Are Your Students Successful Online Learners

1
Are Your StudentsSuccessful On-line Learners?

• K. J. Saville
• Instructional Technologist
• Northern Michigan University

2
Questions

• 1. Have you ever had a student in one of your
  on-line class that did not have the skills and
  abilities to succeed in the course?
• 2. Do you find yourself spending a great deal of
  time teaching how-to in the on-line
  environment?
• 3. Can you test a students ability to succeed in
  this environment before
  its too late?

3
Dilemma

• 1. Yes, students do enroll in on-line classes
  without the skills to be successful.
• 2. Yes, you may find yourself teaching many
  how-tos instead of content.
• 3. It is very difficult to test students skills.
  You can ask their opinions but be prepared
• they will claim more skills than what they
  really have.

4
Idea !

• Have you ever taken a
• Cosmopolitan Quiz?

How Exciting Are You?
Is Your Man the Right Man for You?
Are You Approachable?
Write a test like a Cosmo Quiz !
5
Win - Win

• Student understand the assessment environment.
  Therefore
• By using a Cosmo type quiz, students can
  communicate their skill and ability level
  (perhaps stretching the truth a little) while you
  communicate your expectations of the course work.
• The Cosmo Quiz helps the students comprehend
  the course requirements.

6
The Quiz

• 25 questions
• 0 to 8 points per question
• Organized in 5 parts
• 1. Skills and knowledge
• 2. Technology Available
• Experience
• Location and time
• Resources

7
Input for the Quiz

• Used several resources to write the quiz.
• (Listed at the end of the presentation)
• Gathered input from a group of faculty.
• Order pizzas
• (If you feed them, they will come!)
• Made it flexible (editable)
• Faculty members can change the
  questions to best meet their
  specific needs.

8
1 worth 1 point

• I have access to a computer.
• I currently participate in the NMU TLC laptop
  program.
• I own a computer that is less than 3-years
  old.
• I own a computer that is more than 3-years old.
• I do not own a computer but do have anytime
  access to one.
• I do not own a computer and do not have access to
  one.

• 100
• 100
• 50
• 100
• 0

General Feedback Having access to a computer at
any time is an asset. If you do not have a
computer check your nearest public library to see
what they have available for use. As an enrolled
student at NMU you are eligible to participate in
NMUs TLC (laptop) initiative. If you are a
part-time student there is an additional fee for
participating in the TLC program.
9
1 worth 1 point

• I have access to a computer.
• I currently participate in the NMU TLC laptop
  program.
• I own a computer that is less than 3-years
  old.
• I wound a computer that is more than 3-years old.
• I do not own a computer but do have anytime
  access to one.
• I do not own a computer and do not have access to
  one.

• 100
• 100
• 50
• 100
• 100

General Feedback Having access to a computer at
any time is an asset. If you do not have a
computer, check your nearest public library to
see what they have available for use. As an
enrolled student at NMU you are eligible to
participate in NMUs TLC (laptop) initiative. If
you are a part-time student there is an
additional fee for participating in the TLC
program.
10
2 worth 1 point

• Which platform (Windows/Macintosh) does your
  computer use?
• Windows
• Macintosh
• I dont know

• 100
• 100
• 0

General Feedback This information will be
helpful when trying to obtain assistance
11
2 worth 1 point

• Which platform (Windows/Macintosh) does your
  computer use?
• Windows
• Macintosh
• I dont know

General Feedback This information will be
helpful when trying to obtain assistance.

• 100
• 100
• 0

12
3 worth 1 point
The operating system on the computer I am using
is

• Windows XP 100
• Windows 2000 100
• Windows 98/ME 0
• Windows 95 0

• e. OS X 100
• f. OS 9 75
• g. I don't know 0

General Feedback Keeping the operating system
up-to-date will be an advantage in your on-line
course experience.
13
3 worth 1 point
The operating system on the computer I am using
is
General Feedback Keeping the operating system
up-to-date will be an advantage in your on-line
course experience.

• Windows XP 100
• Windows 2000 100
• Windows 98/ME 50
• Windows 95 50

• e. OS X 100
• f. OS 9 75
• g. I don't know 0

14
4 worth 1 point
The computer I am using has the following
software (Please click all that apply.)

