HST201 Online - Fall 2023 - Student Evaluation of Instruction & Course

The textbook and overall experience of Cengage was good.

The required text and mindtap material was useful. I felt that the information was organized well and allowed me to study relevant topics to prepare for the relevant questions.

The online required textbook was easy to traverse and read, and the information gave enough detail to learn the topic.

The online textbook was sufficient. I especially liked the search bar where you could search for a specific date or word within the textbook. I wish the images within the textbook had more detail in explanation. 

I utilized the read aloud feature every week. It really helped me finish the reading.

The textbook has a lot of information packed into not very many words, which sometimes requires reading a section a couple of times to fully understand everything being said. There would also be occasionally lots of details about something that is not as relevant as other information. I usually prefer having a physical book, especially because afterward you can continue to have it and learn from it, but being able to highlight, read out loud option, and having the textbook on any device including laptop or phone was definitely useful and easier than carrying a textbook around

The online textbook was nice because I didn't have to carry a heavy book with me, but I personally would have found it much easier ro flip through pages and find things I was looking for. 

I think the quality of the textbook was good, the only thing I did not like is having to read a textbook online is very hard. I cannot concentrate and it makes my head hurt. with that being said it is unfortunate that I had to pay so much for it to only be online because I struggled having to read that much on my computer.

I enjoyed the reading, it was interesting and informative. I definitely found it easier to read than other online textbooks. Being able to search for and highlight terms helped me study for the in-person tests. Some of the questions in the MindTap chapter activities were worded in a confusing way, but overall I prefer MindTap to other online platforms. 

I felt that the textbook, especially in the early chapters, had a ton of unnecessary information that pulled from what the "big picture" of that section was. It was easy to get lost in all the information and then need to apply it to the chapter quizzes. Additionally, the chapter quizzes, specifically the end of chapter quizzes, often asked questions that I felt were not adequately covered in the readings. I felt like for the price it's an okay option. My biggest complaint on this textbook was there was a part of the grade book that gave your time spent on the site as a refection of how your grade should turn out and despite well passing the time that I was meant to be spending on the site, I still was not performing as well as the grade book said I should, which I found very disheartening in the course. 

I liked mindtap, it was easy for me to use. I liked that I could easily find all the assignments for the week, and the chapter was broken into sections so it was not a lot to read at one time. I benefited from the checkpoints as well. However, I felt like the chpater tests did not fully match what we were reading in the chapters. Along with the image analysis, I apparently do not interpret images how other people do and this negatively affected my grade. Otherwise I would highly recommend mindtap. 

The video clips were well edited and relevant to the chapters they were attached to, but I thought the quizzes were too focused on the specifics of the video rather than the concepts covered in the video. I don't always remember the exact words used in the video but I usually remember the concept they were talking about.

The video clips offered another way to learn the content and the edited versions were very on point for each week and topic, the quizzes however asked for too much specific details rather than the understanding of a concept.

The videos that were required for video quizzes were monotone and put me to sleep. I wish there were more documentary type style videos that students coul watch and learn from.

yes I thought the videos were helpful

I found it really helpful when the LCC library link was attached because i like subtitles.

Yes overall, having to watch these videos was made super easy for me and I definitely think it was efficient to have them shorter that way it was easier to actual listen for the answers and much easier to take notes on. After I watched each video, I would always understand why it was important to watch, it would make a lot of sense.

I enjoyed the video clips, they helped reinforce the material we learned from the textbook chapters. I appreciated the ability to take the test twice. 

I felt that the clips were helpful, but with the amount of time I spent on the textbook I felt like they were overkill. I didn't like that many of the videos didn't have subtitles or the ones that had links to have subtitles had expired on the LCC website. 

I liked the videos, I think they had a good amount of information. I did find it helpful to be able to pause and rewatch these videos, and that made it easier to take notes. These videos also helped me put my reading into a visual, that is how I learn best. The only thing I would suggest is subtitles and you did provide some videos with them, I benefited more from those. Also, I do understand why each video was assigned, they all seemed important for what we were learning. 

I believe the Sunday deadline is good for the facts that you stated. maybe have certain incentives for students who get the work in earlier than the deadline or score well on the chapter or weekly activities.

