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Report on Enhancement of Computer Utilization in Teaching
--as Part of 1995 SQL Grant
Prepared by
Jiping Zuo
Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology
St. Cloud State University
Tel. (612) 255-2136
Fax (612) 654-5198
E-mail SOCZUO@TIGGER.STCLOUD.MSUS.EDU
This project was designed to serve two related teaching programs: (1) to incorporate the
training in the Internet in my research methods course so as to raise students' awareness and
capability of applying computer technology in their course work; (2) to conduct a training session
for the tutor for the methods and social statistics courses in the Department of Sociology and
Anthropology, and lab consultants. The project was implemented in both the Fall and Winter
Quarter, 1995.
I. What Has Been Done?
Internet training in Class
September 7: A survey assessing students' knowledge about the Internet
and the Internet use.
September 19: The Internet training in both sections of my Research Methods
Course which included: (1) getting familiar with SCSU on-line system,
(2) E-mailing, (3) new features on PALS, (4) on-line library in
LUMINA, (5) on-line library search in the world-wide university
systems.
September 19: First assignment in e-mailing.
September 26: Second assignment in on-line library search outside the
MSUS system.
October 24: Search for research topics, sources of research material, search
for graduate schools and employment using different search
engines (Yahoo, Savvy, etc.).
October 24: Third assignment in Netscape.
Training of the tutor
September: The Internet training and SPSS training.
October: Training in the Netscape.
Training of COSS and ACS lab consultants
November: SPSS for Windows. The contents included the handling of data
files, syntax of command files, statistical running procedures,
and printing output files.
January: Assignment in computer runs of SPSS for Windows.
In-class SPSS training
December 12: Frequency distribution tables and charts.
January 4: Crosstabs and Chi-square test
January 30: T test
February 6: F test
February 15: Bivariate regression
II. Students' Assessment of the Project
A student survey in the effectiveness of Internet training and a one in SPSS training were
conducted respectively in the 1995 Winter Quarter covering the students in my Research Methods
course in the Fall, 1995, and Sociolal Statistics course this quarter. Sixteen1 students from last fall
participated in the survey about the Internet training, and 42 in the survey about experience with
SPSS. There are five close-ended questions in each survey (See Appendix A and Appendix B for
the questionaires and results). Students were also expected to make comments about the training
programs.
The overal reponses from students are positive. This is especially the case for those who
participated in the Internect training in last fall. The overwhelming majority of students believe that
the Internect training helped reduce the anxiety in learning computer technology, enriched the
sources for learning material, made them feel more comfertable with computer work in similar
courses, facilitated their contact with the outside world, and stimulated their interest and
explorations in other areas in the Internet (See Appendix A). As Some suggested: "I think all
students who are enrolled at SCSU should receive Internet training because the Internet is very
helpful for college students" (for all comments from the students regarding the Interne training, see
Appendix A).
The survey regarding the SPSS training includes students' classroom experiences,
experiences with the tutor and COSS lab consultants. According to the survey (see Appendix B),
majority of students think that SPSS training has reduced their anxiety in learning computer
technology, and made them feel comfertable with computer work in other courses to varing
degrees. Most students believe that computer assignments help them better understand the course
material. Students also find the tutor and the lab consultants helpful. Nevertheless, some students
(around 24%) don't think SPSS training is very helpful in those aformentioned areas. My
speculation is, compared with the Internet technology, SPSS as a statistical tool is more technical
and more specialized, unable to meet students' broad interests in research (such as search for
internship, graduate schools, news groups). In addition, according to students' comments
(Appendix B), I find some students have not realized the importance of learning computerized
statistics for their future career. Others were worried by the low grades they received on computer
assignments. Another finding is that the majority of students don't see the tutor (69%) for one
reason or another, but for those who do see the tutor, the responses are very positive (for all
comments regarding the SPSS training, see Appendix B).
As a result, I have emphasized the purpose and importance of SPSS training since the
survery. In addition, I have made a closer link between the computer analysis and the text material.
Although it is a misconception that computer generated results are not helpful merely because they
do not show you computational processes as what are done in class (as one student commented,
see Appendix B), it is the instructor's responsibility to help students realize especially the long-
term advantege of learning computerized statistics.
III. How Was Learning Affected?
Training in the Internet
1. Provided more resources for learning;
2. made research work more efficient by obtaining needed information at
a higher speed;
3. facilitated teacher-student communication/interaction.
4. enhanced students' contact with the outside world;
5. prepared students to meet new challenges from the information age.
