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, definitionsClass Web sites

Web sites for classroom contentCourse Management Systems

Software systems that support classroom activities

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 StudyClass Web sites for Spring 2000

semesterPurpose of Class Web sitesTypical activities associated with Class

Web sitesStatistics 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

AssumptionsAdherence to college standardsWeb authoring tool onlyCritical thinking component of liberal

arts educationClass Web site to “enrich” student

learningClass Web sites to be secure

Kathleen M. Kelm

Specific Class CharacteristicsDetails CS420 CS492 CS302 Bus741

Students Seniors Seniors Juniors Graduates

Computers in Classroom

No Computers Computers Computers No computers

Course Assessment Strategies

Assignments, project & mid-term

Project Assignments, Group project, mid-term & final

Assignment, research paper, mid-term & final

Reason for Class Web Site

Course materials, downloads, video & demos

Resources Course 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 Study45 students (27 undergrads/18 grads)73% within 3 semesters of graduation49% under 30 yrs old31% under 40 yrs old

Kathleen M. Kelm

Lessons Learned: TechnicalSecurityDynamic vs. staticPublishing challengesThreaded 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

0

10

20

30

4050

60

70

80

90

CS420 CS492 CS320 Bus741

Notes

Assignments

Question

Resources

% 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 30-

35% 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

0

20

40

60

80

100

CS420 CS492 CS302 Bus741

Retention

Completion

Clarification

% of respondents indicated strongly agree or agree

Increased orAssisted 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: InterpretationShort is SweetEarlier the betterUniversal access & 24/7 vitalQuestion of week needs focus Internet speed limitation to expansive

use of electronic resources Improvements used in Spring 2001

Class Web sites

Kathleen M. Kelm

More InterpretationsQuestions:

Did the Class Web site extend learning beyond the classroom?

Did the Class Web site enrich student learning?

Kathleen M. Kelm

Class Web SiteFramework 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?