crb/feh/questar iii distance learning project student survey 2009– 2010 school year boces distance...

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CRB/FEH/Questar III Distance Learning Project Student Survey 2009– 2010 School Year

BOCES Distance Learning Program Quality Access Support

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Distance Learning Student Response Profile and Totals

Host Site Responses

Receive Site Responses

282 290

572

From Host Site From ReceiveSite

Total Responses

389

183

First Time DLStudents

Veteran DL Students

Section A

68 73

143

017 51

165

49 24

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors Other

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85%

10%5%

67%

20%

13%

76%

15%

9%

1. My class in DL had a variety of learning activities and was beneficial.

Agree / Strongly Agree

Disagree / Strongly DisagreeUncertain


Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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85%

6%9%

61%

15%

24%

73%

15%

12%

2. The teacher gave the same amount of attention to host site and remote site(s).




Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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89%

4%

6% 1%

3. I was able to get extra help from the teacher when necessary.

65%

12%4%

19%

43%

33%

7%

17%




Not Applicable

Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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84%

6%10%

47%

17%

36%

66%

21%

13%

4. I feel I learned as much in a DL class as I would have in a regular classroom.




Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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91%

2% 7%

78%

11%

11%84%

7%

9%

5. Class materials such as tests, homework, assignments, etc. arrived on time.




Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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Host Site Responses

64%

13%

17%

6%

6. I felt comfortable using room equipment (Elmo, VCR, copier/fax, etc.) when necessary.

68%

9%

12%

11%

71%

11%

12%

6%




Not Applicable

Section B

Overall Responses

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84%

7%9%

76%

13%

11%

7. I was able to clearly hear and understand teachers/aides/students at other sites.




68%

18%

14%

Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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9%3%

85%

3%

8. If I had to make up a missed class, it was easy to do so.

75%

11%3%

11%

68%

18%

12%2%




Not Applicable

Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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86%

4%

10%

11%

16%

73%

9. Given the opportunity, I would take another DL course.


59%

22%

19%



Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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87%

3%

10%

11%

15%

74%

10. I would recommend others take a distance learning course.


61%19%

20%



Section B

Overall Responses

Host Site Responses

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StudentStudentCommentsComments

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Student Comments

1. I took Distance Learning because:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I wanted to take sign language my senior year and it happened to be taught in the distance learning classroom. - I wanted to learn about psychology and my experience with distance learning was good before. - I wanted to take journalism and did not know it was in the DL but I am happy that it was. - I need Anatomy and Physiology for college as for it will be in my field. - I needed calculus and it was the only option.

I wanted a medical class and it was one of the few offered in our school, no other medical classes were available. - I wanted to take another language and Japanese sounded interesting and it was a distance learning program. - Marine Biology was only going to fit into my schedule as a DL class and not as a regular class. – I wanted to take Advertising and distance learning was the only way I could take it. I've taken distance learning classes before and I enjoyed them.

I wanted to take an AP class and DL was the only way to do so. - I wanted to challenge myself in an AP class. - I wanted to challenge myself like never before and take the AP World History exam.

The class caught my attention and seemed interesting. The topic of the class always sparked my interest and the idea of working with students and teachers from another school seemed cool.

Section C

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Student Comments

Section C

Students most frequently said they took Distance Learning because:

13%

2%

8%

15%

16%

46%

They wanted that particular subject or instructor.

The subject they wanted was only offered in DL.

They were interested in meeting new students.

They needed that course.

They wanted to try something new or different.

They wanted a challenge, AP or college credit.

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Student Comments

2. What did you like about Distance Learning?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You interact and work with people from another place. It was like a normal class. – There was more opportunity to hear different opinions. - Our class was able to go to Albany Med and interact with the other classes and do hands-on things with hearts and brains. - Our ability to communicate with students from other schools. - It was different than just a regular classroom and put you in a more college like experience.

What I liked about DL was the cooperation between schools using the microphones and televisions. - It was interesting to see how kids from other schools are taught French compared to what we have learned. - It is my first time learning through the TV. I was comfortable and focused. I would definitely take another DL class again.

Even if my school is not giving a specific class I want, if another school offers the option of DL, I can take that class. - I liked being able to see other students and it gave us a lot of independence. - I liked it because it was challenging and was different from the other classes.

I just liked the class in general. Teacher was experienced and knows how to make the class flow. - The classroom was cool, the teacher helped me learn a lot.

Section C

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31%

2%

13%

7%6% 41%

Student Comments

Section C

Most frequently noted as liked by DL students:

Meeting and interacting with different students, teachers and schools.

The interesting and comfortable learning environment.

The opportunity to try something different.

The subject or course material.

The opportunity to work and learn with technology.

The teacher or teaching assistant.

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Student Comments

3. What didn’t you like about Distance Learning?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When the other schools volume was too loud and nobody fixed it. – When the sound doesn’t work so well and there is a lot of static. - The technical issues when static was very noisy from other things like phones. - The sound sometimes has to be changed at the beginning but after that it's fine. - That we would always hear everything that went on in other schools like announcements.

I felt disconnected with the teacher and the other students. Things would get lost when trying to send them over.

I didn’t like that the class timing was different for the schools.

I sometimes felt that our teacher was overly attentive to the kids at the other site.

The few times we had a substitute they had a hard time figuring it out. Usually we could help but sometimes not.

There's nothing about DL, I don’t like but some schools are just loud and talk over each other making it hard to hear. - The drama with other schools and cell phone interference. - That DL learning is a privilege and those who don’t want to learn should not be here.

Section C

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Section C

Student Comments

Most frequently noted as disliked by DL students:

The teacher’s lack of organization or ineffective use of the equipment.

