Students are making decisions on which classes to take
based on the character of the class Web sites.
Some students say the best professors are the ones who bother to make Web
pages for their courses. And a growing number of students use the quality of
course Web pages as a deciding factor when picking classes.
Professors who go the extra mile to make useful course Web pages are often
the same ones who "teach the classes that you want to take," said Jess
Johnson, Jr., a sophomore in electrical engineering at the University of
Virginia. He spoke during a panel discussion on student expectations for
technology that was held this week in Washington by the Software and
Information Industry Association.
The last thing a student wants, said Mr. Johnson, is a professor who "gives
his spiel and walks out" -- without noticing whether students understand the
material. At least for Mr. Johnson, a course Web site is an indicator that
the professor will make other efforts to connect with students.
"That little extra effort is what makes the quality there, and makes the
difference," he said.
"Students Say They Check Courses'
Web Pages Before Deciding to Enroll"
By Jeffrey R. Young
Thursday, May 27, 1999
The Chronicle of Higher Education
