End-of-Course Student Evaluations
The online evaluation form was available for students during the final two weeks of the semester, when it was linked to several announcements and messages within the Blackboard course management system. Evaluations were submitted anonymously by 11 of the 21 students enrolled in the course.
A summary of the responses follows. Note that not every student provided an “open-ended” response to each question.
Category 1: Overall Course Management
1. The course as a whole was:
EXCELLENT (5) ----- (1) POOR2. The course topics were well chosen.
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.8
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5I really enjoyed this class. I learned so much about the Internet and how important it is to everyone. I really enjoyed the format of this course and how easy it was to follow the postings.
Great topics related to how and why we may use the Internet to better our lives.
The reason this course was so good was the fact that the professor participated. This is a huge deal in online classes and is rarely done well.
EXCELLENT COURSE!!
The weekly readings are excellent.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE3. The assignments were a good use of my time and effort.
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.9
5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5Every topic chosen was a very important part of our every day lives. I think each of the topics generated great discussions and I wish I would have had more time to concentrate and participate in more of the discussions each week.
All topics were related to current events and items that we could use long term in our lives.
I think the topics were well chosen but I would like to see more readings besides the PEW reports.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE4. An appropriate amount of work was required in this course.
Range: 3-5
Average: 4.5
4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 3, 5, 5, 4, 5The only thing negative that I can say here is writing two papers were really hard for me as I found I was stressing more over getting these done and I think I missed out on some the discussions especially because I was taking other classes in addition to this one. I think if maybe the two papers could be combined or something then more concentration could be made on the weekly postings.
Many other students would offer excellent webpages that relate to current event. I have bookmarked many for future use.
Some readings were much too long to fully read them and take them in.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE5. The course was well organized.
Range: 2-5
Average: 4.3
3, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 2, 4, 5, 4, 5I think that the two papers should be combined into one paper maybe due at the end of the semester. There are so many interesting discussions and it is hard to get involved in all of those great discussions when writing two different papers.
Many other students would offer excellent webpages that relate to current event. I have bookmarked many for future use.
There was a little too much work in this course.
The papers are a lot to handle since they are about 8 pages each, but other than that everything was appropriate.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREECategory 2: Student Outcomes of Instruction
Range: 5
Average: 5.0
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5I always knew exactly where to input my answers and where to get more information about related topics on the course materials.
Extremely well organized. I really appreciate that!
6. I learned things in this course that will be very useful to me in the future.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE7. This course improved my understanding of how the Internet is impacting American life.
Range: 3-5
Average: 4.6
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 3, 5, 5, 4, 5, 4Professor Oakley is very knowledgeable about this subject. I have learned a great deal from this course in relation to the Internet and it's usefulness.
I became a more efficient online learning due to the process that was required in posting to Blackboard.
The class discussion really helped in brainstorming and introducing new ideas or ideas from new perspectives.
I really learned a lot about the use of Internet, especially from my classmates.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE8. This course challenged me to think critically.
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.9
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5As students in the class, we learn how the Internet affects each and everyone of our lives. Online courses may bring greater diversity than the traditional course (i.e. from different cities, states, etc.).
Lots of good information.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE9. The course met the objectives that I had at the start of the semester.
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.6
5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 4, 4, 5, 5, 4, 5As students of this course, each answer should have been backed up with research of the topic being discussed. Opinions are too easy to write without proof.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREECategory 3: Instructor Characteristics and Style
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.9
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5
10. The instructor’s teaching style was appropriate for an online course.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE11. The instructor showed respect and concern for the students.
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.9
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5Burks is great. He is a very active instructor and tries to help with the discussions when they get slow. He prompts everyone to see both sides of the issues.
Professor Oakley allowed us to form discussions about the topic. This format allowed us, as students, to learn a great deal more from each other as independent learners rather than spoon-fed robots.
Great instructor, very knowledgeable and organized. Participated in all the postings and was always available for questions.
EXCELLENT!!!
Great instructor. Burks is the best! I have never had an instructor so involved with his class, and that includes classroom lectures.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE12. The instructor communicated ideas and information clearly.
Range: 3-5
Average: 4.8
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 3, 5Professor Oakley was always positive and supportive with comments to assist us as students.
Very much so.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE13. The instructor stimulated my interest in the course material.
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.9
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5All information about the course was clearly stated. If a mistake was made, it was because I did not read the information correctly.
He was very adept at communication information and assignments.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE14. The instructor expressed clear expectations for student performance.
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.8
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 5Professor Oakley tried to use the most updated and current information available. That made the topics more interesting and easier to research.
Even though this was not my first pick of a course, it was very stimulation and the professor was always giving new angles to information.
