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Poster: http://library.med.utah.edu/mcmla2013/bramble_poster.pdf
Title: Comparing Experiences of Participants Taking In-Person versus Online Classes
Authors: John Bramble, Betsy Kelly, Marty Magee and Sharon Dennis
Affiliations: Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Becker Medical Library, School of Medicine, Washington University
McGoogan Library of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center
National Library of Medicine Training Center, Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Abstract:
Objectives
Are student experiences significantly more positive for classes that are taught in-person or taught online, or are there only negligible differences? Using the MLA class evaluation form, we will analyze the differences in responses from participants who have taken classes either in-person or online.
Methods
Participant responses from MLA class evaluation forms will be analyzed. Both online and in-person used this form, which includes both closed and open-ended questions about various aspects of the class (instructor quality, class expectation, class grade assigned by student). Responses to the closed-ended questions will be compiled and analyzed. Responses to open-ended questions will be coded and analyzed for statements that were generally positive or negative that related to the class venue (online or in-person).
Results
The results derived from the quality measures:
Quality Measures: A, B, & C (Average ranking) |
In-Person |
Online |
A. Instructor Quality |
3.8 |
3.7 |
B. Class expectation: |
3.9 |
3.8 |
C. Class grade assigned: |
4.7 |
4.7 |
Quality Measure: D (Comments relating to Venue) |
In-Person |
Online |
PositiveNe |
None |
16 (2%) |
Negative |
None |
61 (8%) |
Non-venue related |
258 (63%) |
348 (43% |
No comment |
149 (37%) |
380 (47%) |
Conclusion
The results of this study indicates that the quality of in-person versus online classes are not significantly different, thus having a good instructor results in a good class no matter whether it is presented in-person or online.