NOTE

Following are student comments compiled from the online survey of MSVCC students taking courses provided by MGCCC. Except in cases where survey respondents provided their names (which were removed), the comments are not edited. All grammatical and typographical errors are those of the respondent.

I believe that the books should be availble to buy at our campus bookstore. I also think that the classes online should be a little bit more laid back compared to the real classroom because we are basically teaching ourselves.

I enrolled in the online class for two reasons: one I did not want to take Art Appreciation in a classroom and two the on line class fit my schedule better. So far I have throughly enjoyed the class. My teacher is really great and answers all the questions in a timely manner. I have heard many great things about them. However, there have been problems on the links. On occassion there is a question needing to be answered in accordance with the link and it cannot be found. In some classes, I hear that this is more of a problem. But overall, it has been a great experience, and I may try to take all my classes on-line next semester.

I have problems getting into my math class, I never could attend that online due to a mistake on someones part during the registration. I was out of town (medical) at the beginning of school and was unable to fix the issues in a timely manner once I discovered they were made. I am unsure of where the error happened, whether it be at MGCCC or Merdian CC.

I thought by taking an on-line course it would be less stressful than a traditional classroom course. I work full time and I'm taking nine semester hours. Two of the courses are in traditional classrooms and one is on-line. I spend more time on my on-line course than on my other two courses combined! We take a quiz per week and they consist of 10 questions. We only have 10 minutes for this quiz. Other students that I've talked to say they get 20 minutes for their quiz time. I'm glad that I've had the oppurtinity to take an on-line course but I doubt I will take another.

It is imperative that the instructor participates with his students online. We have know forum set up to discuss the class due to the instructor. I have talked to half of the class and they are all having a difficult time in the class. The tests are extremely difficult. The notes the instructor gives are of no help at test time.

All our communication is done through other students to find answers due to the long time elapsed before a reply from the instructor. I will not be taking a on-line course again, if this is the representation of all online courses. All instruction is done by the book and the on-line does not imput anything into the class.

In the beginning of the semester, I was given a professor for my art apreciation but no one even bothered to get in touch with the students to tell us that we no longer had that professor and that the college was in the process of finding a new one. It was very frustrating to be sitting out in cyberland with no one communicating what was going on. I think that it is important to keep information circulating to the students, and also to have an assigned professor ready for that class.

We have not had much feedback from the instructor regarding assignments. Test have been VERY difficult without any lecture or examples. This class seems much harder online that if it were in class. A lot more time is spent on labs than if we were in class or working with someone else with visual instructions. This is my first online class and I would almost be afraid to take another after this experience. The class is Astronomy I and the test seem to be on a much higher level than an introduction class.

I THINK THE ONLINE COURSE BOOKS SHOULD BE KEPT IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARIES JUST LIKE OTHER BOOKS. IT WOULD BE EASIER IF THE COURSE SYLLABUS WAS OUT THERE PRIOR TO OUT STARTING DATE. THAT WOULD GIVE US THE OPPURTUNITY TO LOOK AT WHAT WAS AHEAD AND BE BETTER PREPARED. ALL IN ALL MR DAVIS IS A GREAT TEACHER. HIS CLASS WAS DIFFICULT, BUT A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE. HE'S TERRIFIC!!!

I have enjoyed the experience of an on-line course. I do believe that in the future I will choose only classes that are not directly related to my major to take on-line. I feel that by taking a class so directly related to my major, I have missed out on the routine classroom aspect of a lecture.

**1) Being able to obtain textbook and materials before class starts would be a lot of help (I had the mgccc acct. text on time. The ordering information was provided in an way that I knew what was needed and where I could order it, not as easy from the other two courses); **2) Fully online ended up meaning several things. There should be online campus or online at home designation before the week of starting classes. **3. I was confused at first when I did not know what blackboard was and esp. that it was MSVCC's way the courses where provided. After several readings and extra time, I actually figured out that blackboard.com was where my courses were coming from... boy, did I feel dumb! **4) ALL instructors should provide some sourse of communication board, required or not, ...

The Computerized Accounting instructor started a discussion with all students and I love this opportunity to leave notes and questions. I wish we had it in the Mechanics of Communications course that I am taking. There are so many questions I could ask as I am studying and finding questions that I'd like to discuss or have input about.

Over all the courses are going well. Keep the good work. I am wondering when list of courses will be available for next term?

This is my second on-line class. It has been wonderful. I have to work and also attend mandatory parent meetings. I also have to travel with my job therefore I can do my work at night, lunch or early morning. Without online classes, I would not be able to further my education. Traditional classes are good but only if you can dedicate yourself to a certain time or night a week, which is hard for my line of work.

I LIKE THE CONVIENCE OF THE ONLINE CLASSES AND HOW THEY ARE PRETTY MUCH ORGANIZED. THE ONLY TIME I HAVE TROUBLE OR CONFUSED ABOUT THE CLASSES IS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER, IT IS A LITTLE DISORGANIZED THEN. OVERALL, THEY ARE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA. THE THING I HATE ABOUT THEM MOST IS THE COST OF THE TEXTBOOKS.

