Nathan
1. Online format as a medium for communicating the course materials.
2. Convenience of the format for particular situations or locations.
Lance
1. Online format as a medium for communicating the course materials.
Responses: ALL were positive comments.
"The online format is just as adequate as in-class instruction. I liked having all my notes, PowerPoints, and class assignments available all the time on blackboard."- Tara
"The instructor is VERY thorough in instruction and is extremely quick to respond to questions by phone or e-mail."- Nathan
"It was more convenient for me because of my work schedule. I could do my assignments and check the online information when I got home or even on the weekends."- Mary
"The online format expressed the material adequately. Also, it allowed the group online discussions to be more in-depth than they might have been in a regular class setting."- Lance
"For the most part, the online format was adequate for communicating the material. Teaching is a difficult subject to teach in a web environment. However, when there is good organization by the part of the teacher and a good textbook, the course material is effectively 'transmitted' to the student."- Annie
2. Convenience of the format for particular situations or locations.
Responses: ALL responses were positive.
"I live 100 miles away, so I appreciated the opportunity to take a course from my home."- Nathan
"I am trying to get my teaching license through an alternative route. I live an hour from the nearest college. Having online classes allowed me to do my assignments and work on the weekends during my free time."- Lance
"I live a distance from the university. I have a full-time job, husband, and a baby. This online course has allowed me to work on my own time. I was not able to schedule a drive to campus weekly."- Tara
"This was very convenient. Life is busy and I could get the information and complete the assignments on my own time. It was so much more convenient, even though assignments were due each week. This kept me connected with the class and helped me learn the material."- Julie
"The online format was definitely more convenient for me. I have three children, and childcare issues would have been a hindrance for me to take these courses on campus. Also, I am a displaced evacuee of Hurricane Katrina. The online courses helped me get started at Tech during a very unstable time in my life."- Annie
3. Course content/materials impact on ability to teach.
Responses: ALL favorable.
"The materials presented in my online courses have definitely prepared me to be a more effective teacher. If anything, it has taught me how technology can be an important and effective teaching tool. I also gained a more practical knowledge of Bloom's taxonomy levels."- Annie
"I learned new strategies to use while teaching. The material I received convinced me that I am capable of doing anything when I put my mind to it."- Glenda
"I have learned a lot from all my classes taken online. The most recent was effective in teaching me to create a good assessment, which is a very important application to a teaching setting. My previous online classes dealt with cultural diversity and classroom management, both important components of classroom effectiveness."- Tara
"I know that the material will allow me to be a more effective teacher. All of the information we covered related to some aspect of education. We also became more familiar with the use of technology and communication."- Jacob
"The online course materials and content were no different from being in an actual classroom setting. We posted messages on blackboard as well as assignments. Also, experiencing this type of online class allowed me to see ways in which I could do the same type of communication for my students through the web."- Julie
4. Recommend the online program to others.
Responses: ALL favorable
"My experience in this alternative certification program has been very positive, and I would recommend it to anyone interested."- Tara
"Yes, I would recommend it. It is very organized and everyone involved has been more helpful to me. Thank You!"- Julie
"This program allows those who have decided to enter into the field of teaching as a career move to earn their certification while teaching. Online courses help to eliminate excuses on why we cannot attend classes. Online courses are very convenient for those who work full time and have a family."- Glenda
"I definitely would recommend this program to others interested in teacher certification. All the teachers I have had (online and in person) were highly qualified to teach the material, and they were all understanding of us who did not have in-classroom teaching experience."- Annie
"I would recommend this program to others. I would recommend that anyone who takes classes online using this format be disciplined because you have to make the time to sit down and complete necessary assignments on time, but it is better than driving to class. You also need to be able to communicate with your teacher, since you will not be in class on a weekly basis. It is easy to forget that you have assignments due. The main thing is that you discipline yourself, finish your task, and this format will not be a problem."- Jacob