• Word 03 25
• PowerPoint 03 25
• Excel 03 25
• FrontPage 03 25
• Dreamweaver 04 25
• Word 2000 20
• PowerPoint 2000 20

• h. Excel 2000 20
• i. FrontPage 2000 20
• j. Dreamweaver 20
• k. anti-virus 25
• l. anti-spyware 25
• m. I dont know what 0
• software I have

General Feedback Keeping the software
up-to-date will be an advantage in your on-line
course experience.
15
4 worth 1 point
The computer I am using has the following
software (Please click all that apply.)
General Feedback Keeping the software
up-to-date will be an advantage in your on-line
course experience.

• Word 03 25
• PowerPoint 03 25
• Excel 03 25
• FrontPage 03 25
• Dreamweaver 04 25
• Word 2000 20
• PowerPoint 2000 20

• h. Excel 2000 20
• i. FrontPage 2000 20
• j. Dreamweaver 20
• k. anti-virus 25
• l. anti-spyware 25
• m. I dont know what 0
• software I have

16
5 worth 1 point
Which Internet browser do you prefer to use?

• Internet Explorer
• Netscape
• Firefox
• Safari
• I dont know

100 100 100 100 0
General Feedback It is important to keep your
Internet browser up-to-date..
17
5 worth 1 point
Which Internet browser do you prefer to use?

• Internet Explorer
• Netscape
• Firefox
• Safari
• I dont know

100 100 100 100 0
General Feedback It is important to keep your
Internet browser up-to-date.
18
6 worth 1 point
Review the methods for connecting to the Internet
listed below. Which one is the method you most
commonly use?
100 100 100 100 50 50 50 0

• a. LAN (Ethernet cable) on campus (fastest
  connection)
• b. Wireless on campus, or with a commercial
  wireless network. (fast connection)
• c. Commercial ISP using DSL or Cable modem (fast
  connection)
• d. Commercial ISP dial-in modem or ISDN, 56k or
  greater
• e. Merit system state-wide dial-in
• f. NMU dial-in modem in Marquette
• g. Commercial ISP dial-up modem, 28.8k to 33.6k
  (slow)
• h. I don't know

General Feedback The faster the connection,
the quicker you can access and complete your
work.
19
6 worth 1 point
Review the methods for connecting to the Internet
listed below. Which one is the method you most
commonly use?
100 100 100 100 50 50 50 0

• a. LAN (Ethernet cable) on campus (fastest
  connection)
• b. Wireless on campus, or with a commercial
  wireless network. (fast connection)
• c. Commercial ISP using DSL or Cable modem (fast
  connection)
• d. Commercial ISP dial-in modem or ISDN, 56k or
  greater
• e. Merit system state-wide dial-in
• f. NMU dial-in modem in Marquette
• g. Commercial ISP dial-up modem, 28.8k to 33.6k
  (slow)
• h. I don't know

General Feedback The faster the connection, the
quicker you can access and complete your work.
20
7 worth 0 points
Which best describes your location while taking
this web-based course?
100 100 100 100

• a. I live on campus.
• b. I live off campus, in Marquette County.
• c. I commute to campus from outside Marquette
  County.
• d. I am doing all my studies as a distance
  student, and do not commute to campus.

21
8 worth 0 points
Do you have any previous experience in taking a
web-based course?
100 100 100 100

• a. Yes, from NMU.
• b. Yes, from another institution.
• c. I have taken courses that met in a classroom
  and used the web as a supplement.
• d. No.

22
9 worth 0 points
If you have taken a web-based course before, how
extensive was your use?
100 100 100 100

• a. Not very extensive, just to check grades, read
  the syllabus, and notes.
• b. Moderately extensive, using it for notes,
  communication, and some assignments.
• c. Very extensive, using it for everything,
  syllabus, notes, communication with instructor
  and classmates, presentations, assignments,
  quizzes, and exams.
• d. This is my first on-line course.

23
10 worth 6 points
Do you have the basic skills to operate a
computer, such as saving files, creating folders,
downloading files, etc?

