Student Feedback Regarding Online Course Production Value: A Case Study from Classics

Abstract

This paper employs a data-driven approach to understanding the relationship between online course production quality, instructional effectiveness, and student satisfaction. To accomplish this, it assesses data from six years of student evaluations for online courses and compares it to the production style and quality present in those courses. The quantitative multiple choice course evaluation questions speak to issues of overall quality and satisfaction, student learning, and content and lesson clarity. Qualitative student comments are also assessed to understand the degree to which production quality is highlighted as a driving factor in both student enjoyment and instructional effectiveness. Finally, trends in evaluation data are analyzed in conjunction with the quality and style of each course to provide a better understanding of how students perceive the value of production quality. This project serves as an important step in furthering evidence-based online pedagogy and provides valuable insights for how to best allocate time and resources with regard to online course production.