By participating and asking questions discussion time was well spent.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE15. The instructor was always available to help students.
Range: 3-5
Average: 4.7
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 3, 5All goals and expectations were clearly written.
Expectations were very clear from the beginning.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE16. The instructor always gave prompt feedback.
Range: 5
Average: 5.0
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5I think he lived on the computer.
Always.
Burks was always available. It seemed like he was always on his computer answering our questions.
I even got to meet him!
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE17. The instructor facilitated my learning of the course material.
Range: 5
Average: 5.0
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5We, as students, never had to wait more than one day for feedback--even on the weekends.
Gave feedback in a very timely manner.
Very prompt with feedback.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE18. Did the instructor indicate the relationships of the course content to the world at-large?
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.9
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5I needed to think of topics related to the weekly research topic rather than just re-telling the research topic.
YES, QUITE OFTEN (5) ----- (1) NO, HARDLY EVER19. The instructor was knowledgeable in the subject matter.
Range: 5
Average: 5.0
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5This course was all about the relationship related to the world-at-large.
That is what the course was based on, so it was always compared to the entire world.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE20. Overall assessment of instructor.
Range: 5
Average: 5.0
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5It is easy to tell that the instructor is well versed in the Internet and its use and available websites and topics.
Very knowledgeable on most every subject we discussed. I am extremely impressed.
EXCELLENT (5) ----- (1) POORCategory 4: Instructional Environment
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.9
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5A+.
Excellent. One of the best instructors I have ever had.
He was a great teacher!
21. There were positive interactions between the instructor and the students.
ALMOST ALWAYS (5) ----- (1) ALMOST NEVER22. The type of interaction among my classmates in the course discussion forum was one of:
Range: 3-5
Average: 4.8
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 3, 5Everyday!
COMMUNITY SPIRIT (5) ----- (1) ISOLATION23. The number of students in class was:
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.8
5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4I have never seen so many voluntary postings each week for a class.
TOO LARGE (5) ----- (1) TOO SMALL24. I felt comfortable using the technologies in this course.
Range: 3-5
Average: 3.3
3, 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 3, 3, 3, 5, 3I think the course was well balanced in students.
Just right, there needs to be so many students to be able to comment on the research topics and to be able to get a wide variety of answers.
Just about right. At first, I thought the class was going to be too large.
neither
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREECategory 5: Student Preferences for Instruction/Learning Style
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.9
5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 5
25. My learning style is appropriate for an online course.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREE26. The course activities helped me learn more than I would have by myself.
Range: 4-5
Average: 4.8
5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5I am not able to get to a computer every day, so I would mostly post when I could and on the weekends.
STRONGLY AGREE (5) ----- (1) STRONGLY DISAGREECategory 6: General Comments
Range: 3-5
Average: 4.8
5, 5, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5
27. What did you like most about this course?
I loved the discussions and interacting with the instructor as well as the other students. I enjoyed seeing different points of view.28. What did you like least about this course?The instructor always being available. No textbook to purchase.
The overall atmosphere and the instructor.
The discussion were quite interesting.
The interaction of the professor.
The expected work required effort, I had to think about what i did for class instead of mindlessly doing everything at the last minute and skating through.
Burks and his interaction with the students. I also liked learning about different websites that I will use in the future.
The Professor was very clear about his expectations.
The variety of topics. And I "talk" more in an online class than I do in a typical classroom setting.
Nothing.29. Would you have been able to take this course if it were not online?-
The amount of reading and postings.
The rules of the discussion that were laid out were confusing at first and were quite intimidating.
The student helper. I don't know what she does offline, but I would have liked to see her presence more online, especially during discussions.
I can't think of anything that I didn't like about the course.
There was statistical information that was repeated and it caused more work to sort out the information.
PAPERS!!
YES (2) ----- (1) NO30. How can this course be improved?
Range: 1
Average: 1.0
1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1I need to take all my courses online, as I live over 3 hours away from UIS. It also makes it easier to do research about the Internet while you are online.
I work full time and commute. Without online classes I would not be able to be in school.
I live too far from Springfield. This class suited my needs very well.
Most likely not.
The topics might be rearranged in an order of the ones that prompted most interaction down to ones that did not. The interaction might be based on if there were papers due or spring holidays or something of that nature, but it might be because the topic generated less interaction. This might be viewed to see why the interaction was less and arrange the topics accordingly.Shorten some of the readings.
This is a very well done course. The information was readily available and well prepared. It think it is really good the way it is.
More topics besides the PEW reports is all I can think of. There is so much interesting stuff out on the Internet, and I know we just touched the surface.
Some of the assignments could be independent research on the Internet.
FEWER PAPERS!!! Just kidding! :) Nothing that I can think of!