Abstract

This study is part of the Flashlight Project, a Web-based system for creating surveys, gathering responses, and analyzing results. The purpose of this study was to assess Web-supported classes (fully and partly online) in 10 community colleges in California. Faculty members coordinated the study on their respective campuses; a total of 710 students were surveyed. Results indicated that students who are newly exposed to electronic communication are more likely to have greater enthusiasm and active participation in classes than if they are in face-to-face classes. Students also reported that e-mail and online discussion enhanced their relationship with the instructors. Students are more likely to articulate suggestions and complaints to the instructors, and they are more likely to receive detailed comments from the instructors in online classes. However, students report that they are less likely to discuss academic goals and career plans with their instructors in online classes than in face-to-face classes. When comparing student responses based on whether they had experienced electronic communication in a fully online or partly online course, the study found that classes that combine both face-to-face and electronic communication may be more useful and exciting to more students than the fully online classes. (GC)

Citation

Obler, S.S., Gabriner, R.S. & Slark, J. (2000). Findings from the California Community College Flashlight Project, 1998-99. Presented at Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges Annual Meeting 2000. Retrieved March 7, 2021 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/92602/.

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Keywords

• Community Colleges
• computer mediated communication
• educational technology
• Electronic Mail
• online courses
• student attitudes
• student participation
• Student Surveys
• Teacher Student Relationship
• Two Year Colleges
• World Wide Web