Training in SPSS for Windows
1. Got students acquainted with the state-of-art version of SPSS
statistical software;
2. increased student problems-solving ability;
3. prepared students for graduate studies and research oriented jobs;
4. the training of the tutor and consultants made students' exercises
outside class easier and more efficient.
IV. Recommendations for the Future Work
1. The Internet training be added to the curriculum of research methods
course which may include the training communication through e-mail,
on-line library search beyond the state university system, and
different search engines for research work.2
2. The Internet training be offered in all methods courses in the College
of Social Sciences.
3. Conduct a basic training in statistical software of tutors, COSS and
ACS consultants at least once a year in order to serve student needs
on the continuing basis.
V. Financial Report of SQL Grant
Expenditure for the Enhancement of Computer Utilization SQL
Project
Date Item Purpose
Amount ($)
Fall, 95 Release time implement the project 2,500.00
10/4/95 Book ends organize book shelves 5.99
Binders organize lecture notes 2.67
Calculator for stats course 15.99
/13 Qual. data analysis book for methods course 32.00
Inside the WWW book for methods course 40.00
Netscape quick tour book for methods course 15.00
Research design book for methods course 19.50
/26 Microcase Manual book for stats training in future 29.95
/31 Copy card, U of M for library search 8.00
Total
2,669.10
VI. What May Contribute to the Final Report of SQL Director?
1. Improved student learning. Students were able to learn library search, research and
communication skills without me cutting down the amount of other teaching material, on the
contrary, it only made relevant research work more efficient. Some students incorporated the
information extracted from the Internet in their group projects in my methods course.
2. Improved data interpretation. Because the widow version of SPSS is much easier
to work with compared with the mainframe version, I was able to focus students' attention on data
interpretation rather than on the rules of syntax of commands. Students were required in their
computer assignments to discuss and understand test statistics in a substantive manner and majority
of them complete their assignments successfully.
3. Time table. The assessment of the project would be more adequate if the project could
extend to the end of the Winter Quarter when the stats course is finished.
4. Use of Institutional Resources. First, COSS has provided support and services in
the following way: (1) paying consultants for receiving the training; (2) installing SPSS for
Windows before the training and the course; (3) coordinating the scheduling of training and the
training assignments for the lab consultants (mainly done by Dan Michaels, manager of the COSS
lab). Secondly, faculty from LRS (Chris Inkster and Jane Jurgens) conducted the Netscape
training at LRS. Finally, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology has also contributed to
this project by (1) installing SPSS for Windows in our local server (Rita Argiros), and (2) by
providing printing and copying services.
APPENDIX A
Dear students:
In the Winder Quarter, I conducted an Internet training in our Research Methods course
(379). The training included the following (1) communication through e-mail, (2) on-line library
search of journal articles, government documents, etc., (3) on-line library search beyond our
MSUS system, (4) search through the Netscape, Yahoo, etc.. Now I'd like to learn about your
opinion of this training. Your input is important for me to better assist your needs. Please answer
the following questions, make comments/critiques, and return it to me by February 6 at
SH252.
I appreciate your time and input very much!
Hope the Winter Quarter has been shaping you up well!
Sincerely
Jiping
Survey on the Effectiveness of Internet Training
The Internet training I have received in the Methods course in the Fall, 1995: (please circle one)
1. has removed my anxiety in learning computer technology.
1) not true 2) to a certain extent 3) substantially 4) completely 5) don't know 6) refuse
2. enabled me to find reading material/information from external sources.
1) not true 2) to a certain extent 3) to a large extent 4) very must so 5) don't know 6) refuse
3. made me feel more comfortable with computer work in similar courses.
1) not true 2) to a certain extent 3) to a large extent 4) very much so 5) don't know/not applicable
6) refuse
4. facilitated your contact with the outside world.
1) not true 2) to a certain extent 3) to a large extent 4) very must so 5) don't know 6) refuse
5. stimulated your interest and explorations in other areas in the Internet which were not taught by
the instructor.
1) not true 2) to a certain extent 3) to a large extent 4) very must so 5) don't know 6) refuse
Your comments (continue on the back):
Survey Results on the Internet Training
Percent, N=16
Question 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total
Remove anxiety 0 31 63 6 0 0 100 (16)
Provide resources 0 25 50 25 0 0 100 (16)
Feel comfortable 0 13 56 25 0 0 100 (16)
Facilitate contact 0 25 38 25 13 0 100 (16)
stimulate interest 0 38 24 38 0 0 100 (16)
Comments from Students regarding the Internet Training
Before the methods class I knew nothing about the Internet or E-mail. After the
class I felt very comfortable using the E-mail + Internet. It was very good that
Jiping Took the time to teach us how to use the computers. It has helped me alot in
other classes.
