Spring 2016 Evaluation of Instruction and Services State Composite Report Aggregates evaluation data for all courses hosted at all colleges into a single report Responses Received: 54 Is this your first time taking a VCT course? Response Count Percent Yes 24 44.44% No 30 55.56% How did you find out about VCT courses? Response Count Percent Counselor/advisor 41 75.93% Friend/family member 7 12.96% Local class schedule 1 1.85% Instructor 2 3.7% VCT website 4 7.41% Other 3 5.56%
How many distance education classes have you taken through... (Percentages) Count None 1-2 3-4 5-6 7 or More VCT? 54 11.11% 44.44% 37.04% 3.7% 3.7% your local college? 54 33.33% 24.07% 18.52% 11.11% 12.96% another institution? 54 85.19% 7.41% 1.85% 3.7% 1.85% Did you withdraw from this course? Response Count Percent Yes 3 5.56% No 51 94.44% Why did you choose a VCT class? Check all that apply. Response Count Percent Coordinated with part-time job 2 3.7% Coordinated with full-time job 18 33.33% Coordinated with child care 7 12.96% Coordinated with other family activities and schedules 11 20.37% Solved transportation issues 12 22.22% Course available online 30 55.56% Prefer distance learning over classroom lecture 11 20.37% Needed an additional courses that fit into my schedule 18 33.33% Wanted course not available on campus 27 50% Testing was available online 3 5.56% Other 8 14.81%
How has VCT helped you progress toward your educational goals? It helped by allowing me to get classes needed. It has offered courses not available to me through my attending college, as well as saved me a tremendous amount of money on gas and time through travel. VCT has allowed me to continue my college education. Kilgore does not offer these classes online and I am unable to make it to campus during the times that they are offered. For those who do not have the luxury to be full-time, on or near campus students, online classes are the only way to complete a degree. Thanks to VCT, Brazosport, and Midland, I will be finished with Kilgore after the summer semester. Without VCT, I would not been able to take any classes this semester. Allowed me to take courses towards my degree that my local college did not offer at the time. I needed this course to complete my prerequisites towards applying for the nursing program at UT Health. VCT has allowed me the opportunity to stay at home and complete my associates degree at Temple College while also working toward my bachelors degree with Texas State. VCT is a great way to get the classes you need, in the time that you have. I have loved each and EVERY class that I have taken through VCT!! I love how things are set up and I seem to learn a lot more than I do in a regular college class. Not only am I completing the required basic classes that I need I am also learning and growing toward becoming a better college student. A student who will one day become a teacher and will be teaching the next generations. I had to take the VCT class due to it not being available at my community college. I thought I was ready for the class, but it turned out to be harder than I thought. I tried my best on the first assignment only to get a low score. Even worse, I was dropped from the class because the score counted as non-participation. I did almost every attempt convince the instructor to allow me back into the class so I can redo the assignment, but he refused. Therefore, I withdrew from the class and signed up for an alternative that was available in my community college and part of the degree plan. I would like to say that VCT did not help me progress toward my educational goals. In fact, the class should have been available on the degree plan. It helped me fulfill an elective that I needed to complete my degree. Offered class options not available at my school. This was the last credit I need to graduate in spring, so I had to have it, and the course at T. C. was only offered during the day, and I work a 7p-7a shift so it would have been very hard for me to make class the next morning after working all night. It has moved me closer toward an additional associate degree...this time in Art. I would love to be able to complete a Bachelor's in Fine Art. Most art classes are three hours long twice a week. Online classes is pretty much my only option. Professor Kitchen's painting class has been great for me. I have learned a lot and I am very proud of the paintings I have made. It helped me get the credit I needed easily. I particularly enjoyed the class and the professor was great!