I like the convienience of online classes, but I find that regular classroom teaching is better. I don't seem to be able to learn on my own.

This is my first online course. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but it seems to be going fairly well. I'll most likely take another one.

It took me until sept 12 to actually get into the class because my pass word had been changed sot that ,mean I started later that the other students but I did manage to catch up. it would be nice if we could have had an orientation toe the class and what to expect before taking the class that would have help me so much I probable could have gotten in the class much sooner.

The computer program had graded some of the questions on the first test incorrectly. Other than that, I've had no problems. The online courses are better than regular classroom instruction because it has a flexible schedule and the amount of information to which the students have access is more plentiful. My only suggestion would be to have more classes.

My only suggestion,as I mentioned in question #19 is the manner in which the students get there textbooks. This was my first time having an on line courses and when I was told that I could not order my book thru MGCCC is was a shock and very disappointing. Then when I tried to order my Economics book via online services they said it would take 3-4 weeks before arriving.(My first thought was, "I going to be behind in my work." My boodstore was very helpful and understand and indeed ordered the book for me. I received it in 3-4 days of the order. I think if the class is going to be offered thru a certain college that they should either have the textbooks availible for order thru them; or work out a system with that student's college for them to be able to ordered thru them. It would definately encourage more students to continue to do online classes, because I do know of several that droppped some because of this.

Before the semester officially starts, no one seems to know anything about the online courses. There is a serious communication problem here. Last spring I took speech and sociology online and it took so long to get started I really thought the whole experience was going to be a waste of time. I must say things have gotten better, but there is much room for improvement. The general faculty needs to be more informed about the online classes and when they begin and what they entail. Also,why we can't buy our books at the college book store has not been properly explained. If it is related to avoiding the monopoly issue as I have been told, then why can we buy our books for on campus classes at the bookstore? I am forced to pay shipping and the option to rent my book isn't available. These things are frustrating and many students I have spoken to would like to be able to purchase or rent the texts for online classes from the bookstore.

It would be nice to be able to buy textbooks in the bookstore. If you are offering the same class on campus as you are online, why do you not offer the same book? This is puzzling.

The instrutors need to understand that people take on line classes because they do not have time to go to the campus. I found out that the insturtors think that everyone should work on their schudule. One of my teachers was very rude and I will not take one of her classes on line or at the campus. The teacher does not know what kind of things that someone can handle and they need to try to have one on one communication with their students to try to know their students.

I have had a very helpful instructor and have been well pleased with my on line course. I think this is very helpful to people like myself who can't afford to miss work in order to futher their education.

I would suggest that the bookstores carry the books for the online classes. It is really difficult to have to hunt your book then purchase it and wait for it to arrive. I have taken three other classes online and it is h--- trying to get books. If you are going to offer classes, then offer books also.

I generally love my on-line classes. However, a couple of the teachers do not offer much in the way of instruction and leave it up to you to learn everything from the book. They rarely make changes or add announcements to the blackboard and sometimes ignore my e-mails. I feel that in an on-line class, communication with the instructor is essential no matter what the problem may be. One of my instructors only e-mails me short, blotchy sentences in response to my questions and usually says, "Refer to the balckboard" although the answers to my questions are not there or are not apparent to me. My other two instructors are very thourough and work well with me. They leave announcements frequently and answer e-mails instantly. My overall opinion of the classes is great although I think there are problems with some of the instructors that need to be worked out.

MY ONLY SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO RENT THE BOOKS IF THEY ARE AVAILABLE AT THEIR SCHOOL. THERE IS NO REASON FOR ONE TO PURCHASE THE BOOKS. THEY CAN BE RETURNED JUST LIKE IN A TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM. I AM USING THE SAME BOOKS MY NIECE IS RENTING. ONE OF THEM COST OVER A HUNDRED DOLLARS AND WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD I WANT TO KEEP AN ECONOMICS BOOK!

I dropped an online class I signed up for this summer due to lack of technical support or effort on the part of the instuctor and technical support personnel whereever they were. The class was WORLD LIT I. Lack of instruction and guidance. I dropped the class prior to the start date and was given a "W". I could not get a satisfactory response and was emailed by several other students with similar problems who also dropped the class. I should have received a "NG" and was extremely dissappointed by the whole experience.

This is the first time I have taken on-line courses. After regestration I had no clue as to where to contact someone to answer questions about the courses. The courses started late and I could not find anyone who could even tell me if the courses had "made".

My suggestion would be to set up a "point of contact" at the locations of regestration. This person needs to at least be able to explain how the system works and where to get answers to general questions for first time users.

I just wanted to say that this is my 4th class this year online and i love it! it is wonderful for full time moms and dads that work long hours and/or have children. we can do our work after our kids go to bed! yes!i just hope that there will be other classes offered at mcc next semester.i would like to see more classes offered at mcc.there are not that many to choose from compaired to the ones listed on the blackboard.

