Learning From Students A Study Into the Use of Class Web Sites in a Liberal Arts College ISECON2001 Kathleen M. Kelm Edgewood College, Madison, WI

 Kathleen M. Kelm Definitions, definitions  Class Web sites Class Web sites  Web sites for classroom content  Course Management Systems Course Management Systems  Software systems that support classroom activities  Learning Management Systems Learning Management Systems  Software systems that support learning & learner activities

 Kathleen M. Kelm Questions to Ponder? Key benefits of each? Technology requirements for each? Level of support for each?

 Kathleen M. Kelm Background of Study  Class Web sites for Spring 2000 semester  Purpose of Class Web sites  Typical activities associated with Class Web sites  Statistics of student population

 Kathleen M. Kelm Study Characteristics Mid-Semester Survey  Focused on reasons for class web site access & frequency End of Semester Survey  Focused on usefulness of class web site components End of Semester Interview  Open dialog question & answer  Student feedback on assumptions

 Kathleen M. Kelm Assumptions  Adherence to college standards  Web authoring tool only  Critical thinking component of liberal arts education  Class Web site to “enrich” student learning  Class Web sites to be secure

 Kathleen M. Kelm Specific Class Characteristics DetailsCS420CS492CS302Bus741 StudentsSeniors JuniorsGraduates Computers in Classroom No ComputersComputers No computers Course Assessment Strategies Assignments, project & mid- term ProjectAssignments, Group project, mid-term & final Assignment, research paper, mid- term & final Reason for Class Web Site Course materials, downloads, video & demos ResourcesCourse materials, downloads, video & demos Course materials, scanned materials & resource links Technical challenges experienced Electronic use assignments & chat services On-campus only Internet speed & logon credentials Logon credentials

 Kathleen M. Kelm Demographics of Study  45 students (27 undergrads/18 grads)  73% within 3 semesters of graduation  49% under 30 yrs old  31% under 40 yrs old

 Kathleen M. Kelm Lessons Learned: Technical  Security  Dynamic vs. static  Publishing challenges  Threaded discussion web page for the Question of the Week

 Kathleen M. Kelm Lessons Learned from Students  Survey 1: Access & Functionality  83% access class web site 1-3 times/week  15% access class web site 4-6 times/week  Before class: 1 hour/a.m./p.m./1 day  After class: 74% within 3-5 days

 Kathleen M. Kelm Student Responses-Survey 1 % of respondents’ who indicated high level of importance or reason for access

 Kathleen M. Kelm Lessons Learned from Students  Survey 2: Functionality & Impact  Class notes & Assignments accessed % prior to class & 24-27% after  Class notes used for note taking, reference & studying  Assignment used for workload & reference  References used for assistance in assignments & studying

 Kathleen M. Kelm Student Responses-Survey 2  Class Notes & Assignments  Improved understanding  Learning retention  Relevance for referencing later  Assistance in clarification (took better notes, assisted in clarification, contributed to success)  Resources Links  Increased retention  Clarified concepts  Assisted in assignments

 Kathleen M. Kelm Retention, Completion & Clarification % of respondents indicated strongly agree or agree Increased or Assisted in:

 Kathleen M. Kelm Lessons Learned from Students  Open Discussions  Pedagogical approach valid  Availability of computers in classroom mixed responses  Resources provided a wider scope & base for discovery  Modeling the technology beneficial  “How did we ever do without it”

 Kathleen M. Kelm Lessons Learned: Interpretation  Short is Sweet  Earlier the better  Universal access & 24/7 vital  Question of week needs focus  Internet speed limitation to expansive use of electronic resources  Improvements used in Spring 2001 Class Web sites Class Web sites

 Kathleen M. Kelm More Interpretations  Questions:  Did the Class Web site extend learning beyond the classroom?  Did the Class Web site enrich student learning?

 Kathleen M. Kelm Class Web Site  Framework for Class  Increased readiness to learn  Continued learning after class  Expanded base for a broader view  Reinforced learning & increased retention

 Kathleen M. Kelm Further Investigations….  Web-enabling students  Technical competencies of students  Interactive repository of information  Class Web site vs. Course Mgmt System  Costs of infrastructure  Costs of publishing

 Kathleen M. Kelm Questions?