I could work it in with my full time job It's allowed me to work around my work schedule. Also if this class was not offered via VCT I would have had to skip a semester and wait until it was offered again. That would have also meant that I would not be able to move forward with any other classes as I only have a select few to finish and this class is a pre-requisit for them. Allowed me to take the required courses to graduate in May. I am able to continue to work toward my bachelors degree with Texas State while also completing my associates degree at Temple College!! VCT has allowed me to continue my college education. The college I attend offers online classes but they fill up quickly, without VCT I would not be able to take these classes since I have to take online classes due to child care. I was able to take a course that my college did not offer to satisfy a prerequisite for one school that I want to transfer to. It has given me the required course towards my Bachelor's Degree. Help me attain the hours I needed in order to succeed in graduation. Yes. I was able to take this class because it was available online and I wasn't able to travel. it allowed me to take a class that my school did not offer. Very convenient, awesome professor. My college I attend did not offer Philosophy. Making classes that is needed to finish my degree plan. I learned discipline by taking this course solely online. It has allowed me to complete courses and stay on track with my graduation rather than have to put off classes until I could attend on campus. Helped me to attain the courses needed in order to graduate. Has allowed me to get my Spanish credit towards degree plan. The VCT allows me to take classes I needed so that they fit into my schedule. it helped me get the required courses I needed This course was required for my degree,and was not offered at my school and was unable to take it at a different school due to it being full. Taking this course through VCT is helping me in order to complete my basics to transfer to a 4 year college. I needed to take classes on my degree plan that were not offered at my local college. Can take a class I need online VCT helped me progress toward my educational goals because it allowed me to take the course that I was required to take to be able to apply to several hygiene schools. Ethics has been a very challenging course for me because I have never thought in ways like that before. I was thankful for the opportunity to take it through them. It was available for me and fit my schedule with a family and full time job.
VCT has helped me progress tremendously toward my education goals. I needed this class to move forward from a community college to a university for my bachelors. If has given me access to classes that didn't fit in my schedule other wise. It was pretty to get my stuff done and finish it in a timely manner. I was able to take classes required on my degree plan that my college did not offer. I needed to take classes that were on my degree plan and my local college did not offer them. It has allowed me to work towards my career without having to drive over 100 miles (one way) to class! May we share your comments in VCT promotional materials, including the VCT website? Your name will not be revealed. Response Count Percent Yes 42 77.78% No 12 22.22% At the beginning of the term, I received or was able to access a course outline that identified course policies, requirements, and objectives. Response Count Percent Yes 53 98.15% No 1 1.85%
This instructor: (Percentages) Effectively utilized distance learning technology. Planned and organized the class to meet stated objectives. Demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the subject. Used a variety of teaching techniques. Used helpful examples and illustrations. Coordinated lab or field work with the course content. Responded to questions within a reasonable amount of time. Returned graded work within a reasonable amount of time. Reviewed results of tests and assignments with students. Demonstrated a genuine interest in the success of students. Is someone who I would recommend to other students. Count Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 54 61.11% 33.33% 3.7% 1.85% 0% 54 61.11% 35.19% 0% 1.85% 1.85% 54 66.67% 27.78% 1.85% 1.85% 1.85% 54 51.85% 35.19% 7.41% 3.7% 1.85% 54 62.96% 20.37% 9.26% 3.7% 3.7% 54 44.44% 18.52% 1.85% 1.85% 33.33% 54 64.81% 27.78% 3.7% 1.85% 1.85% 54 62.96% 33.33% 3.7% 0% 0% 54 48.15% 29.63% 11.11% 1.85% 9.26% 54 62.96% 24.07% 5.56% 5.56% 1.85% 54 66.67% 18.52% 5.56% 9.26% 0% The following contributed to my learning experience: (Percentages) A well organized site that was easy to navigate Count Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 54 66.67% 29.63% 3.7% 0% 0% Bulletin board notices 54 44.44% 31.48% 3.7% 1.85% 18.52%