• Yes.
• I am familiar with how to do this but I
  will need some help.
• I don't know.

100 50 0
24
11 worth 6 points
Are you comfortable communicating effectively
with others in writing using on-line technologies
such as discussion/bulletin boards, chat, and
e-mail?
100 50 50 0

• Yes.
• I prefer talking to people face-to-face but am
  willing to give this a try.
• I am comfortable with expressing myself in
  writing. I am familiar with how to do this
  technology but I will need some help.
• I dont know.

25
12 worth 6 points
Do you have the basic skills to use e-mail to
communicate and send information such as
attaching a file?

• Yes.
• I am familiar with how to do this but
  I will need some help.
• I don't know.

100 50 0
26
13 worth 8 points
In reviewing your weekly schedule, do you have 9
to 12 hours you can devote to participating in an
on-line course?

• Yes
• Some weeks yes, some weeks no.
• I dont know.

100 50 0
27
14 worth 8 points
Do you have the basic skills for finding your way
around the Internet (using search engines,
entering passwords, etc.)?

• Yes.
• I am familiar with how to do this but
  I will need some help.
• I don't know.

100 50 0
28
15 worth 8 points
Are you comfortable "exploring around" a website?
(Not afraid to click and try buttons, confident
you are not going to break something?)

• Yes.
• Sometimes.
• I dont know.

100 50 0
General Feedback You will need to be able to use
websites and on-line resources to search for
answers to questions you may have.
29
15 worth 8 points
Are you comfortable "exploring around" a website?
(Not afraid to click and try buttons, confident
you are not going to break something?)

• Yes.
• Sometimes.
• No.

General Feedback You will need to be able to
use websites and on-line resources to search for
answers to questions you may have.
100 50 0
30
16 worth 6 points
Are you self-motivated, self disciplined, and not
a procrastinator? Can you work independently and
do not need continuous direction from the
instructor?

• Yes.
• Sometimes.
• I dont know.

100 50 0
General Feedback It will be your responsibility
to keep up with class work. letting things
slide" may cause you to fall behind in the class
to the point you will not be able to catch up.
31
16 worth 6 points
Are you self-motivated, self disciplined, and not
a procrastinator? Can you work independently and
do not need constant direction from the
instructor?
General Feedback It will be your responsibility
to keep up with class work. letting things
slide" may cause you to fall behind in the class
to the point you will not be able to catch up.

• Yes.
• Sometimes.
• No.

100 50 0
32
17 worth 6 points
How long and strong is your attention span? How
long can you stay focused on a topic that you are
reading or watching on a computer screen?

• 5 minutes
• 10 - 20 minutes
• 20 - 30 minutes
• 30 - 40 minutes
• 40 and over minutes

0 25 50 75 100
33
18 worth 8 points

Can you follow written directions easily?

• Yes.
• I dont know.

100 0
34
19 worth 8 points
Would you call yourself an independent learner?
Are you willing to try to find the answers on
your own, and then comfortable enough to work
with others in your class in asking them for help
on-line?

• Yes.
• Sometimes.
• I dont know.

100 50 0
General Feedback Being independent in your
learning style is an asset. Being willing to
seek help when necessary is also important.
35
19 worth 8 points
Would you call yourself an independent learner?
Are you willing to try to find the answers on
your own, and then comfortable enough to work
with others in your class in asking them for help
if needed?
General Feedback Being independent in your
learning style is an asset. Being willing to
seek help when necessary is also important.

• Yes.
• Sometimes.
• No.

100 50 0
36
20 worth 8 points
If you do encounter a problem while working in
your on-line class, can you stay calm, make the
appropriate contacts for help, and wait patiently
for a response?

• a. Yes.
• b. Sometimes.
• c. I dont know.

100 50 0
37
21 worth 6 point
If you do experience a problem while taking an
on-line course there are several options for
finding a solution. From the list below select
the options that will provide you the quickest
answers. (Click as
many as you think apply.)

