as a substitute? I seriously doubt it. We must take responsibility in combining the best of distance learning with traditional learning in order to enhance our students' college education.

Leonard Presby is a professor in the department of Marketing and Management Science at William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ. Dr. Presby received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from New York University in 1974. He has worked as MIS director in a major hospital, has worked at IBM, has published three books, and has taught at William Paterson University since 1975.

E-mail: presbyl@wpunj.edu