Distance Learning Student QuestionnaireStudent: Sanjay Gajendra1. What programs are you currently enrolled through distance education? ME in Engg. Management from Univ. of Colorado, Boulder. 2. Is this a credit course or non-credit course? Credit courses 3. Why did choose to enroll in a distance education course? • Was not in a position to study full time • New distance education tools (e.g. streaming video, instant messaging) enable the same kind of interactive learning experience as in-class 4. What do you think are the advantages of distance education? • Provides flexibility in balancing work, family and learning • Reduces hassles such as travel, parking etc. 5. What do you think are the disadvantages of distance education? • Limits social networking and group learning • Inhibits interactive question-answering • Group projects, always a headache to synchronize with teammates who potentially could be based anywhere. 6. What technology is being used to transmit the class? • Offline : Video, CDs • Online : Streaming video 7. Which forms of technology are effective? • Class website with support for discussion forums, reference repository, student information etc. • Streaming video • Interactive instant messaging (chat or tele-conference) 8. What would you like to see changed/improved in this technology? • Yes, the interactive component of the class should allow video conferencing 9. Do you think there is effective collaboration amongst instructor/student and student/student? If not, in what ways could it be improved? • Yes, the tools available currently (as listed above) do provide reasonable collaboration. 10. Have you been exposed to traditional higher-education? How does distance education compare? • Yes, I would still rate traditional means of education higher for all courses expect ones where individual research is involved. 11. What aspect(s) of traditional education do you miss the most? • Social networking with co-students and instructors • Group learning • Real-time, interactive question-answering 12. After this experience, would you consider taking another course/degree in distance education? • Depends on the course – For areas where social networking is important (like business courses) I would prefer traditional in-class, however for other courses where individual research or learning is involved distance education works.
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