• a. Read the information on the screen, use 25
  the buttons and links available.
• b. Use the Help link located at the top-right
  25 of the screen.
• c. Review the Quick Tips page located at 25
• http//webct.nmu.edu
• d. Post a message on the Discussion board 25
• asking for help from your classmates.
• (Chances are, if you are having a problem
  so is someone else in your class!)

• e. Complete the form at the 5
• "Need Further Assistance link located
  at http//webct.nmu.edu.
• f. Call the HelpDesk. 5
• g. E-mail your instructor. 0
• h. Drop the course! 0

38
21 worth 6 point
If you do experience a problem while taking an
on-line course there are several options for
finding a solution available to you. From the
list below select the options that will provide
you the quickest answers. (Click as many as you
think apply.)

• General Feedback
• On-line resources such as the Help menu are
• available to use 24-7. - Classmates are also
  a great resource if and when
• you get stuck.- The NMU HelpDesk is another
  great resource but
• is not available 24-7.- Contacting your
  instructor is appropriate for
• clarifications but not general computer
  questions.- Dropping the course is your last
  resort!

• a. Read the information on the screen, use 25
  the buttons and links available.
• b. Use the Help link located at the top-right
  25 of the screen.
• c. Review the Quick Tips page located at 25
• http//webct.nmu.edu
• d. Post a message on the Discussion board 25
• asking for help from your classmates.
• (Chances are if you are having a problem
  so is someone else in your class!)

• e. Complete the form at the 5
• "Need Further Assistance link located
  at http//webct.nmu.edu.
• f. Call the HelpDesk. 5
• g. E-mail your instructor. 0
• h. Drop the course! 0

39
22 worth 2 points
Your NMU E-mail address is the e-mail address
assigned to you when you are admitted at NMU.
Most, if not all communication from the
University will come to you through this e-mail
account.

• True
• False

100 0
General Feedback It is very important to check
this e-mail account often.
40
22 worth 2 points
Your NMU E-mail address is the e-mail address
assigned to you when you are admitted at NMU.
Most, if not all communication from the
University will come to you through this e-mail
account.

• True
• False

General Feedback It is very important to check
this e-mail account often
100 0
41
23 worth 2 points
Your NMU ID is the first part of your NMU
e-mail address without the "_at_nmu.edu". This ID is
very important for many NMU resources such as
logging into WebCT, registering for courses, and
logging into myUser.

• True
• False

100 0
42
24 worth 2 points
Your NMU IN means you are part of the
"In-crowd" at NMU.

• True
• False

0 100
General Feedback The NMU IN is your 8-diget NMU
Identification Number.
43
24 worth 2 points
Your NMU IN means you are part of the
"In-crowd" at NMU.

• True
• False

General Feedback The NMU IN is your 8-digit NMU
Identification Number.
0 100
44
25 worth 6 points
What is the reason for taking this course
on-line?

• Convenience.
• Intrigued to try an on-line course.
• It is difficult to travel to campus.
• I understand web-based courses are easier.
• Forced into it, no other option available.

100 100 100 0 100
45
Rating

• Please review your final scores. If it is
• 75 - 100 You appear to have the capacity to be
  successful in an on-line course.
• 50 - 74.9 You can be successful in an on-line
  course with some help. Review the results for
  each question. The questions where the score is
  less that the total points available, indicate
  you need to improve that skill.
• 0 - 50 It is recommended you not participate in
  an on-line course at this time. Review the
  questions and for the ones with a score of less
  than 100 work toward improving those skills.
  Once you have
  mastered these skills you will be on
  your way to successfully taking
  an on-line
  course.

46
Resources - Print

• Watkins, R. (2005),
• 75 e-Learning Activities Making on-line
  Learning Interactive. San Francisco, CA John
  Wiley and Sons, Inc.
• Herring, M. Smaldino, S. (1998),
• Planning for Interactive Distance Education A
  Handbook. Bloomington, IN AECT.
• McVay, M. (2000),
• How to be a Successful Distance Learning
  Student Learning on the Internet (2nd ed.),
  Needham Heights, MA
  Pearson
  Custom Publishing.

