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Session 2147

A Web-Based Approach for Outcomes Assessment

Lyle B. McCurdy, Ph.D., Douglas B. Walcerz, Ph.D., William H. Drake, Ph.D. California State Polytechnic University at Pomona / Enable Technologies, Inc. / Southwest Missouri State University /

Abstract

The Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) program at Cal Poly Pomona and the Industrial Management (IM) program at Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU) are designing and implementing an outcomes assessment process in order to continuously improve their programs and to prepare for upcoming accreditation visits. Both programs contracted with Enable Technologies, Inc., to conduct a pilot study using EnableOA, which is a Web-based, software-driven outcome-assessment process. The study involved two courses at each university, covering all levels from freshmen to seniors. The study was conducted during the fall quarter of 2000 at Cal Poly Pomona and the fall semester of 2000 at SMSU.

Results of the study show that the EnableOA process was relatively easy to learn for instructors and students. Instructors spent approximately four hours incorporating their first course into the assessment process, and less than half that time incorporating a second course. They anticipate that in the future only one hour of preparation per course will be required. Students were introduced to the process, which involved the creation and maintenance of an electronic portfolio, in a single class period or, in one case, via Email. Student participation in the process was voluntary, however, response rates were relatively poor. In two courses, a nominal grade incentive tied to student responses was used as a participation motivator.

Approximately two thirds of 84 eligible students in four courses participated. The quality of the material that students submitted was, in general, good or moderate quality; however, students had difficulty associating their educational experiences to appropriate educational outcomes. The data and reports that were automatically generated by EnableOA were judged to be very useful for continuous improvement and accreditation, with the caveat that students must improve their ability to select appropriate outcomes. Both universities are planning to continue their assessment processes using EnableOA.

Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2001, American Society for Engineering Education

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McCurdy, L., & Drake, W., & Walcerz, D. (2001, June), A Web Based Approach For Outcomes Assessment Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--10009