Student Forum March5, pm - Collaborate Students will share their thoughts on topics including: --experiences with online courses --ways instructors can help students reach their educational goals through richer, engaging eCourses --how to improve teacher/student interaction in an online learning environment with today’s tech-savvy students What do our eTROY students have to say?

TROY Student Jonathan Watts --67 students were anonymously asked about their eTROY experience question survey based off of approved questions sent via Facebook, Twitter, and students were asked to participate in survey responded in a 24 hour period. Data Collection Process

Students were asked to tell us a little about themselves.

Do you always know where to begin your class when logging in for the first time?

87.88% Is it easy to find your way around eTROY Blackboard. “I always get so confused with the online discussion boards. I would like to see it look more like something all of the students are more familiar with, like maybe design it to look like a Facebook wall post.” “Having all teachers approach Blackboard in the most uniform matter. Some use announcements, others like folders, and still others just put all the work in one folder and tell you to get to it. They all should put the information in the same type of format. “

Is it easy to keep track of requirements and deadlines in your online/ on campus course? 25.76% 74.24% “A calendar with due dates of all things to be submitted in an accessible area.” “Having s sent near the due date of an assignment”

In general, would you say taking an online course is better, worse, or the same as taking an on campus course?

Please tell us about your best and/or worst experiences with eTROY online course. “The worst experience that I had in a eTROY course was the difficulty level of the class. I understand that college is difficult, but the exams and assignments were impossible. It seemed as if the teacher pulled them from a book and posted them with little to no information regarding the material.” “I really liked the fact that I could take a lab class online. It saved a lot of time. I can't really say I've had a bad experience with eTROY courses.” “I haven't had any bad experiences with online classes. So far everything has been great! I have taken 6 classes online now! The only thing I think should be changed is the cost for a proctored exam! It is too high!” “I like eTROY because it is simple, my only request is for blackboard to have the "my grades" option higher on the list so you don't have to scroll all the way to the bottom.”

Think about your best online instructor. What did he/she do as a good instructor? What teaching techniques were most effective for your online course? Where their comments and feedback important to you? “He provided detailed instruction. He was available to ask questions and responded in a timely manner. He also gave great examples online to follow. He was a great teacher overall.” “The best instructor ed us weekly, gave feedback on discussion boards, clearly stated what would be tested, and gave the material needed.” “Dr was awesome. He gave assignments that included our text and real life experience. He had the class involved on several levels. He made weekly comments (at least) which really helped me gauge how I was doing and let me know he really did read my assignments.” “RESPOND TO S QUICKLY.”

Do you feel that you achieve you learning goals in an online course? What technology problems have you encountered while attempting to use Blackboard? Do you use your smartphone or Ipad for eTROY coursework? “Quizzes are sometimes graded incorrectly or short a question.” “It freezes or just exits out sometimes. And that is a huge inconvenience when taking a test online. I use both my iPad and iPhone to access blackboard.” “Sometimes my discussion board posts don't post, or they don't format correctly. Like if it has to be double spaced, its hard to get it that way.” “I love the blackboard app for my iPhone! It helps me keep up with all the announcements that my teachers post and easy access to grades.” “Logging off automatically.”

Do you feel that you achieve you learning goals in an online course? 100%

Would you recommend eTROY online courses to other students? 95.65%