Discussion groups 54 44.44% 27.78% 7.41% 0% 20.37% Chat rooms 54 31.48% 22.22% 9.26% 1.85% 35.19% Textbook(s) that supported course content Supplemental materials that support course content Course activities and assignments 54 51.85% 25.93% 9.26% 1.85% 11.11% 54 57.41% 25.93% 3.7% 0% 12.96% 54 61.11% 29.63% 7.41% 1.85% 0% Course assessments/grading 54 59.26% 31.48% 5.56% 1.85% 1.85% Please respond based on your experience with this VCT class. (Percentages) I had adequate interaction with the instructor I had adequate insteractions with other students I was part of a learning community I had adequate technical knowledge to complete this course I had campus access to the internet I had personal access to the internet at home or through my place of employment I was able to easily access the course website Count Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree 54 50% 42.59% 7.41% 0% 0% 54 31.48% 40.74% 9.26% 3.7% 14.81% 54 38.89% 40.74% 9.26% 1.85% 9.26% 54 57.41% 40.74% 0% 1.85% 0% 54 40.74% 40.74% 1.85% 0% 16.67% 54 68.52% 31.48% 0% 0% 0% 54 66.67% 31.48% 0% 1.85% 0% The course is what I expected 54 59.26% 27.78% 9.26% 3.7% 0%
The most effective part of this course was: Math xl The time the instustor was willing to take to make sure I understood the assignments. The interaction with the professor. He was able to provide a thorough understanding of course material when it was difficult to understand. Chat sessions with the proffesor and other students largely contributed to having a better understanding of the material. 100% instructor. Donald Payne clearly explains and demonstrates each main concept in his videos. He facilitates the discussion board instead of merely expecting students to do all of the posting. He assigns homework and quizzes in Cengage that are meaningful to the subject matter. I have 2 classes with him this semester and am taking 2 more this summer. All of it. It was better than I expected. The discussion questions were very effective in helping the students learn about the subject. The only effective part of the course was allowing me to learn how programming languages are different from one another. The book that I used was very helpful. Professor was excellent -- among the best I've ever had for a math class. Responsive, helpful, and knowledgeable. Being able to do it online from home, so I was able to work and support my family. The interaction with the professor through emails and the videos of the professor painting the assignments or examples of the assignments were very helpful towards my success in class. The links the professor provided so that I could view different types of painting styles were very helpful for me. They will also be help me in my Art History classes I will be taking online over the summer. The research and writing projects. Being able to work ahead of schedule on assignments. I felt that the hands on lab and homework were beneficial as they went along with the book. The quizzes would have been beneficial had I had access to use them to study for the exams. The way this professor taught! This teacher (Prof. Zabcik) is absolutely amazing at teaching!! I have never had almost a 100% grade average in any college class ever!! I waited a whole year to take this part 2 course of fundamentals of math for elementary teachers because I love the professor! She is a great teacher and I love how she teaches! I will recommend her to anyone looking to take this class. The videos provided by the instructor and peer evaluations. I liked that the professor was constantly sending reminders and keeping us up to date on the class. Also gave lots of feedback. Accessing the textbook online Instructor always reminded us we could contact her for anything in order to help us succeed.
The material I was able to learn while I still worked. the discussions Math xl The coursework was broken down into small modules and it made it easier to learn. Being able to complete it online The teaching lessen we had to video. Helps to see how you are and the instructor gave good feedback. The use of an online live lecture. I withdrew from the course. I felt that the labs were confusing and difficult to understand due to the wording in some of the experiments. This caused confusion and I was not able to keep my grades on the labs to a standard that I felt truly reflected my knowledge and habits as a student. I had to have it The example problems on the homework's for very effective in me gaining knowledge on how to complete the homework's, quizzes and test. The practice problems on the WileyPlus were a huge help. Havnt taken it yet The most effective part of this course was the chat sessions that he had coordinated throughout the semester. I had plenty of time to complete assignments online access The instructor's videos and the chapter resources. The homework assignments. They helped me by allowing me to look at the book for reference. Organization is the key to success. The instructor posted lecture videos on the website that explained some subject far better than the text did. The instructor posted lectures online that explained the more important parts of the course and helped me to understand it better. Doing it online
This course could be improved by: A better proctor u for tests Having feedback from the proffesor on papers. The course needs no improvement. Enrollment in VCT classes could be easier. Kilgore is difficult to deal with because some department chairs deny VCT enrollment even if they are not offering a viable alternative. Nothing that I can think of. Some days I had a lot of trouble accessing the course!! I could not log in to the ACES site, it wouldn't even come up. Other days I had trouble because my computer said it was not a good site and I would risk my computer getting a virus if I continued... my computer would not let me continue! I REALLY wish their was another way to access the Canvas site other than through ACES, it would help solve the problems that I had. Teaching the programming language from the ground up to where students will understand it better than just reading a textbook full of technical terminology. n/a The Instructor allowing you to go over your quiz to see what you missed before taking the Exam, and the instructor being more helpful with seasoned students, some of us have been out of school a long time and need more time to work on things 30min is not enough time when you have 20 questions and you have to read over each question more than once to understand what the question is asking. quiz's should be no time limit or equal of a in class period, for online work. Exams should be no time limit or equal to a in class period. The blackboard platform for this class needs to be in sync more. Some of the deadlines were Fall semester dates. The course calendar on the far left side listed due dates but if I clicked the calendar on my main page it showed nothing due. I was not sure if that was something I could fix on my own...but an email to my professor confirmed my real due dates. Cannot think of anything n/a We were given reviews of each chapter which consisted of 10-20 bullet points overviewing the entire chapter to use as a study guide for exams. I feel that there is a better way to give a review than to basically expect the students to remember each chapter as a whole and take an exam covering 3 or 4 of those chapters. The exams only consist of 25 questions. There has to be more concentrated review that we could focus our studies on before a test without giving too much but still giving more than what's currently offered. Her lecturing, she did this last MAY (2015) I would like more feedback from the instructor regarding each speech. I don't think the book is a necessary purchase. I've gotten by without using the book.
None...Really liked the course. This specific course was great! I had no problems. Having all tests available online the professor adding lecture videos. A little more explanation on questions that can not be figured offering exams online so that I did not have to drive to a testing center none No need to improve. I think the biggest improvement would be to possibly coordinate student groups or partners to complete the labs. Even though we are from different areas, with technology like Skype, it would be very helpful to have a lab partner even through distance learning. I feel that if I had a peer to work with and collaborate with, I would have been more successful in completing labs. nothing I didn't really like the videos we had to watch I felt as if they didn't really help me. This course does not need any improvement. Havnt taken it yet The course could be improved if there could be more examples of theories used in the book that were easier to understand. I wasn't used to thinking in that state of mind and many of the theories of stories I had never heard of. It made it a little hard at times to fully grasp what I was learning. N/a n/a Nothing. I truly enjoy this class. I think the course works well. I can't think of anything about it that needs improvement. The course didn't need any improvement. Actually being able to get in touch with a tutor. I've tried a ton of times with no success so I had to turn to YouTube or other learning sites
Rate the quality of the following services offered by your local college and/or VCT. (Percentages) Count Service not available Did not use this service Excellent Good Fair Poor Advising/Counseling 54 3.7% 44.44% 38.89% 9.26% 3.7% 0% Book purchases 54 12.96% 37.04% 27.78% 12.96% 7.41% 1.85% Business Office (paying account, getting a refund) Class schedule information (on-line at local college) Class schedule (on-line at VCT website) Class schedule information (printed) College programs, policies & procedures 54 5.56% 44.44% 27.78% 16.67% 3.7% 1.85% 54 3.7% 20.37% 44.44% 29.63% 1.85% 0% 54 1.85% 16.67% 53.7% 27.78% 0% 0% 54 1.85% 33.33% 40.74% 22.22% 1.85% 0% 54 3.7% 27.78% 38.89% 25.93% 3.7% 0% Enrolling in VCT 54 1.85% 11.11% 57.41% 25.93% 1.85% 1.85% Financial aid 54 5.56% 40.74% 33.33% 18.52% 1.85% 0% Library resources (on-line) 54 11.11% 48.15% 18.52% 22.22% 0% 0% Library resources (on campus) Registering at local college 54 7.41% 51.85% 24.07% 14.81% 0% 1.85% 54 1.85% 14.81% 55.56% 25.93% 1.85% 0% Student activities 54 5.56% 48.15% 27.78% 14.81% 3.7% 0% Technical support 54 5.56% 50% 27.78% 16.67% 0% 0% Testing Center 54 1.85% 38.89% 37.04% 14.81% 5.56% 1.85% Tutoring (on-line) 54 9.26% 68.52% 12.96% 7.41% 0% 1.85% Tutoring (on campus) 54 5.56% 62.96% 16.67% 12.96% 0% 1.85% VCT Website 54 1.85% 7.41% 57.41% 29.63% 3.7% 0%
Check how long it took you to receive textbooks from the time you ordered them. (Percentages) Count From your local college From the providing college 1-3 days 4-6 days 7-9 days 10-12 days 54 79.63% 14.81% 3.7% 0% 0% 1.85% 54 81.48% 7.41% 7.41% 3.7% 0% 0% From an online vendor 54 35.19% 38.89% 12.96% 12.96% 0% 0% From another bookstore 54 92.59% 5.56% 0% 1.85% 0% 0% 13 or more days What could be done to improve services for distance education students taking courses through VCT? Better proctors Easier enrollment. Maybe request through VCT website and VCT can push the paperwork through the school quicker. More knowledge and information to students because most don't know about VCT. Make another way to access the canvas course other than through ACES!!! I believe that VCT could improve by making information more precise in regards to the classes that are going to be taken. When I started Programming Fundamentals III, I have completed Programming Fundamentals I and II. Now, the programming language used was Visual Basic in those two courses. PF III recommends only C++ or Java, which I had not learned, yet. After getting dropped from the class, further research yielded that I had to take either a C++ or Java programming prerequisite before taking PF III. If I had knew that I had to take those classes before PF III, I would probably have taken them before taking PF III. I absolutely did not know that PF III required those prerequisites and that would have prevented me from getting dropped. Therefore, VCT must state prerequisites more precisely in the class descriptions so that new students will not be caught off-guard if they are taking the class and realize that it is teaching something they have not learned yet. Local college didn't provide enough resources for VCT programs -- I did not know the program even existed, and enrollment was difficult. Most people who take these courses are people who have not been to school in a long time or people who have jobs and family's that don't have time to be in a class room, so keep that in mind when setting time limits on exams and when review of course work is needed, allow
student to see what they missed and correct answer, when grading quiz so on exam they can be better prepared. I'm not sure. I am happy with the Virtual College of Texas. More timely schedules nothing online tutors. Part of the reason people take these classes online is because they do not have the time to make it to the campus. I personally did not recieve any help from cisco tutors even when I made my way up to the Abilene campus. They did not know how to explain or find the answer the only 4 questions I had for them. On a seperate occasion they were not there when the scheduled said that they would be. I sometimes had trouble accessing Canvas throughout the semester.. work on fixing those problems No suggestions. I have had no problems taking distance education classes through VCT. I think it should be announced more that way more people can know about it. Everything went perfect. Making sure students are aware of the online courses available. Quicker responses from professors. I had no issues Provide them with more information on the course Just help the students when they have questions. being able to take exams online and not having to drive to a testing center none Everything was done well. I really struggled with this course. It was difficult to keep up with the number of assignments, as well as work and the other classes I was taking through my home institution. The labs were often confusing, and I ended up having to do each of them multiple times. I really feel like it would have been more helpful if the labs had been more clear on the instructions for each experiment. I was also lost on what exactly was expected from the lab report. I really feel had I had a more detailed example, such as a lab report completed by a former student or the instructor, I would have had a better idea of what was expected of me. I am a visual learner, so seeing an example of what is expected would have helped me as an individual tremendously. Information and books easier to access Nothing it seems like everything is great to me. I was satisfied with the services. None
I think that having the chat sessions once every two weeks or over every two chapters would be beneficial. I think that by talking with the students and hearing what other students have to say and what they think about the topic makes it a little easier to understand. N/a n/a The college supporting VCT (Temple College) should have the information and resources to sell the textbook from their bookstore. This would alleviate the student's need to purchase from other sources like Amazon. Nothing In my opinion, I feel like this website is perfect! I don't think you really have to change much on this website. Better evaluations on instructors and their courses. I had to drop my first class ever last semester. It was a VCT class that was not passable. I was satisfied with the services offered now. Better tutoring Additional comments? n/a Thank you None, thanks. I really enjoyed this class, I would definitely refer this class to another student. I will ALWAYS refer VCT to any one wanting to take a college class!!!!!! I LOVE VCT! Thank you for helping me to complete my college education! I am the 1st in my family to Graduate college, I will be graduating this MAY 2016 with my associates degree all thanks to VCT having the right courses available for me! Programming Fundamentals III is part of the 2013 Computer Science degree plan. There is a new 2015 Computer Science degree plan, which lacks PF III. However, I will have to take three new math courses that were not required by the 2013 CS degree plan. Now, there is a General Studies Associate of Science degree plan that I can complete to graduate sooner. I will eventually talk to my counselor regarding that degree plan before then end of the Spring 2016 semester. For now, I am hoping that this evaluation will change the way VCT presents the classes by reminding students of prerequisites that must be taken before the required class. n/a
Over all online classes are good they provide people with a chance to better their life with more education, which mean a better career, which mean better pay, people who other wise would not be able to return to school, we just need a little more consideration than the younger student who still live at home with parents and no kids or full time job demands. So happy with my VCT online course. I plan on taking other courses this way. Thank you. It would be nice to be able to register without the extra steps of phone calls or emails none I think the exam weight does not match the effort given by the instructor to ensure we have the proper material to study. The way this specific class is structured each student spends more time the homework, quizzes, and labs each week. It does not make sense to have a 90+ avg between those three things only to drop it with a heavy weighted exam grade that we could have been better prepared for given better focus materials to review. Love the teacher. Love how the students introductions were so personal and involved (KEEP THIS!!) None none n/a n/a none I withdrew from the course mostly because of the format of the labs that we had to do for this class. I feel that the lab instructions were confusing in wording at times, and also that there was a lack of resources on what was expected on the lab reports. I have taken other lab courses, but the labs were formatted in a completely different way, so it was all new to me. It was also difficult to locate a place with enough space to complete some of the labs, so I really struggled with that as well. I feel that the course load was overwhelming, as I was working and taking other classes in person at another university. I took this course in order to fit into a busy schedule. I didn't expect it to be a walk in the park, however, I did expect more detailed guidance, such as examples of the lab reports and what was expected,and flexibility with concern to the format of the experiments since it was offered online. na No. None none. Thank you for offering an online course that is needed for my degree and is easy to access. I will definitely enroll in future online courses from VCT if I need them.
This instructor was one of my favorite teachers. He was very prompt to reply on any questions you had and also gave notice by email on up coming assignments. I hairy recommend him to everyone. It's great! No. No. Need better tutoring options. As a single mom, when I get a chance to do my homework then that's when I need to do it. I don't have two hours to sit at a computer & wait for a tutor to respond. Because I have to move on to the next question. And if I have to use the little help links, then it doesn't allow me to use both. It will shut off the chat.