I think the previously mentioned plan of having due dates spaced throughout the week would definitely improve the number of people regularly logging in to moodle to study and learn, however I also think that many people do have obligations of other classes, work or other diverse things that would pose a real obstacle to meeting midweek deadlines. I suspect that most people would still complete the deadlines but that other parts of their life may suffer because of it. I know that I for one was grateful I had the option of doing the work on the weekends.

I am one of the people that only did work in one day and it was helpful when it came to workload from all classes combined and I enjoyed that. Although I agree that having the Check Your Understandings due throughout the week would be very beneficial for learning the concepts, I think it is a great idea.

I was one of those students who would complete work in one day, due to Monday or Tuesday being my only time that I have time away from my children in the week. More deadlines would add stress, so I am opposing the proposition.

While I agree doing it all in one day isn't the most effective way to learn, I think having deadlines on Sunday allows students who work to be able to make the deadlines. Say I work Monday through Thursday, 10:30-9:00. Making these deadlines would be extremely difficult.

Having a midweek deadline could motivate students to not procrastinate doing the work which would be more beneficial and allow more time for processing the information, but it would add more difficulty to students working during the week when they usually use the weekend as the time to complete schoolwork. 

I work so trying to make sure that I complete mid-week deadlines for this class is very hard for me. Especially since so many people take more than just one class I don't think this is a good idea. 

I like the idea but also it is hard to fully support it because people do have many obligations along with other things going on in their life. It would also be hard in this class because if someone misses the due date there is no making it up. And I have learned this term, not doing on assignment can start you off on the wrong track. So the way your grading policy goes and how you don't allow late work I say this would not be a smart thing to do. Also if you're an athlete like me it can strongly effect your grade. I missed one video quiz because I am an athlete and I was super busy and there was no way of making it up. Super unfortunate.

I work full time, and often only find time to do my work on the weekends. I have spent hours over the weekends reading, taking notes, watching videos, and completing my work for this class while retaining the information. I know that some students procrastinate and end up not doing all of the reading, or not doing well on their work but ultimately that will be reflected in their tests and overall scores. Another point I would make as a fully online student is that most online classes have deadlines on Sundays or Mondays, and I appreciate having similar due dates because of my busy schedule. 

I did have a time constraint so that I could essentially only do work for this class on a few days of the week, which is the case for many, however I do prefer when classes have a midweek deadline to keep me on track. 

I do not recommend using midweek deadlines, especially because you do not accept late work. I think this would cause unnecessary stress on students. Especially students who are working, and taking other classes. If a student chooses to wait and jam it all into one day they are only hurting themselves and they know that. They know what they are signing up for and doing the class how they want to. 

I only had one extra credit activity, it was an online intro video to the class. I like extra credit or chances to retake a quiz or some type of makeup work.

Yes, 1000% bring back extra credit. For those who don't care, it won't affect them at all, they weren't going to do it anyway. I do and would've absolutely loved it this term. 

I think that having extra credit opportunities is good. Many of my other classes in subjects ranging from chemistry to PE have offered extra credit assignments. I have written essays, recorded videos, performed lab studies, done worksheets and watched videos. I find that if I want the extra credit, it doesn't matter what the assignment type is, I will do it. Usually there are no more than 2 extra credit assignments, most commonly there is just 1. I find that the ones that simply give a student some extra points to contribute to their overall grade are the best. Replacing assignments is nice, but some students won't need that so they would not be able to use it to improve their grade as effectively. 

I think that having one or two extra credit opportunities for those who want them and choose to work hard is great, if the students choose not to do them it is up to them. My other classes mainly did forums throughout the course and it was a couple points here and there.

I love extra credit opportunities and even though not all students utilize those assignments, it would be unfair to limit the students who do want to succeed. I would say two extra credit assignments, 10% each.

Some of my other classes have offered extra credit options, and I usually take them. It usually will boost my grade 5-10%. I think extra credit is great and it allows room for students to make up for accidents. Stuff happens in life, sometimes we miss assignments. I still think we should have a chance to get a satisfactory grade.

I like the opportunity of extra credit, it can help make up for a bad week when something was distracting me from my schooling resulting in a lower grade. In one class I had provided an extra credit question or two on exams which I found useful because it could make up for some of the points I missed on the regular exam questions. 

I think extra credit is always a good idea because the people who truly care about their grades will be the ones who do the extra credit. 

