KYVU students give online learning high marks
FRANKFORT, KY (Dec. 27, 1999) -
If customer satisfaction and repeat business are among the most reliable indicators
of market success, the Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University appears to have scored an unquestionable
hit in its first semester.
According to a KCVU survey of its charter class students, 87 percent said their expectations of
online learning had been met or exceeded by KCVU and 82 percent of those responding said they
would like to take another course.
Mary Beth Susman, CEO of the virtual university, credited the overwhelmingly positive survey
results to the hard work and dedication of institution administrators and faculty along with
KCVU staff.
"The Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University exists because people of vision and insight saw a
need and were determined to address it," Susman said. "Feedback we've received throughout this
term led us to believe we were doing a number of things right and response to our survey make us
even more confident about our mission and its meaningfulness to the people of Kentucky. We couldn't
be more pleased with the results of this survey."
Comments from KCVU students have been even more enthusiastic.
"This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," said Nancy Reed, a librarian from
Paducah enrolled in a KCVU library science course. "I feel I have learned much more (in the KCVU
course) than I have in more traditional classes."
Tammy Caudell, a speech-language pathology major from Booneville and member of the KCVU charter
class who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis said KCVU has given her an opportunity to pursue her
education goals which might not otherwise have been possible. Because she had to work in order to
keep her health insurance coverage and pay for expensive medications, Caudell had not expected to
realize her dream to obtain her master's degree in speech pathology.
"KCVU has provided me a way to keep my job, my health insurance and maintain my health," Caudell
said. "I avoid the pain and stiffness I experiences sitting in class for hours, carrying a backpack
full of books, walking all over campus as well as up and down stairs and most of all, the torture
to my hands of taking so many notes. Now I can pace myself which is so important with my condition
and have everything I need at my fingertips. To obtain class notes, I simply hit 'print' (on my
computer keyboard)."
Susman said the technological aspects of KCVU had the most potential to cause problems for students.
However, responses to survey questions on the reliability of KCVU's electronic course delivery and
the value of technical assistance provided by help desk staff indicated students encountered very
few problems.
Ninety-nine percent of those responding said the online system was always or almost always available
when they logged on and the downloading efficiency was rated acceptable to 93 percent who responded.
The KCVU Help Desk received impressive marks from students with 93 percent saying they agree or
strongly agree that help desk staff were available when needed and 95 percent saying they agree or
strongly agree that help desk staff were able to answer questions and solve problems when contacted.
And, dispelling early worries from some critics that virtual university students would suffer from
inadequate interaction with instructors and other students, interaction with classmates and with
instructors was rated "about right" by 78 and 88 percent of respondents, respectively.
"E-mail, electronic forums, threaded discussions and real-time chat are among the technologies being
used very successfully by instructors and students to communicate, exchange information and submit
assignments," Susman said. "KCVU instructors consistently remark that students seem to take advantage
of opportunities to participate and communicate electronically than in a traditional classroom setting.
Many get to know their virtual students much better and engage in more substantive course-related
discussions with students in their KCVU courses than in campus-bound classes."
Students participating in the survey also offered suggestions for expanded course offerings and other
improvements to KCVU. Susman said these suggestions and comments would be valuable tools in efforts to
broaden the scope and appeal of KCVU to more Kentuckians.
Thirty-one percent of KCVU charter class students responded to the survey, a significant sample by most
polling standards.
Registration continues into January for the Spring 2000 semester. Visit the Web site at www.kcvu.org or
call toll-free at 877-740-4357 for additional information.
KCVU Charter Class gives initiative rave reviews
The following are a few of the testimonials received from satisfied KCVU Charter Class students:
"KCVU has been a significant benefit to me. It is allowing me to work full time as a Speech-Language
Pathologist Assistant while working on my Master's degree. It is so neat to be able to come home from
work and go online to check for new class information at my convenience. KCVU says a lot for Kentucky
and for the future of continuing education."
-- Christy Smith, Harlan
"This is my second Internet-based course and I can't say enough about how great it is. Convenient -
how much easier could it be to do your class work during your lunch hour or at home in your jammies?
I don't have to commute back and forth or worry about getting there on time or finding a parking place.
My class is laid out for me when I start and I know when each assignment is due, what books I need and
that anytime I need help I can communicate with my instructor and other students by e-mail and class
forums. As a working mother, my 'spare' time is precious to me. For someone with an already hectic
life, I can't imagine an easier method for taking courses. I think on-line classes are the greatest
idea and have recommended KCVU to darn near everyone I talk to."
-- Brenda Clark, Covington
"The KCVU program has provided me an opportunity I never thought possible. I have had rheumatoid
arthritis for 11 years now. Upon finishing my undergraduate degree the stress of school had taken
its toll on my physical health and my health coverage eligibility under my parents' policy was about
to expire, so I had to go to work. I always dreamed of being able to earn my master's degree in speech
pathology but could not afford to give up my health insurance with one of my medications alone costing
more than $12,000 a year. KCVU has provided me with a way to keep my job, my health insurance and
maintain my health. I avoid the pain and stiffness of sitting in class for hours, carrying a backpack
full of books, walking all over campus as well as up and down stairs and most of all, note taking. The
hours I used to spend in class taking notes was torture on my hands. Now I can pace myself which is so
important with my conditions. I have everything at my fingertips and to obtain class notes I simply hit
'print'. I wanted to let you know how the format of KCVU has assisted me and made my dream of becoming
a speech pathologist a reality."
-- Tammy Caudell, Booneville
"My husband and I have just learned we are going to have a child in July, 2000, so my concentration and
focus have changed somewhat. Still, I wish to continue my education at a later time and I believe the
KCVU will be one of the best, most desirable options for me and my life. My husband appreciates KCVU
for offering an option that leaves time for him and, soon, our child."
-- Patty Powell, McCracken County
"My husband operates his own business and has been interested in attending college for several years
but due to the class schedule he has not been able to attend classes on campus. We researched several
distance learning colleges and had no idea it would become a reality so close to home. He is going to
attend KCVU in the spring '2000 semester and hopefully be able to obtain his degree through the virtual
university.
This is a great opportunity for people with disabilities and also the non-traditional student who has a
family to support and works full-time. I understand how difficult it is to balance a busy schedule. I work
full-time for the Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation and attend graduate school. Five years ago, I would have
driven two hours one way to class. Now I drive home and click on the internet. One of the greatest things
about the virtual university is you choose when to attend class. I don't know how anything else could be
more convenient. Thanks. "
-- Lori Lee-Wooten, Glasgow
Contact:
Sue Patrick, KYVU
(502) 573-1555
sue.patrick@kyvu.org
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