Effectiveness of Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spring 2020: A Survey of Engineering and Computer Science Students
- Conference
- Location
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Virtual Conference
- Publication Date
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July 26, 2021
- Start Date
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July 26, 2021
- End Date
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July 19, 2022
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Electrical and Computer
- Page Count
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17
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--37012
- Permanent URL
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https://strategy.asee.org/37012
- Download Count
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305
Paper Authors
Rick Hutley University of the Pacific
Dr. Hutley earned his bachelors degree in computer science from the University of Hatfield, UK, a Masters degree in business administration from Cranfield University in the UK, and his doctorate in education from the University of the Pacific. He is currently the Program Director and Professor of Practice of the Data Science program at the University of the Pacific. His research interests include data science, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Rahim Khoie University of the Pacific
Rahim Khoie received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1986. He is presently a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where he joined in 2002. He is also the director of engineering physics program. His areas of interest include renewable energy, photovoltaics, and semiconductor quantum and nano devices. He has published more than 100 articles in journals, proceedings, and numerous invited presentations at conferences and scientific meetings. He also has received a number of research grants as well as teaching awards. Dr. Khoie has been member of a number of professional societies including ASES, IEEE, ASEE, and SPIE and has served in various chair positions including Pacific’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, IEEE Region 6 Student Activities, and ASEE Southwest Section.
Camilla M. Saviz P.E. University of the Pacific
Camilla Saviz is Professor and Chair of Civil Engineering at the University of the Pacific. She received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University, an M.B.A. from the New York Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Davis. She joined Pacific in 1999 and is a registered Professional Engineer in California.
Michael Doherty University of the Pacific
Michael Doherty received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida, an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Rhode Island and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. His experience includes developing simulation and control systems for General Electric. He is currently the Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of the Pacific. His research interests include animation, simulation and computer science education.
Abstract
Like most other universities in the United States, classes and labs at University X went fully virtual after Spring Break in March 2020 as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Prior to this event, all classes were taught in face-to-face synchronous mode. At the end of the semester, we administered a survey to students in the School of Y asking for feedback on their remote learning experience. In addition to questions on student demography and overall numerical ratings, specific feedback was sought using the following questions: • What elements of remote delivery were effective/not effective? • Do you have any specific suggestions for improving delivery of course or lab content in remote environments? • What elements of the remote environment made it easy to learn/difficult to learn? • Do you have any specific suggestions that could improve students' ability to learn in remote environments? • What elements of the remote environment made it easy/difficult to complete your work? • Do you have any specific suggestions for things that could make it easier for students to complete their work in remote environments? • Top three factors that affected your learning negatively/positively We received approximately 50 responses that included over 400 individual comments. Student demographic data indicated that responses received from all undergraduate years, although most respondents were in their senior year. Comments were analyzed by coding into categories following the ASCE ExCEEd Teaching model. These codings were compiled manually using a spreadsheet and also categorized using MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software, then compared for consistency. Students’ comments predominantly addressed appropriate use of technology, student engagement in the class or lab, and structured organization of the material and activities presented synchronously and asynchronously. Findings of the survey informed teaching practice in Fall 2020.
Survey results, the analysis approach used, and observations are presented in the paper. The most important take-away from this survey was that students prefer live classes with recorded lectures for later use together with ample opportunity for office hours and contact and communication with faculty and their fellow students.
Hutley, R., & Khoie, R., & Saviz, C. M., & Doherty, M. (2021, July), Effectiveness of Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spring 2020: A Survey of Engineering and Computer Science Students Paper presented at 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual Conference. 10.18260/1-2--37012
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