47
Resources - Web

• Indiana University
• http//www.webct.com/oriented/ViewContent?content
  ID1811174
• San Antonio College
• http//www.accd.edu/sac/on-line/html/isc/readines
  s.htm
• University System of Georgia
• http//alt.usg.edu/sort/
• University of Illinois
• http//www.ion.illinois.edu/resources/tutorials/p
  edagogy/selfEval.asp
• San Diego Community College
• http//www.sdccdon-line.net/assess.htm

48
Bonus
49
Bonus
An on-line quiz for Advisors and Advisees
50
Should You Take an On-line Course?

• 12 questions (2 identification only)
• 10 points per question of the remaining
• Organized in 5 parts
• 1. Skills and knowledge
• 2. Technology Available
• Time
• Resources

50
51
1 Identifying the student

• In the boxes below type in your
• - first name
• - last name
• - NMU e-mail address

51
52
2 10 points

• I have access to a computer.
• I currently participate the NMU TLC laptop
  program.
• I own a computer and keep the operating system
  and software
• up-to-date.
• c. I own an older computer.
• d. I do not own a computer but do have anytime
  access to one.
• e. I do not own a computer and do not have access
  to one.

100 100 50 75 0
52
53
3 10 points

• My abilities to type on a keyboard and use a
  mouse are
• a. swift and proficient.
• b. fast but do make mistakes.
• c. hunt-and-peck on the keys.
• d. I dont know.

100 50 25 0
53
54
4 10 points

• I like to read.
• I am an avid reader and am
• comfortable reading text on a computer
  screen.
• b. I like to read but prefer to print out pages
  from the computer.
• c. I dont know.

100 50 0
54
55
5 10 points

• I can easily express my thoughts in writing.
• a. True
• b. False
• c. I need to write a couple of drafts before
  submit something in writing.
• d. I dont know.

100 0 50 0
55
56
6 10 points

• Will you be willing to devote 3 hours per credit
  hour a week to participate in your on-line
  course? (Rule-of-thumb A 4 credit course will
  require 12 hours of work per week.)
• a. Yes
• b. Some weeks yes, some weeks no.
• c. I can work very fast. It will not take me
• that long to do the work.
• c. I dont know.

100 50 25 0
56
57
7 10 points

• I know how to send and receive e-mail,
  attachments, and I know how to download and
  install plug-ins.
• a. I do well with e-mail.
• b. I know how to do e-mail and attachments.
• c. I am comfortable doing all of these.
• d. I dont know.

25 50 100 0
57
58
8 10 points

• I am a procrastinator. I can wait until the last
  minute and get everything done before the last
  day of class.
• a. True
• b. False

0 100
58
59
9 10 points

• If I experience any trouble with my computer I
  know how to troubleshoot to get it operational
  again.
• a. Yes
• b. I have friends who can help.
• c. I know to call the HelpDesk or a
  computer repair company.
• d. I dont know.

100 75 50 0
59
60
10 10 points

• If I experience any trouble finding the
  information I need on a web site I will
• a. continue to click around until I find what I
  need.
• b. post a message on the discussion board and ask
  for help.
• c. e-mail my professor.
• d. I wouldnt do anything. If I cant find it,
  it isnt important.
• e. I dont know.

100 75 25 0 0
60
61
11 10 points

• What is the reason for taking this course
  on-line?
• a. Convenience.
• b. Intrigued to try an on-line course.
• c. It is difficult to travel to campus.
• d. I understand web-based courses are easier.
• e. Forced into it, no other option available.

100 75 100 0 50
61
62
12 Identifying the advisor

• In the spaces below type
• - your advisors last name
• - your advisors department
• - your advisors e-mail address
• (if you know it)

62
63
Rating

• Please review your score. If it is
• 75 - 100 You appear to have the capacity to be
  successful in an on-line course.
• 50 - 74.9 You can be successful in an on-line
  course with some help and training to enhance
  your skills. Discuss the options with your
  advisor.
• 0 - 50 It is recommended you not participate in
  an on-line course at this time. Please discuss
  options with your advisor.

63
64
Thank You

• Kathy Saville
• Instructional Technologist and
• WebCT Administrator
• Northern Michigan University
• 906-227-2413
• ksaville_at_nmu.edu