Abstract
Different aspects of education have been evaluated by the government since 1897 (Patton, 1997). Educators have also adopted this means to collect information in order to make better decisions. The complexity of data collection makes this task much more difficult than it may appear. One of the biggest problems associated with evaluations has to do with questions; answers are only as good as the questions asked (Tricker, et al., 2001). Unfortunately, traditional student evaluations, with their focus strictly on traditional course features, are often the instrument used to evaluate distance courses (Achtemeier, et al., 2003). Course improvement and the quality of higher education distance programs can be affected by the use of an evaluation tool that does not fit the diverse setting of a distance learning environment (Griffin, et al., 2003). Differences in traditional and distance education approaches will be identified and used to develop topics for student evaluation questions in the following sections.
TopBackground
The key differences between traditional and distance courses can be summed up into one word—management. The term management encompasses four sections: planning, organizing, leading/motivating, and controlling/monitoring (Schermerhorn, 2008). Using this lens, a finite view of the differences will become apparent.
Planning. When developing a distance course, teachers incorporate pedagogical methods that will address or compensate for the environmental differences imposed by the teacher/student and student/student separation. Methods of teaching change; teachers must use techniques of imparting information that differ from the practice of lecturing. Without lectures, instructors of distance courses must find quality methods to convey equivalent information. The same holds true when planning course materials, which are considered one of the prevailing aspects of distance learning (Tricker, et al., 2001). Not being present to demonstrate how each segment in the course content ties together is an additional challenge for distance educators.
Interactions between the teacher and students have been proven to influence the quality of student experiences and learning outcomes in distance courses (IHEP, 2000, as cited by Zhao, et al., 2005). As with maintaining relationships at a distance with friends or relatives, special effort must be directed towards ensuring these exchanges do occur in the classroom. It is through these interactions that a community of learners, with its own unique culture, can be established. In the traditional classroom, there is slightly more leeway as to what learning model can be used. Distance learning communities are, by nature, locked into the constructivist/student-centered approach (Easton, 2003, Knowlton, 2000, Marshall, 2000, Regalbuto, 1999), where interactions and collaboration among the members not only enriches the learning process, but leads to its success (Miller & King, 2003). Collaborative learning is not the only method recognized in the constructivist philosophy; activity-based learning is another teaching method found in this approach. Activities and exercises incorporated into the distance course can cause a greater impact on the success or failure of the distance student. The authors believe that the development and use of activities and exercises must effectively replace or compensate what is missing in distance courses. It is important to base these choices on the knowledge of what makes distance education successful in light of the separation factors.
Technology is used in distance courses for supporting course requirements (Miller & King, 2003), thereby aiding in accomplishing the same benefits received in a face-to-face environment. While instructors are more frequently incorporating the use of technology in their traditional classrooms, two main technology-related challenges remain: introduction of new technology and how to effectively use technology to achieve learning goals (Robson, 2000). Since technology is entrenched in distance education, more so than in traditional classrooms, it remains a viable difference.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Evaluation: The systematic determination of merit, worth, and significance of something or someone. Evaluation often is used to characterize and appraise subjects of interest in a wide range of human enterprises. (Retrieved October 09, 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evaluation).
Constructivist Approach: An educational approach where the student has greater responsibility for building his or her own knowledge (Easton, 2003).
Facilitator: One who arranges the course in a way that helps students learn new concepts using their existing knowledge (Easton, 2003, as cited by Kochtanek & Hein, 2000).
Distance Education: Education or training courses delivered to remote (off campus) sites via audio, video (live or prerecorded), or computer technologies, including both synchronous (i.e., simultaneous) and asynchronous (i.e., not simultaneous instruction) (Distance Education, 2003).
Intrinsic Motivation: The inherent tendency to seek out novelty and challenges, to extend and exercise one’s capacities, to explore, and to learn (Ryan & Deci, 2000).?Management. The process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the use of resources to accomplish performance goals (Schermerhorn, 2008).
Traditional Course: Course with no online technology used—content is delivered in writing or orally (Allen & Seaman, 2004).
Student Evaluations: Forms that were specifically designed to measure observed teaching styles or behaviors (Wright & Neil, as cited by Chen & Hoshower, 1998). Student evaluations are typically administered at the end of the course (Algozzine, et al., 2004, Neumann, 2000).