Evaluating Distance Education: The Student Perspective

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Author: Mary Martha Henckell

Adviser: I. Sue Shepard
Jerry Waddle

Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, EdD
WS 2007

 

Public Abstract: Distance education can now be considered a viable means of providing higher education for many universities. In the study of Evaluating Distance Education: The Student Perspective, student opinions were sought to assist in providing information that will help institutions develop a distance education evaluation system by creating or choosing a proper student evaluation instrument and procedures that will provide valid and reliable answers in order to make applicable decisions. A survey was developed that covered topics that could assist in identifying the framework needed for the web-based evaluation system. The framework under study included: (a) evaluation design and format, (b) evaluation questions used and the manner in which they are constructed, (c) areas that should be emphasized, (d) frequencies of feedback and evaluation needed, and (e) the motivation required for valid and reliable responses. Items of importance to the student perspective were determined by calculating percentages of the student responses. In order for distance education evaluations to provide the necessary information that will assist distance education programs in meeting student needs and continue to be a viable delivery means of education for universities, this study advocates entire distance education evaluation system and instrument modifications. It further recommends the revision of evaluations used for blended courses to prevent the loss of valuable information.