Appendix B - Responses to First Student Questionnaire

Appendix B

Responses to First Student Questionnaire
This questionnaire was filled in by students on the course before they began working on Activity B. They had already completed two weeks of the course, so were becoming familiar with the on-line learning environment.

Questions
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I

1a

Are you clear on what your task for weeks 3 and 4 is?

Definitely

Partly

Partly

Partly

Partly

Partly

Definitely

Definitely

Not really

1b

Please add comments (if appropriate) about why you are / aren't clear.

Although the 'Action' part is clearly set out I'm wondering if there will be other activities involved.

It is good to see what happens in schools etc but there is a totally different approach in FE Colleges, which it might be useful to address. There is often a problem integrating vocational teaching with ICT.

Are we discussing methods of implementing or how effectively info is
gained by pupils??

Feeling reasonably confident that I'm on track. Thanks for good clear instructions and links.

Have read case studies and can see relevance of them but have not yet had time to read the other long document thoroughly

Guidelines are very clear and on-line help available for extra clarity.

This was made more difficult as I was away on a course in Germany. However I did read the case studies but still feel very much in the dark about what I am actually supposed to be doing.

2a

Do you understand what you are expected to learn from this task?

Definitely

Partly

Partly

No answer given

Partly

Partly

Definitely

Definitely

Partly

2b

Please add any appropriate comments.

Think I can see where the paths are leading

I assume this is about collaboration in computer based tasks and grouping

Aims are clearly stated

I am not sure if using pre-packaged IT programmes count? Do they?

3a

Do you feel you have the skills and knowledge you need for this task?

Partly

Partly

Partly

Definitely

Partly

Partly

Partly

Partly

Partly

3b

Please add any appropriate comments.

More references to on-line literature or texts would make me feel more secure.

And my skills are improving as I continue to work on the activity.

Find it a bit difficult relating school activities to further Ed environment

I have been reading around this area of study any way with my own module assignment in mind and there is an awful lot to get my head round. Having a bit of struggle with Vygotsky versus Piaget

I wonder whether I need to read other literature form (subject specific)
case studies. Do you feel this would be useful?

Some aspects of communicating have been problematic due to various technical glitches!

4a

Do you think you will be given clear enough instruction about what you are supposed to be doing during Activity B?

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Don't know but I assume so - !!!

Definitely

Definitely

Not really

4b

Please add any appropriate comments.

Yes, because the tutors for this part of the course have been students themselves and they will appreciate this.

If we are not sure there are plenty of people to ask! The instructions
are clearly laid out.

I have every confidence in you.

Based on the activities to date I am confident that whatever clarification is needed will be made available to the whole group or specific individuals as required.

I do feel very much left to my own devices.

5a

Which of these do you think will give you the most direction and support during the task? (1=most 4=least)

tutors 1
task 1
peers 3
self 2

tutors 2
task 1
peers 3
self 4

tutors 1
task 2
peers 2
self

tutors 3
task 4
peers 2
self 1

tutors 1
task 4
peers 3
self 2

tutors 1
task 3
peers 4
self 2

tutors 4
task 2
peers 1
self 3

tutors 1
task 2
peers 3
self 4

tutors 2
task 2
peers 4
self 3

5b

Please add any appropriate comments.

I've put myself least since I rely on the other three.

Particularly my peers in FE as it is slightly different approach to teaching ICT than primary or secondary.

Ordering things in this way is not really appropriate for me. All these work
together and are interlinked.

I am lucky that I know one of my peers already and we have supported each other outside of conference area - cross college visits etc.

As this is the area I am focusing on I have already been in touch with (the course tutor) and have as I said done some reading round, in effect I pre-empted things a bit

I am finding it difficult to study on-line as it is almost impossible to have a discussion. The cafe is not really adequate.

6a

Will being in a group of students with a related interest help?

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Don't know

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

6b

Please add any appropriate comments.

Weakness in our group will be that there are only two of us.

One thing I find lacking in teaching is exactly this. It's great to be in
touch with teachers in other areas too.

