ASSESSING UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION ON-LINE THROUGH ECOLLEGE
Teaching & Educational Technologies
William Sciarappa
COUNTY AGENT II
Rutgers ANR - NJAES-RCE
Neptune City
Abstract
An on-line eCollege format for two different subjects - Issues in Environmental Pollution and Organic Farming and Gardening has evolved over the last five years at Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Course content, evaluation rubrics and grading categories were newly developed for these fully on-line formats because class numbers of both courses taught conventionally had risen to exceed maximum room class size. By offering an on-line alternative over the last 2 years, the two conventional class numbers were lowered to 63 students while adding 335 students through distance learning. Thus, a total increase of over 250 students occurred through an eCollege, on-line format. This transition also created logistical benefits including time savings, time shifting, classroom space, energy savings in facilities and fuel savings in transportation.\r\nOn-line courses had 21 learning modules. The on-line approach incorporated more digital video technology, more independent student study, more digital peer-to-peer engagement and substituting webinars for “live” communication. Detailed statistical analysis of coursework assessed the quantity, frequency and quality of on-line participation. Personal student satisfaction was evaluated between the conventional and on-line teaching methods with “sister” surveys. Academic student performance was measured via their learning responses with pre-post testing and a historical comparison to a conventional test-bank scores.
Authors: Sciarappa, W.
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Sciarappa, W. County Agent Ii, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 07728