Before COVID-19 and the dramatic shift in the education landscape to online learning, Michael Hammond was interested in comparing face-to-face and online student learning outcomes.
About the project
Hammond, senior accounting instructor, received an assessment grant from the office of the provost via the office of assessment in spring 2020.
“I was very excited to receive the grant,” Hammond said. “I have taught online classes for a number of years.”
The focus of the assessment grant is two-fold.
The project will look at students learning the course materials (i.e. knowledge-based learning) and students being able to apply their knowledge of the course materials (i.e. competency-based learning).
The project also assesses these types of learning in an online versus a seated class environment.
“Even though I record audio and video lectures for my online classes to simulate the seated classes, there is a difference between student learning in online classes versus seated classes,” Hammond said.
Impact on student learning
An additional focus will include needs and expectations for online learning opportunities as well as expectations for students who traditionally enroll in seated courses.
By evaluating this area, Hammond will be able to determine what teaching methods will achieve those specific needs and expectations to create a better learning environment for students online.
About the assessment grants
Assessment grants support innovative practices in the assessment of student learning and are intended for faculty in their efforts to support and assess student learning in public affairs and general education.
The grants are intended for faculty who design assessment projects in their courses, programs, departments, or colleges.