Experience of Students in Online Courses v. Students in Lecture Courses

Walker, Diana

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/13161 Copy

Description

Title

Experience of Students in Online Courses v. Students in Lecture Courses

Author(s)

Walker, Diana

Issue Date

2008-12

Keyword(s)

• Distance Learning
• Distance Learners
• Educational Technology
• EPS500F08
• race

Abstract

My research project investigates the experience of students who are enrolled in online courses, specifically Organic Chemistry II and their experiences in Organic Chemistry I compared to those they are now having. The sample was composed of seven men, four whites and three blacks. One was a professor and the six students ages ranged from 20 to 22 years of age. The participants were interviewed and were asked to give their opinion about the format of Organic Chemistry II. The results indicted that race did not play a factor in which format was preferred by the subjects, the majority of whom liked the online format. Their biggest complaint concerned the exam format. These findings could be used to find a balance that will be acceptable to faculty, but will enable students to effectively learn in different environments.

Series/Report Name or Number

EPS 500, Race and Ethnography: A Study of the University, Prof. Priscilla Fortier: This seminar is not only a course, but part of a cross-campus initiative titled Ethnography of the University Initiative. As a member of this course students joined a campus-wide learning community in which the University of Illinois was explored ethnographically. Students began the course by thinking about what the university is, as well as about race and ethnicity as phenomena within the university’s narratives. Students learned about universities and higher education in general and the University of Illinois in particular. A third area of concentration was “ethnography,” and students learned and practiced the basic skills of observation, interviewing, and writing as an ethnographer. Students completed several short assignments that were intended to help them develop these skills, as well as one larger ethnographic project on the University. The latter allowed them to explore an aspect of the university that has to do with an issue of race or ethnicity. In addition to the readings that students did as a class, they were expected to explore other research related to their project. The course syllabus is available at: http://www.eui.uiuc.edu/docs/syllabi/EPS500F08.pdf.

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/13161

Owning Collections