Colloquy

We asked students for their opinions on online education. Can you anticipate their answers?

• 1. What do students think is the best part of taking an online course?

  • Interacting online with people all over the map
  • Going to class in their pajamas
  • The course content
  • Using technology and simulations to learn

• 2. What do students think is the most challenging part of taking an online course?

  • The course content
  • Learning how to use the online system
  • The lack of personal contact with other students
  • Focusing on the course content while sitting at their home computer

• 3. Most students say they would love to access an online course with a(n):

  • iPhone
  • Blackberry/Smartphone
  • Wii
  • Laptop

• 4. Over the next 5 years, which of these online degrees do students think will be most popular?

  • International Business
  • Environmental Science/Green Studies
  • Nursing
  • Graphic Design

• 5. According to students, tuition for online courses should be:

  • Less than traditional courses
  • About the same as traditional courses
  • More than traditional courses
  • I do not know

• 6. Which of the following statements best describes why students think online courses are better than traditional courses?

  • I have greater and improved interaction with my professors.
  • I can do more on my own schedule.
  • Online chats are a great way to have a conversation.
  • With all of the time I spend online, it feels like the most natural way to learn.

• 7. How much do students agree or disagree with the following statement? A college or university must have online courses and degree options in order to be considered forward-thinking and cutting-edge.

  • Strongly disagree
  • Somewhat disagree
  • Somewhat agree
  • Strongly agree

• 8. How much do students agree or disagree with the following statement? The skills that students need to successfully complete online courses and programs better reflect the skills that employers are looking for in their employees.

  • Strongly disagree
  • Somewhat disagree
  • Strongly agree
  • Somewhat agree

• 9. Which of the following statements best describes why most students take a course online?

  • My lifestyle needs require that I take a course online.
  • The course was not offered on campus.
  • I am enrolled in an online program.
  • I am intrigued by online education.

• 10. How far away, on average, do students live from the campus that offers their online courses?

  • Less than 15 miles
  • 16 to 30 miles
  • 31 to 60 miles
  • More than 60 miles

• 11. What kind of orientation is offered to most students taking a course in an online environment?

  • Self-paced tutorial
  • Personal advisor
  • Both a self-paced tutorial and a personal advisor
  • None of these

• 12. During an online course, whom do students first contact when they have a question about schoolwork or the nature of their assignments?

  • Faculty member
  • Another student
  • Help Desk
  • Students have no questions

• 13. Which of the options below will students most likely use to contact a faculty member?

  • Email
  • Telephone
  • IM/Chat
  • In-person meeting

• 14. According to students, which of the following is the best way to learn about a college or university’s online courses?

  • Online blogs or chat rooms
  • A student who has taken the course
  • The school’s website
  • A professor, teacher, or advisor at the school

• 15. According to students, does the current economic situation make them more or less likely to take online courses or pursue an online degree?

  • Much less likely
  • A little less likely
  • A little more likely
  • Much more likely