Internet Learning Volume 3, Number 1, Spring 2014 | Page 77

Internet Learning or higher, equating to a letter grade of C, B, or A. CSM policy supports this valuation, as 70% is the cut-off score for credit being earned for the course as well as its ability to be transferred to another school. In addition, the majority of student learning outcomes assessments at CSM use the benchmark of 70% or higher. Results At the 95% confidence level, two of the SmarterMeasure indicators (typing speed/accuracy and reading rate/recall) were statistically significant, thereby exerting significant influence on student success in the course. There is a high probability (at the 95% level) that the other SmarterMeasure indicators did not exert significant influence on student success. See Table 1 for the aggregate data. SmarterMeasure Indicator, Reading Rate The results for reading rate and recall indicate with a high degree of confidence that this indicator exerts an influence on student success. Specifically, 72 students were successful per the SmarterMeasure Indicator, while 62 ended up being successful in the course. The results are statistically significant, α = .05. See Figure 1. SmarterMeasure Indicator, Typing Speed The results for typing speed and accuracy indicate with a high degree of confidence that this indicator exerts an influence on student success. Specifically, 88 students were successful per the SmarterMeasure Indicator, while 81 ended up being successful in the course. The results are statistically significant, α = .05. See Figure 2. SmarterMeasure Indicator, Life Factors The results for life factors do not show that this indicator exerts an influence on student success. The results are not statistically significant, α = .05. (Note that there is a statistical significance only if you set the alpha at the .1 level.) See Figure 3. SmarterMeasure Indicator, Technical Knowledge The results for technical knowledge do not show that this indicator exerts an influence on student success. The results are not statistically significant, α = .05. (Note that there is a statistical significance only if you set the alpha at the .1 level). See Figure 4. SmarterMeasure Indicator, Reading Comprehension The results for technical knowledge do not show that this indicator exerts a significant influence on student success, as the results are not statistically significant, α = .05. See Figure 5. SmarterMeasure Indicator, Individual Attributes The results for individual attributes do not show that this indicator exerts an influence on student success. The results are not statistically significant, α = .05. See Figure 6. Discussion The study was based on the hypothesis that student success in well-designed courses (those that meet QM standards), that are delivered via a familiar LMS, and that are taught by experienced and engaging online instructors are most influenced 76