Always helps to bounce ideas of someone with similar background

Find it difficult to judge

Another aspect of peer tutoring in action!

7a

Do you feel motivated to take part in this activity?

Partly

Definitely

Partly

Definitely

Partly

Definitely

Partly

Definitely

Not sure

7b

Please add any comments about why you do or don't want to take part.

I feel that this activity is led by practising teachers making it relevant to daily school life.

Time is a limiting factor at the moment. We are approaching final examinations etc.

It's all new to me and I like the way I can think about my comments
before "speaking'

Highly motivated - paying for self (although some retrospective token help from college) Bit disappointed it's so "school" orientated so far although I can adapt basic ideologies.

See references above as to assignment

I find it difficult to be disciplined enough to get on the computer
during the day. As I am not online at home this presents a problem. I
am making a concerted effort from now on.

In order to clarify my own ideas through reflecting on my practice and considering that of others.

8a

Do you think you will learn anything new as a result of this task?

Partly

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Partly

Not sure

Definitely

Definitely

Not sure

8b

Please add any appropriate comments.

Hopefully....

Because it relates theory to practice.

I'm already learning loads about using e-mail, the internet and gaining
from others ideas.

Think some of theory about collaborative learning puts things into perspective. I.e. Computers are tools of teachers - not substitute for good teaching practice.

Would like to as it would help assignment, hopefully it will start some new trains of thought and ideas.

My own ideas are yet to be formalised and I am open to influence.

One of the reasons for doing this module is to discuss with others ways of teaching effectively and to be given a 'helping hand'. I do not feel I am getting much support from tutors.

9a

Do you feel comfortable using the VSC discussion area?

Not really

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Partly

Partly

Partly

Not really

9b

Please add any appropriate comments.

I feel that I rather lack the confidence to join in when I have been unable to log-on for a while owing to work commitments.

I am put off contributing if no one else has contributed on that particular day.

I found it confusing at first to know where to write what, also frustrating waiting for a response from people, but I'm used to it now. It would help me if there was some way of ticking off the bits of the discussion I had read because there are a little muddled time-wise. Not a complaint it has to be like that to keep the strings going but I may miss something added later. The colours help. Our primary group do not seem that active which is a shame.

Would like to see more contributions - can feel disinclined to contribute in case it's seen as "hogging limelight"
Depends which bit you mean.
Cafe - seems very hit and miss - I understand the intention, but seems a bit nebulous at present. Some of the problems are due to some people working from school and others working from home. Note pad - ours is under used (I'm as guilty as the others) Classroom discussion - probably the most useful bit

I have gained in confidence through contributing but had a few false starts due to technical hitches which dented my confidence and resulted in feelings of inadequacy. I'm still not sure about the unseen audience ~ rather like a one-way conversation at times, especially if no one follows up on something that you have posted for comment.

It is difficult to arrange a convenient time for all - especially now with exams and you can't write that much in the cafe. Some of the comments have been useful in the classroom discussion. However I feel at a real disadvantage NOT being on-line a t home. I also feel more guidance re literature should have been given. I feel that my other courses in the Professional Studies have so far been better structured.

10a

Are you aware of who to contact if you need help?

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Partly

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Definitely

Partly

10b

Please add any appropriate comments.

This is my second ICT module so I've learnt through experience.

Whenever I ask for help it is either answered or passed on to someone who can!

Received excellent support so far

I have had several consultations largely through e-mail but also by 'phone.

11a

Do you feel at ease discussing issues with other students and tutors?

Partly

Definitely

Definitely

Partly

Definitely

Partly

Partly

Partly

Partly

11b

Please add any appropriate comments.

This is easier as time goes by - it takes time to get used to other new students and unfamiliar tutors.

It is definitely easier face to face and the ground is covered so much
more quickly but I do value the connection with people who are not local.

We're all in this together!

Find the via computer format bit odd at present but will get used to it.

I have not really conducted enough discussion yet to know.

I have tried to make contributions whenever I can but sometimes feel that others may be better informed and in a better position to comment. I do not enjoy the silence from some course members. Are they still looking in but not contributing or do they not see our discussion as worthwhile? Hope I've said something appropriate somewhere and not caused offence!

