Online Learning Report 

Additionally, I designed the Online Learning Survey to obtain information from students comparing the online learning experience to meeting regularly in a classroom setting.  The charts below reflect composite results* from 143 surveys completed by students enrolled in three psychology courses.  I gratefully acknowledge Sarah Roorda, VCSU student, who compiled the raw data.  Readers may also check out the trendline charts encompassing these and future Online Learning Survey results.
 

Thank you very much for your willingness to complete this short survey designed to obtain information regarding the online learning experience. The first three questions provide important demographic data. Please respond with the appropriate letter.

1. What is your sex?             A) Male B) Female

2. In which class are you?    A) Freshman B) Sophomore C) Junior D) Senior E) Other

3. What is your age?             A) 18 years or younger    B) 19    C) 20    D) 21-22    E) Over 22

The statements that follow seek to identify comparisons between meeting regularly in a classroom setting and completing coursework online. Using the scale provided, please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree that a statement is true.

4. Compared to meeting regularly in a classroom setting, completing coursework online is more convenient for me.

5. Compared to meeting regularly in a classroom setting, completing coursework online meets my learning needs better.

6. Compared to meeting regularly in a classroom setting, completing coursework online fosters greater personal responsibility for my learning.

8. Compared to meeting regularly in a classroom setting, completing coursework online makes me more familiar with the Internet.

9. Compared to meeting regularly in a classroom setting, completing coursework online provides me more feedback opportunities.

10. Compared to meeting regularly in a classroom setting, completing coursework online promotes greater student participation and interaction.

The next 3 items will give you an opportunity to indicate your course preference with respect to meeting regularly in a classroom setting and/or completing coursework online.

11. My course preference is to meet regularly in a classroom setting, rather than complete coursework online.

12. My course preference is to complete coursework online, rather than meet regularly in a classroom setting.

Dr. Kathryn Holleque, Professor
Division of Education and Psychology
Valley City State University
Valley City, ND 58072

*Copyright pending.  All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
 

Comments by Students Using Using TopClass Software for Online Learning

JENNIFER LISTUL
I've found this program to be useful in many ways.  My schedule is extremely hectic so this allows me to still get my assignments in on time, even if I were to start doing them at 3 in the morning. Haven't had to do that yet, but just having that option is nice.  Also, I enjoy reading others responses.  Sometimes I get stumped on what something means, so I read some other responses to give me an idea of what to do.

JARED LADBURY
TopClass is neat. It is the most interesting on-line course type thing that I have ever had the privilege to use.  I have actually taken some other on-line courses and this is the best interface I have seen.

SHEILA MINNEMA
I really enjoy using TopClass. Doing the research on my own is beneficial in many ways: I can do the assignments when they fit my schedule, I always know what’s going on in the class, I have my own insight for others to read, and I can read my classmates’ insight.  I seem to retain what I am learning because of the independent research process that’s involved with TopClass.  Thanks.

JULIA DEVONISH
I think TopClass is perfect for this class. It is a great way to see other people's insights to the same reading material. It is also an effective way of communication between students and the professor.  Thanks.

MICHAEL DEUTSCH
I like the concept and ability to interact from home. Top Class is a great idea that works better when smaller discussion groups are used within a large class.  That way, you can get to know a few people well, become comfortable with them, and have better dialog.

PAIGE LARSON
I feel that TopClass has given me another tool for my future. This is my first time using TopClass, and I am really impressed with the way I can think about my responses, compare them to my classmates, and add my own input when doing an assignment. Compared to my so-called "online class" at XXX, this is much more advanced. 

 KEVIN KUSSATZ
I think that TopClass is great. I think that it has taught me how to learn more on my own and take more responsibility in making sure I know the material and also getting assignments in by the deadlines.

SHERRI SENNE
Personally I like using TopClass. I live off campus and it is easier for me get onto just the Internet than e-mail and everything else to do my assignments. I also think that it takes less time because we do not have to print everything out. Overall I think that it is an easy and effective way to help us learn more and do our homework for class.

HEATHER JOHNSON
I do like TopClass.  I think it is a very useful tool in learning.  Plus, it helps the students get used to the Internet and to find updated material.  It is also easier posting assignments instead of printing all of the time.  You learn more about the subject when you reply to others in your group or class.  All in all, I think it is a very good idea, and we should stick with it.

CRYSTAL ISZLER
Overall, I have found my TopClass experiences quite valuable. I have taken approximately five classes using TopClass. There are two main advantages: scheduling and knowledge to become an individual learner.  As a full time student and worker, I often had problems fitting in my classes. Online learning allowed me to do that. For this, I am very thankful.  As we graduate, it becomes necessary that we learn how to continue learning for professional development, and TopClass is tremendous practice in exactly that. We are also learning a lot about computer use. Computers are not my passion, but they are something that all educators need to be knowledgeable about. This allows us through exploration and experimentation to learn.  My middle school class is creating a cooperative digitized portfolio. What an experience. We are able to benefit from what others find on the web and connect all our knowledge in our final project.

LEON KNODEL
I think the online learning experience is going well. It is nice to get ideas from people and see what other people think about the things we are discussing.

HEATHER RICKFORD
I really enjoy using TopClass.  I think it is a fun way to learn and a good way to participate and get involved with the class.  I wish that more of my classes used TopClass.

ERICA JOHNSON
I think the advantages of TopClass are that you can do your work at the time you want to. If you are a night owl and want to do work at 2 or 3 in the morning, you can.  Another advantage would be that it teaches discipline. Yes, you can do the work whenever you want, but you still have a due date by which it has to be done.  The only disadvantage I see with using TopClass would be that if the network goes down, you have no way of doing the work on the computer.

MARY GEISLER
Reading the various student perspectives helps us to be more understanding of what other people may experience in life.  All in all, it is a learning experience, and helps us to be more open minded and not as judgmental. Hopefully, we will become the kind of people who will be of help and not hurt to our society. The Wisdom we attain is not wasted!