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Comparing Online vs. F2F Assessment Findings

Tara Wood, PhD

Associate Professor & Writing Program Administrator

University of Northern Colorado

tara.wood@uncol.edu

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Study Introduction

Site: regional, doctoral granting HSI in Colorado

Funding: accreditation body “Quality Initiative Grant”

Exigence: comparatively high caps, post-Covid demand for online sections

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Study Sample

  • 24 sections intermediate writing
    • 6 MWF sections
    • 6 fully asynchronous online sections
    • 3 Tuesday/Thursday sections
    • 1 hybrid
    • 6 sections dual enrollment
    • 2 sections of theme-based intermediate writing

Of the 18 non-DE courses, we offered the following caps:

  • 6 sections with 20 cap
  • 12 sections with a 25 cap

6 online and 12 F2F

353 students (plus 147 DE, excluded from study)

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Study Methods

Data Analytics

  • Overall Grade Performance
  • DFW Rates
  • Predictive Analytics (B- and above predictive threshold)

Student Learning

  • Course-Embedded Assessment (5 SLOs, common rubric, LMS, all instructors)
  • Masked Assessment (random, anonymized sampling of target artifact scored by reading team)

Student Perception

  • Student Survey (indirect assessment of student perception of learning, experiences of collaboration and engagement, NSSE-influenced)

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Study Findings: Course-Embedded Assessment

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Study Findings: Masked Assessment

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Study Findings: DFW Rates

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Study Findings: Predictive Analytics

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Limitations

  • Complexity of variables in the study
  • No targeted identification of cause for poorer student performance in online sections

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So What?, or What Now?

  • Drawing board with our online offerings
    • Online Working Group
    • Designing Common LMS Template
    • Advising Collaboration (Strategizing)
    • Considering Gateway Requirements for both Students and Instructors Taking/Teaching Online Sections
      • “Nature of the course” hold or LMS announcement
      • Professional Development requirement
      • One year experience in writing program prior to teaching online

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Thank you!

tara.wood@unco.edu