I feel more at ease discussing with other students who I assume are in a similar situation

	Questions	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I
1a	Are you clear on what your task for weeks 3 and 4 is?	Definitely	Partly	Partly	Partly	Partly	Partly	Definitely	Definitely	Not really
1b	Please add comments (if appropriate) about why you are / aren't clear.		Although the 'Action' part is clearly set out I'm wondering if there will be other activities involved.	It is good to see what happens in schools etc but there is a totally different approach in FE Colleges, which it might be useful to address. There is often a problem integrating vocational teaching with ICT.	Are we discussing methods of implementing or how effectively info is gained by pupils??	Feeling reasonably confident that I'm on track. Thanks for good clear instructions and links.	Have read case studies and can see relevance of them but have not yet had time to read the other long document thoroughly		Guidelines are very clear and on-line help available for extra clarity.	This was made more difficult as I was away on a course in Germany. However I did read the case studies but still feel very much in the dark about what I am actually supposed to be doing.
2a	Do you understand what you are expected to learn from this task?	Definitely	Partly	Partly	No answer given	Partly	Partly	Definitely	Definitely	Partly
2b	Please add any appropriate comments.					Think I can see where the paths are leading	I assume this is about collaboration in computer based tasks and grouping		Aims are clearly stated	I am not sure if using pre-packaged IT programmes count? Do they?
3a	Do you feel you have the skills and knowledge you need for this task?	Partly	Partly	Partly	Definitely	Partly	Partly	Partly	Partly	Partly
3b	Please add any appropriate comments.		More references to on-line literature or texts would make me feel more secure.		And my skills are improving as I continue to work on the activity.	Find it a bit difficult relating school activities to further Ed environment	I have been reading around this area of study any way with my own module assignment in mind and there is an awful lot to get my head round. Having a bit of struggle with Vygotsky versus Piaget	I wonder whether I need to read other literature form (subject specific) case studies. Do you feel this would be useful?	Some aspects of communicating have been problematic due to various technical glitches!
4a	Do you think you will be given clear enough instruction about what you are supposed to be doing during Activity B?	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Don't know but I assume so - !!!	Definitely	Definitely	Not really
4b	Please add any appropriate comments.		Yes, because the tutors for this part of the course have been students themselves and they will appreciate this.		If we are not sure there are plenty of people to ask! The instructions are clearly laid out.	I have every confidence in you.			Based on the activities to date I am confident that whatever clarification is needed will be made available to the whole group or specific individuals as required.	I do feel very much left to my own devices.
5a	Which of these do you think will give you the most direction and support during the task? (1=most 4=least)	tutors 1 task 1 peers 3 self 2	tutors 2 task 1 peers 3 self 4	tutors 1 task 2 peers 2 self	tutors 3 task 4 peers 2 self 1	tutors 1 task 4 peers 3 self 2	tutors 1 task 3 peers 4 self 2	tutors 4 task 2 peers 1 self 3	tutors 1 task 2 peers 3 self 4	tutors 2 task 2 peers 4 self 3
5b	Please add any appropriate comments.		I've put myself least since I rely on the other three.	Particularly my peers in FE as it is slightly different approach to teaching ICT than primary or secondary.	Ordering things in this way is not really appropriate for me. All these work together and are interlinked.	I am lucky that I know one of my peers already and we have supported each other outside of conference area - cross college visits etc.	As this is the area I am focusing on I have already been in touch with (the course tutor) and have as I said done some reading round, in effect I pre-empted things a bit			I am finding it difficult to study on-line as it is almost impossible to have a discussion. The cafe is not really adequate.
6a	Will being in a group of students with a related interest help?	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Don't know	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely
6b	Please add any appropriate comments.		Weakness in our group will be that there are only two of us.		One thing I find lacking in teaching is exactly this. It's great to be in touch with teachers in other areas too.	Always helps to bounce ideas of someone with similar background	Find it difficult to judge		Another aspect of peer tutoring in action!
7a	Do you feel motivated to take part in this activity?	Partly	Definitely	Partly	Definitely	Partly	Definitely	Partly	Definitely	Not sure