Not providing enough opportunity for extra help or making up a class.

Technical problems with audio or poor student/microphone positioning.

Lack of interaction with or lack of attention from teacher or other students.Disruptive students or lack of discipline.

* This year, the second most common response to this question was an indication that the student had nothing that they disliked.

Not dealing effectively with bell schedule or school calendar differences.

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Student Comments

4. What changes would you suggest for the Distance Learning classes?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Section C

Our site is in need of updated equipment. - Better microphones so that we can clearly understand the teacher and the students and so that the teacher can hear us. - Somehow make the notes on the screen bigger so everyone can see them. - Technology from the 21st century.

It would be easier if all distance learning had Edline or something like that so he could access our grades and see emails. Also if more things were online it would reduce faxing. - Instead of wasting paper, email assignments to teachers in the room and let them print them out, no fax machine necessary.

The teacher to show equal attention to both classes. - Times when the teacher could offer extra help for DL students. - To have classes where the teacher or some form of assistance is available. - Set up specific days after school where students can meet with the instructor to get extra help and ask questions.

Nothing major, but maybe a day where all the classes meet in person so we could get to know each other better. - I would suggest the teacher to visit each site a few times.

More discipline or restrict use of cell phones.

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Section C

Student Comments

Most frequently suggested changes:

More balanced attention to classes by the teacher and better interaction.

Visits by teachers to remote classes and or combined class field trips.

Updated environment chairs desks air conditioning etc.

Technical improvements and better student/microphone/camera positioning.

Teachers should use the system more effectively and be better organized.

Deal more effectively with bell schedule and school calendar differences.

* This year, the most common response to this question was an indication that the student had no changes to suggest.

Better discipline, particularly re: loud talking, tapping and class disruptions.

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_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We learned a lot with almost no distractions. - You get very used to the idea that you are on camera. - The class ran smoothly. I thought it would be more complicated but it was just another class. - I thought it would be different but it's just like any other class but with cameras showing other kids from different schools. - It was remarkably similar to a regular classroom. - I was surprised by how involved the teacher was in communicating with us, even though we were in a different location. - I thought it would be harder to get my work done but it doesn't affect it.

All the new things and materials I learned about and the technology to work with different schools. -That it was so easy to hear and see the others. - It surprised me how advanced the video system was. - I could actually pay attention and I did not have an issue submitting my homework online.

How easy it was to interact with others and be able to learn just as much as in a regular class. - How closely connected we really were to the people who lived in another town. - How easy it is to communicate with the teacher and ask questions, etc

Student Comments

5. What surprised you about Distance Learning?

Section C

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That it is unexpectedly easy to become comfortable with the system.The environment is comfortable and enjoyable. It worked so well.

Student Comments

Most Frequently noted as surprising about distance learning:

Interaction with remote teachers and students was easy.

An appreciation for the advanced technology.

Section C

How much we were able to learn over the system.

* This year, the second most common response to this question was an indication that there was nothing surprising about distance learning.

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72%

1%

27%

Student Comments

I didn’t feel there were any limitations.Yes, the teacher did make effort(s) to compensate for limitationsin the DL system.

No, the teacher did not make an effort to compensatefor limitations in the DL system.

6. Did you feel the teacher made an effort to compensate for any limitations in the DL system?

Host Sites Receive Sites

Section C

49%

36%

15%

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Student Comments

(If you answered “ No”) Please describe what you wish your teacher could have done.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I wish she didn’t mute the system all the time to talk to only her class.

Our teacher was absolutely amazing, but I feel as if, by default, she would give priority to her students.

She could have included us in more conversations and had extra time to help us.

Respond to emails, answer questions, pay more attention to the distance classrooms.

My experience was tainted by a misbehaving student.

Emailed our aid so we can print it ourselves. Set up an email for just distance learning.

Controlled the class so it would be easier to learn.

If we needed help she should have set up a time for her and that student to work together.

Section C

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Section C

Students most frequently wished that the teacher would:

Make a greater effort to include receive site students in discussions,Pay equal attention to them and get to know them.

Be more organized and prepared.

Visit remote sites at least once and offer some extra help.

Receive site students that feel the teacher did not make an effort to compensate

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Student Comments

(If you answered “ Yes”) Please describe the efforts the teacher made to compensate.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The teacher visited my school before midterms to help prepare us. - She provided opportunities for students from other schools to talk to her at the end of class or to email her.

Set up review classes after school through DL network. - He made it obvious that he was including every student. - Allowed all classes and students fair and equal opportunity to talk and voice questions and opinions. - Actively integrating the other sites in discussions.

He always managed to get the materials to everyone and was able to improvise when the system experienced technical difficulties. - Contacting the people who could solve any problem with the system.

Our teacher made sure everyone knew they could contact her outside of class time. -He would e-mail and fax things to teachers outside of classroom times for their convenience and tried to make an equal effort towards all 3 schools to communicate.

He came and taught from Middleburgh and stayed after to offer help. - Electronic networking (Facebook, Email, Blackboard), in person visits between schools.

Section C

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25%

23%20%

17%

15%

Section C

Most frequently recognized DL teacher efforts

Students that feel the teacher did make an effort to compensate

Provided extra help and review sessions.

Helped to quickly resolve technical problems.

Promoted interaction and participation.

Used BlackBoard, made e-mail or phone contact available.

Visited receive sites and got to know the students.

crb/feh/questar iii distance learning project student survey 2009– 2010 school year boces distance...

Documents

totals host site responses

variety of learning

class materials

missed class

remote sites

room equipment elmo

extra help

regular classroom