I THINK BEFORE YOU GET AN ONLINE CLASS PEOPLE SHOULD BE INFORMED ABOUT HOW THE CLASS IS GOING TO GO SO THE STUDENT WILL NOT BE LEAD INTO THE CLASS BLINDLY AND THERE WILL BE NO CONFUSION FOR THEM. I ALSO THINK THE STUDENT SHOULD GET EMAILED LONG BEFORE GETTING THERE INFO ABOUT THE CLASS WELL IN ADVANCED LIKE RIGHT BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR DOING THIS SURVEY.

Taking test on-line are the only thing some people don't feel comfortable doing. There should be an option to take the test in person.

I have taken two of the on-line courses and have had a very good experience. I think the best way to handle these courses is to let them be an enter-exit situation. I took a computer course during the summer because I have a full time job and three children out of school. This course was presented in an enter-exit, and it worked out great because I had a bad schedule. I could take a few days to read and sometimes it took longer than other times. There were several times when I would get home early and take 2 or 3 quizes a night. I liked being able to work at my own pace. We were given a dead line from the beginning, which helped me to know how to pace myself, without so much pressure. The on-line courses are ideal for so many people who want to get their education, but have so many obligations.

I would like to see more on-line courses offered. Also, students enrolled in the online courses should be e-mailed within a reasonable amount of time before the class begins. A response should be mandatory. This would ensure that all students have been notified and that their e-mail address is correct.

The reason I said that my instructor did not respond quickly to my question was because I had given the wrong email address at registration. So I emailed my instructor my correct one, because that is what I was told to do. I was also told that he would contact me with instructions for my course, and how to log on, etc... Well, I finally had to call Jackson County Campus to find out what I needed to do. Because of this I started 2 weeks late, and I still don't feel completly caught up. I like the whole idea of the online classes, but I believe that I personally need to be in a classroom, and have someone show me how to do something. I am always scared that I have figured the problem out incorrectly.

An updated list of online classes available at sign up time to people registering you. I encountered many problems with this and the book wasn't updated.

A discriptive instruction sheet and assignments all in one place. Instructions made clear with workbooks.

Clear instructions on how to log on to site and where to get password to log in. This was a source of much trouble and noone at the college could help me. I was sent from one end to the other end of the college and each time told to see someone else. After three trips on three different days got a number to call and got some information.

I fell that Instructors should meet with student face to face ii a group sessios at least once before classes begin.

I feel that online class are much than being in the classroom, because you aren't to see the instuctor. I think the instuctor should still put things step by step instead of you figuring it out. Bascially you not able to hear the teacher when givng instructions.

Time limits on the exams seem much shorter than time limits in the real classroom. The time should be longer because online exams make you nervous knowing that your computer could shut off or you might be interrupted by something you cannot help. Also, for me, it's easier with a hard-copy test because I can mark on my paper, which helps a lot; the internet you have to keep scrolling up and down and all that so the time limit for exams should be longer. And why can't you buy books from the bookstore? That's a big inconvienence.

I have an instructoe by the name od David Knowles, he is wonderful!! He helped me very much in understanding everything!!!!!!!!! My other instructor was horrible! I am in the process of trying to drop that course now! I don't know how to do thaat though. Could someone please send me instructions! Thanks!! keep up the good work!!!!!!!

For one of my classes on-line, my instructor was new to teaching on-line. That was difficult in the beginning and my first two quiz grades reflected it. But now she is on track and I have made 100 on my last two quizes. I think it would be helpful for the instructors if they had guidence in teaching on-line courses before they begin.

I truly enjoy the online courses. They do require a bit more book, reading, and study time as I am a visual learner. But I do enjoy not having to drive at night. Also of note, I am a student advisor and often refer students to method of learning. Thanks for providing this service to us.

You have to remember that not everybody is computer literate. It took me a couple of days to figure out how to login. It was a pain in the butt. Also I have Windows 95 and it doesn't have WordPerfect on it. Any assignments I have to do I have to go up to the college and type on the computer up there and then save it and send it that way to my teacher. It is a hassel. I have not enjoyed this course at all. My teacher has yet to get back to me and I emailed her over 4 days ago. I will not take another online course again. The only reason I took one in the first place was because I was working, now I'm not so in Jan. I will be in the classroom. Thanks for listening.

( I hope you are sitting, I wrote a ton! )The only reason I am writing this particular comment is because this is confidential---I have never met either of my instructors. Both seem very nice from the communication that I have w/ them, one on one (electronically of course) and as a group (chat). So I don't believe I am biased when I say that Mrs. Kimberly Brown really has her act together when it comes to the online stuff! I don't know if she has taught one before or what, but at the beginning of class, she states everything she expects and was able to give the class a schedule at the beginning of the course -- as to when everything would be due, test schedules, etc. