TLP Blog

Recently I read an article that stated the number one complaint of students taking online classes is the lack of instructor feedback. Of all student complaints, I have to say this one is worth special attention. Feedback is something we need in order to become better. Whether it is on a personal level when you ask someone how your cooking tastes, or on a professional level when you read your annual review, feedback helps to shape our processes and actions.

In the article, Overcoming the #1 Complaint of Online Students: Poor Instructor Feedback by Errol Sull in Distance Learning, Online Education, the author describes surveying 300 students who overwhelmingly state that poor feedback from their instructors is a major concern. I have listed his ideas below and with each, give my take on it and where in Vista instructors can address this concern.
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A sad day for all who have been touched by Randy Pausch, the author of the inspirational, Last Lecture, as he has died at the early age of 47. In addition to his memorable lecture, Pausch is also responsible for spearheading the development of ALICE, an open-source computer language used to create computer animations using 3D models.

Pausch’s Last lecture is one not to be missed by those who teach. For more information about Randy Pausch, please go here.

For the past nine years Educause has conducted a survey to determine the top issues facing postsecondary leaders on campuses across the nation. This year’s survey is especially noteworthy in that the previous top issue, funding, was bumped from the number one spot by security.

If you’re interested in the top-down approach to campus information technology issues and strategies, a look at this document is well worth the time.

The past two days that the University of British Columbia group has spent in Chico have flown by. I believe everyone who has been involved would agree we have learned a lot from each other and have enjoyed sharing what we have in common in an effort to provide the best experiences for our respective campus communities.

The above photo shows the two groups who represent both the technical and pedagogical sides of the academic technology groups.

Those of us in ATEC welcome our Canadian colleagues to our campus. The events started last night with a delicious dinner hosted by Wimba where we got to know each other and discover what we have in common.