7b	Please add any comments about why you do or don't want to take part.		I feel that this activity is led by practising teachers making it relevant to daily school life.	Time is a limiting factor at the moment. We are approaching final examinations etc.	It's all new to me and I like the way I can think about my comments before "speaking'	Highly motivated - paying for self (although some retrospective token help from college) Bit disappointed it's so "school" orientated so far although I can adapt basic ideologies.	See references above as to assignment	I find it difficult to be disciplined enough to get on the computer during the day. As I am not online at home this presents a problem. I am making a concerted effort from now on.	In order to clarify my own ideas through reflecting on my practice and considering that of others.
8a	Do you think you will learn anything new as a result of this task?	Partly	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Partly	Not sure	Definitely	Definitely	Not sure
8b	Please add any appropriate comments.	Hopefully....	Because it relates theory to practice.		I'm already learning loads about using e-mail, the internet and gaining from others ideas.	Think some of theory about collaborative learning puts things into perspective. I.e. Computers are tools of teachers - not substitute for good teaching practice.	Would like to as it would help assignment, hopefully it will start some new trains of thought and ideas.		My own ideas are yet to be formalised and I am open to influence.	One of the reasons for doing this module is to discuss with others ways of teaching effectively and to be given a 'helping hand'. I do not feel I am getting much support from tutors.
9a	Do you feel comfortable using the VSC discussion area?	Not really	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Partly	Partly	Partly	Not really
9b	Please add any appropriate comments.	I feel that I rather lack the confidence to join in when I have been unable to log-on for a while owing to work commitments.	I am put off contributing if no one else has contributed on that particular day.		I found it confusing at first to know where to write what, also frustrating waiting for a response from people, but I'm used to it now. It would help me if there was some way of ticking off the bits of the discussion I had read because there are a little muddled time-wise. Not a complaint it has to be like that to keep the strings going but I may miss something added later. The colours help. Our primary group do not seem that active which is a shame.	Would like to see more contributions - can feel disinclined to contribute in case it's seen as "hogging limelight"	Depends which bit you mean. Cafe - seems very hit and miss - I understand the intention, but seems a bit nebulous at present. Some of the problems are due to some people working from school and others working from home. Note pad - ours is under used (I'm as guilty as the others) Classroom discussion - probably the most useful bit		I have gained in confidence through contributing but had a few false starts due to technical hitches which dented my confidence and resulted in feelings of inadequacy. I'm still not sure about the unseen audience ~ rather like a one-way conversation at times, especially if no one follows up on something that you have posted for comment.	It is difficult to arrange a convenient time for all - especially now with exams and you can't write that much in the cafe. Some of the comments have been useful in the classroom discussion. However I feel at a real disadvantage NOT being on-line a t home. I also feel more guidance re literature should have been given. I feel that my other courses in the Professional Studies have so far been better structured.
10a	Are you aware of who to contact if you need help?	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Partly	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Definitely	Partly
10b	Please add any appropriate comments.		This is my second ICT module so I've learnt through experience.		Whenever I ask for help it is either answered or passed on to someone who can!	Received excellent support so far			I have had several consultations largely through e-mail but also by 'phone.
11a	Do you feel at ease discussing issues with other students and tutors?	Partly	Definitely	Definitely	Partly	Definitely	Partly	Partly	Partly	Partly
11b	Please add any appropriate comments.		This is easier as time goes by - it takes time to get used to other new students and unfamiliar tutors.		It is definitely easier face to face and the ground is covered so much more quickly but I do value the connection with people who are not local.	We're all in this together!	Find the via computer format bit odd at present but will get used to it.	I have not really conducted enough discussion yet to know.	I have tried to make contributions whenever I can but sometimes feel that others may be better informed and in a better position to comment. I do not enjoy the silence from some course members. Are they still looking in but not contributing or do they not see our discussion as worthwhile? Hope I've said something appropriate somewhere and not caused offence!	I feel more at ease discussing with other students who I assume are in a similar situation