Student e-learning survey

One of the goals laid out in the Principal's Vision document is for the University to graduate the most IT literate students in Scotland by 2007.  So to assess the effectiveness of current e-learning initiatives, staff in the Learning Enhancement Unit (LEU) have been monitoring student responses using questionnaires and focus groups.

The survey was conducted by Margaret Adamson and Jonathan Weyers of the LEU and the online questionnaire was produced using Richard Parsons’ survey and feedback programme.  A total of 745 students responded to the online questionnaire - nearly 5% of the total student population.

Regarding access to online materials, over 90% of students indicated they personally had computing devices and two-thirds had a 'home' internet connection. Significantly, there was still a strong dependence upon University IT facilities, with 60% of respondents using the University network at least half of the time.

Over 200 students provided comments about IT facilities on campus.  Many were appreciative of the facilities on offer and some positive comments were recorded about IT Helpdesk staff, the GroupWise email program and the new wireless network facility.  There were also suggestions for improvements: many students would like to see an expansion of opening hours in the IT suites, others felt that more networked PCs should be available and some supported expansion of the pilot scheme for wireless connection. The high cost of printing was raised and the idea of a networked printer for the library was proposed.

Around 700 students responded to questions on aspects of the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as a learning tool, revealing, on the whole, a very positive response. Of those giving an opinion:

• 87% believed that the VLE was a useful one-step resource that included information they might need for their studies (such as handbooks, past papers, reading lists, information about teaching staff).

• 91% agreed that the VLE enabled them to learn at a place and time of their own choosing.

• 80% thought that the VLE had enhanced the knowledge and understanding they gain from lectures, tutorials and practicals.

• 89% felt that assessments and tests posted on the VLE were a useful way of checking that they understood course material.

Students provided many examples of positive learning experiences from e-learning. Typical comments were:

"There is a connection with wherever you are to the University. It helps you keep in touch with work and classes."

"Being able to look back over assessments and retry them has been useful."

"The ability to obtain most of my course information from home has helped greatly as it means I am already prepared for the lectures. It has also made it easier for me to find relevant info."

There were also some critical comments about VLE implementation, however. Several students highlighted inconsistencies in academics' approaches to e-learning and some called for standardisation on VLE use within a department's or faculty's modules. The students in the focus groups also commented that they would prefer clarity on whether VLE announcements, emails or noticeboards medium were to be the 'official' means of communication between staff (departments) and students.

Margaret and Jonathan have produced an interim report on the survey, which is available on request, and they also led discussions on the findings during a recent staff development session.

"Many staff found the students' comments to be an eye-opener", said Jonathan. "While in general our students are highly positive about e-learning, they have been very perceptive in their opinions."

Margaret added "The challenge for the LEU is now to help staff and departments make best use of these constructive comments so the learning experience becomes even better. We are currently writing to Heads of Department offering guidance on departmental approaches to VLE use, specifically including a standardised template and clear guidelines on communication routes."

Deputy Principal Geoff Ward commented: "I'm highly satisfied with the results from the LEU's survey. It demonstrates that we've made huge strides in e-learning in a very short time. The University is committed to investing in this area - both to fulfil our Vision and with an aim to lead Scotland in the provision of online teaching and assessment. Listening to our students and responding to their comments will surely help us achieve these goals."