Two Week Evaluation

Course Overview and Introduction: 9
I found the course overview clear and understandable. As this is the first teaching of this course those elements will probably be refined over time. Upon registration the hybrid nature of the course was stated follow-up was done with e-mail. The introductions were helpful particularly after the face-to-face meeting.
Netiquette was not specifically addressed but access was provided clearly and communications encouraged.
One concern was that the technical skills required were not clear. It seemed to me that those with minimal technical skills were at a disadvantage in initially getting started. It is one thing to see the tools quickly in a class but when users are on their own the unfamiliarity with those tools can be a frustration and become a barrier to working with the content. Might an introductory basic skills f-2-f class, or even a ‘minimal tech skills list’ be helpful to registrants who are not comfortable with the technology?
Learning Outcomes: 14
Outcomes and components are clearly stated. Modules are very clear and well organized. Instructions are laid out and materials and links provided and working. Expectations, grading, and evaluation all included in the initial syllabus. Guiding questions and outcomes are provided for every module.
Assessment and Measurement: 13
Again this information is very clearly laid out for the student. Expectations for each assignment are stated and the value of each is listed.
Resources and Materials: 9
These have been very valuable. The content has been excellent and pertinent to the course objectives and interests of the participants. The topics are of high value, interesting, easy to access. Additional resources are also provided for learners should they wish to explore them.
New tools are provided and the expectation that they are used in completing assignments. There has also been considerable support provided by the instructors to those with questions. Although I personally have had difficulty with one of the tools, that is not an out-of-the-ordinary issue when dealing with multiple and disparate technologies.
Learner Engagement: 10
The activities are well designed to capture the interest of the learners. They promote interaction amongst all of the participants and instructors. The instructors’ willingness to adapt the assignments and due dates was very helpful and the changes were well articulated and communicated clearly. The announcements section is informative.
Course Technology: 11
The technology is appropriate to the delivery of the course and requires the student to be an active learner. Although students have access to the technology through the school, the do need appropriate resources at home. In addition the multiple resources used outside VISTA can be a bit intimidating to the newbie.
My concern in this area is for the new user. The CMS is clear if the user has experience with web technology. For someone who has never posted to a blog, used a wiki, etc. it does take a significant amount of time to learn the navigation.
Learner Support: 6
BC seems to extend every option possible to the user in providing technical help and support. The log in screen itself provides basic and necessary information for students to be sure they have the tools they need set up, including password recovery. The Help system is easy to navigate.

Accessibility: 8
As far as I can tell all the standards have been met.