Internet Learning Volume 4, Number 1, Spring 2015 | Page 48

Internet Learning Journal – Volume 4, Issue 1 – Spring 2015
Table 3 shows the survey items that correspond to a QM indicator assigned the point
value of “1 – Important” on the 2011-2013 QM rubric. With one exception, these items
were rated significantly higher by students than they were ranked by QM. The item about
student self-introductions (QM 1.8) was the only item on the survey to be rated the same by
students and QM. This item received the lowest rating by participants, indicating its relative
lack of importance to students.
While there was a statistically significant difference for item 7.4 (related to the
inclusion of how to access the institution's student support services), the effect size was less
than 0.8 indicating low practical significance. Students' rating of this item was more similar
to QM's rating than other items assigned a value of 1 by QM.
The analysis of three other items assigned a value of 1 by QM (QM 1.5, 1.6, 1.7)
produced a difference that was both statistically and practically significant. Specifically,
students gave greater weight than QM to the minimum preparation, prerequisites, and
technical skills being clearly stated. Similarly, students rated the item related to the
instructor self-introduction markedly higher than the value assigned to that item by QM.
Table 3 Comparison of participant ratings to QM point values for items ranked “1 –
Important” by QM
QM # QM statement N Mean SD t p
1.5 Minimum preparation or
prerequisite knowledge I need to
succeed in the course is clearly
stated
1.6 Minimum technical skills expected
of me are clearly stated.
1.7 The instructor introduces her-or
himself.
7.4 Course includes or links to a clear
explanation of how the institution’s
student support services can help
me reach my educational goals.
1.8 I am asked to introduce myself to
the class.
**p < .001, § d > .8
Mean
Diff.
3148 2.08 0.82 73.74 .000** 1.08 1.31 §§
3152 1.99 0.87 63.53 .000** 0.99 1.13 §§
3141 1.91 0.87 58.88 .000** 0.91 1.05 §§
2668 1.69 0.93 37.78 ,000** 0.68 0.73
3149 1.00 0.96 .00 1.00 0.00 0.00
d
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