There is a need for a simple tool to assess the learner's match to
distance delivery methods such as telecourse and modem classes. The
concept of a prediction instrument is a practical approach to identifying
the at-risk student in the distance delivery environment.
The purpose of this study was to determine if the Telecourse Self-Assessment Predictor Inventory (TSAPI), entitled "Are Telecourses for
Me?" predicted the likelihood of student success in a telecourse. The
utility of this instrument was analyzed using descriptive statistical
procedures to describe the relationship between the total TSAPI scores,
the scores on each instrument item, and the two student success
categories of completers and noncompleters.
The study compared academic achievement with scores on the
TSAPI of 133 students enrolled in Medical Terminology I MED051,
Medical Terminology II MED052, Personal Health HE205, and Aging and
Society HS220 telecourses at Chemeketa Community College from 1994
to 1995.
The TSAPI did not predict student telecourse success in this study.
Completion rates differed by gender, grade point average (GPA), and total
credit hours but did not differ by instrument total scores or distribution
of scores. Several individual instrument questions had some predictive
value and needs assessment utility for both students and instructors.
Only three of the instrument's 10 questions confirmed a positive
relationship between the questions and prediction of student success.
The categories explored by these questions were (1) independence in
receiving directions from instructors, (2) expected time spent on
telecourse compared to a traditional face-to-face class, and (3) student
self-assessment of reading ability.
Questions not found to predict success elicited responses
concerning motivation for taking the class, the need for interactivity,
technology anxiety, ability to come to campus, and organization of
required course work. The key recommendation of the study was to
develop an instrument that has greater utility in predicting student
success.
The results of the study support the premise that a short, easy-to-administer
score prediction instrument would be valuable in assessing
student needs and identifying the at-risk population in the distance
learning environment. / Graduation date: 1997
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/34065 |
| Date | 18 November 1996 |
| Creators | Wetle, Victoria L. |
| Contributors | Drunham, Daniel B. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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