I have not had a lot of classes that offer extra credit, they just allow late work and are very flexible with you. They want you to do well and understand the course.

I understand not offering extra credit, especially in a class with detailed expectations regarding due dates. I have had extra credit opportunities in the past and taken advantage of them, but a lot of students don't. For example, in both of my other two classes the Professor's are offering extra credit opportunities to make up points on a singular assignment of my choice from this term if I want to redo the assignment. Because I have A's in my classes and have done well on most assignments it isn't a priority for me, as I am busy studying for my finals. However, if I had B's in those classes I would definitely be taking advantage of those opportunities to try and improve my final grade. 

I have taken a couple of STEM classes that have given random extra credit opportunities that span from writing an essay to going to an event that the professor is passionate about. Most give one to three per term and raise peoples grades by .5-1%. I think that despite very few students taking advantage of them, it shows who is serious about getting a good grade and is willing to put in the extra work. 

I have not taken a class that offers extra credit but I would have loved if you had more opportunities. This is the only class I have struggled in and almost/could possibly fail and I would have used any extra credit oppurtunity.  Im not sure how much would be a fair amount because I have never had a class offer it, and have never needed it but I would say maybe 10%. 

The once-a-week optional class Zoom meeting would be nice. Just in case some clarification needed to be addressed.

Would've been nice to get to know who you are and to hear you teach, I only know you through emails and the syllabus.

I do like meeting in person normally and I think many people learn better that way. However, the reason that I sign up for online asynchronous classes like this one is because I don't have the time in my schedule for another required class meeting. However, having an optional one is still good just in case some students feel like they would like to talk with the professor or their classmates about the class.

I think that having a meeting time once a week or even every other week just to have another form learning is helpful, I know that in person or zoom classes help me absorb information better. Maybe offer an optional lecture form to help supplement some of the online videos.

For those of us who do not have an abundance of free time to travel to campus, Zoom is helpful to have an option in asking questions and getting feedback.

I think having a weekly Zoom meeting would help this class feel less distant. I didn't interact with my classmates once in this class, and I think I would have benefitted from face to face discussion with my class and teacher.

Zoom meetings can be hard to make the time to attend if you have a conflicting schedule. I think fully online classes should not have a required zoom time because most students are working or have family obligations which usually leads you to taking online classes.

I think zoom would he;p some people but not others, it really just depends on the person and how useful it can be. I would have it offered so people can use it if they want.

I find it easier to learn on my own, in my own time. One thing that I would have enjoyed is video messages about the material from my Professor. I enjoy hearing about the subject that I am learning from someone who is passionate about it, because it makes me more excited to learn. If there were mini video lectures about the material I definitely would have watched them on my own time. Before tests I would find optional zoom meetings with the class helpful for studying purposes, and the material in this course was interesting so it would have been nice to discuss it with my peers. If there were mandatory zoom meeting scheduled I most likely wouldn't have been able to take this course because of my work schedule. 

I think that having a specific time for students to go makes it feel less uncomfortable for people to attend and more accessible that having it be by appointment only. 

I personally do not like zoom, it causes unnecessary anxiety on students and most students took online courses because they could not attend class in person for whatever reason. I had teachers require it during highschool, and a very little amount of students actually showed up. I do like the option of having it incase I need to zoom with you but I would not like it if it was required. 

I do not have any recommendations.

It'd be dope if you made lecture videos and posted them on Youtube in a chapter section or two. It was dope seeing the professors from around the country but you know this stuff too, show us who you are and your passion

Nope. Don't think so.

I don't having any other forms of web-based tools that would be helpful for learning.

I am not aware of any apps that could be helpful.

no 

None that I know of

no I do not know of any thing else that would be helpful. 

I personally have not had anything in any other class that has been more helpful then how yours is set up so I would say nothing for me.

Not that I can think of, but possibly recommend online map quizzes so that students can learn the states. I have been on some websites where you fill in the states and it has helped me learn where the east coast states are located. 

Not any that I could think of, I liked the websites that were used. 

I liked the class setup and the materials we needed to purchase. it was my first time doing online courses, so I fell into the trap of procrastinating. I have a very busy schedule, so sometimes I waited until the weekend to cram all my studies in. 