The Internet training helped me not feel so intimidated by the Internet.
It may help to understand and arise my interest to computer and Internet.
I think it is very important to consider Internt training because it is fast becoming
the primary source of business information. The use of Internet will be critical in all
jobs.
I thought that it was an excellent learning experience & I feel much more at ease
with using a computer for mu other assignments.
It taught me a lot about Netscape. I was not afraid to go exploring.
The most rewarding and interesting thing I learned about the Internet, was
Netscape. Netscape has helped me in other classes as well as gaining my interest in
computers. Also, the E-mail section was very helpful. (Somewhat vague) But it did
help get me started so I could figure it out myself.
I think all students who are enrolled at SCSU should receive Internet training
because the Internet is very helpful for collage students.
Yes I finished all the Internet assignments and it help me to research for an agency
for my internship. Was very useful.
The computer work was interesting, but I haven't needed to use the computers
since.
APPENDIX B
Survey on the Effectiveness of SPSS Training
please circle one choice of the following questions:
1. The SPSS training has removed my anxiety in learning computer technology.
1) not true 2) to a certain extent 3) substantially 4) completely 5) don't know 6) refuse
2. The computer assignments help me better understand the course material.
1) not helpful 2) somewhat helpful 3) helpful 4) very helpful 5) don't know 6) refuse
3. The SPSS training has made me feel more comfortable with computer work in similar courses.
1) not true 2) to a certain extent 3) to a large extent 4) very much so 5) don't know/not applicable
6) refuse
4. The tutor (Becky Rosenblatt at SH250) is:
1) not helpful. 2) somewhat helpful. 3) helpful. 4) very helpful. 5) I don't see the tutor. 6)
refuse
5. The consultants at the lab (SH326) are
1) not helpful. 2) somewhat helpful. 3) helpful. 4) very helpful. 5) I never ask them for
assistance. 6) refuse
Your comments (you can continue on the back):
Survey Results on the Effectiveness of SPSS Training
Question 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total
Reduce anxiety 10 37 5 0 12 2 100 (42)
Help learning 9 44 35 12 0 0 100 (42)
Feel comfortable 24 37 17 5 15 2 100 (42)
Tutor helpful 2 12 5 12 69 0 100 (42)
Consult. help. 11 17 37 20 15 0 100 (42)
Students' Comments on the SPSS Training
The assignments give me a look at the more realistic process of statistics. I like
them because it gives me a chance to carefully analyze and experience how statistics
works. Along with lectures and test I believe it's important to be exposed to this
knowledge.
Good I feel to continue this program.
I think computer assignment helps me apply and understand material better. I found
it very helpful to have a tutor who is available there when you are not.
I think that working with the computer program is going to have long-term effects,
in that I will understand the use of computer technology in my professional life
through the work done in this course.
I like applying the computer ass. to what we are learning in class.
The computer assignments don't help. They are actually working negatively on my
grade. It seems wrong for them to bring down a grade when the are not really
covered in class. If they were only for learning, no grading, they would be fine.
SPSS is a nice program that I think helps me better understand the class material but
it is also at the same time hard to apply SPSS if you don't understand the class
material to begin with. I think it is nice substitute/and addition to homework
assign..
I have no problem or complaint with the SPSS program. I like doing work on the
computer.
I do like the assignments, Yet I do think that they arent necessary. They didnt harm
us, though.
I think the computer assignments are useful. However, it would be more beneficial
if I could better understand everything on the print-outs. Computers will be more
common in their use, thus we should learn about them in greater detail.
I think assignments would be more helpful if you would give out specific problems
and make the student figure out the test scores, through different calculations.
I think it is helpful to learn how to use SPSS rather than having to do calculations
by hand. In the work place, this is more than likely how you would do calculations.
I don't think a lab fee is fair. We pay the computer fee and there are not enough
computers or labs on campus anyway.
I really do like the variation in class work, but it doesn't help me at all! The work is
already done and we just have to rewrite it - not very useful!
The computer assignments are not that helpful to me personally.
I get very frustrated because I give you what I think you want & get it wrong
anyway. Just frustrating for me & my grade.
I say the lab printing itself doesn't help but the analysis of it does.
It helps to the extent that you get to see the end result, then you can go over it and
better understand how they arrive at the answer.
The computer assignments are not as helpful as the textbook assignments.
1 . I did not conduct the survey in the winter before the course was over for I thought the
majorityh of my students would take my Stats course this quarter. But this did not happen.
2 . As far as I know some other faculty in our department have already been moving in this
direction in teaching the methods course and some core courses for sociology majors.
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