If it was free, my goodness would I have loved to print out a paper copy of the text for free. We pay for printing and Lane each term, I never use it so it's just wasted for me. Even if I had to go somewhere to print it, it would've been way less than the crazy amount Cengage wanted for our hard copy textbook.

I do not appreciate paying for my class materials because college is already very expensive. However I do see the necessity for it in some situations and this term in particular I thought the online text was useful and ultimately worth it. So no, I don't think switching to ALL free online materials would be a good thing. Some things though, should be free because it makes no difference.

I enjoyed the online version of the textbook however I would like to not have to pay for my materials. Honestly in the grand scheme of things the 89 dollars won't matter to much but I would prefer online textbooks to other materials.

I will always buy a mandatory textbook, but I do search for the most cost-effective option. I enjoy this textbook because it does not add extra clutter, it was cheaper than a hard copy, and I do not have to worry about whether I can sell it after use.

I think this is a great idea. Costly textbooks are a huge disadvantage for students. I also don't think it's very productive to gather all of your information about a topic from one textbook and two or three video series from the 90's. I think it makes it harder to gather a nuanced and complex understanding of something as nuanced and complex as 200 years of US history. Also, all of my other teachers already do this.

I grudgingly purchase online material such as mindmap because after paying for it and using it for the term it disappears. Having a physical copy would eliminate that, but that may come at an increased price as well as the inconvenience of carrying around a textbook. It's not fun to pay for textbooks, but I can't think of another solution that would provide the same level of education, especially in a class such as this one.

no I do not like this because that would require me to look at a screen more hours of the day and sometimes it can give me a heaadache

The only comment I have to make is that I think it would be very helpful to have a physical book instead of it being online.

My other two online classes this term both offered free online textbooks, and I did not have any issues accessing them. However, the material was hard to get through and definitely confusing at times. I think it worked well in my science class because the textbook was more of a reference and we weren't required to read full chapters. I found it more helpful to watch my Professor's lectures than to read the textbook, I mostly used it to elaborate on specific information. With a class like this where it is almost all about reading and retaining information it is essential to have a quality textbook that is relevant, interesting, and easy to understand. I would choose to pay for the textbook in this class if it was up to me. 

As a student who assumes all educational costs, having to not pay for a textbook would be significant for me. As a student I've found that professors that take the route of not using a textbook (just having online links) are very easy to navigate and keep track of as long as the website in well organized. I think it would work very well for this kind of class because of how well researched this time period is. 

I have not taken a class that only used free materials, I have always had to pay for a textbook. I do not mind paying for a textbook and I would rather do that than have many different websites given to us. Surfing websites causes a lot of confusion for me personally, and I do not recommed putting that into this course. I like having everything in one place, and I like printing off what ever I need printed. I found the setup of this class very easy to follow, and would prefer many of my other classes to be like this one. 

N.A

I think you got the most important questions. Thank you for a good term!

I don't think I have any. Thank you for the course.

As I mentioned above, the videos provided were so monotone and hard to focus on. More engaging videos or speakers would have helped me tremendously.

I can't think of any

I would suggest maybe creating a small, maybe simple forum post, as a way for students to connect with others about the curriculum. Maybe asking a question about last week's curriculum and answering in a forum, and then having to respond to a classmate's forum answer as well.

I have nothing to add

n/a

I would like to feel more connected to my classmates and my Professor. I don't even know what my Professor looks like at the end of this term. I like the idea of optional zoom calls, or peer discussion posts about the material. I haven't needed help with the classwork so I haven't reached out, but this is the most disconnected I've felt in an online course as far as interaction with others and it's unfortunate because I really enjoyed the material. 

I would say the thing that I struggled with the most was that it felt like none of the actual content was coming from the professor. There were no lecture videos or slides that were created by the professor. Everything was from the textbook readings and quizzes or the videos. It felt like the only thing the professor did was make the video quizzes, midterm, and final, which was really frustrating for the price of the course. 

Overall this was a great course. I have always struggled with history but this one was harder than any other history class. I found the videos helpful, as well as the checkpoints in the chapters. However, like I mentioned above, I did not think the tests tied to what we were learning. I could give you a rundown of the chpater easily, but I could not get a high grade on a chpater test. Im not sure how you could fix that moving forward but it was a struggle for me. I did like the video quizzes and how we had 2 chances to do them, I benefited from those.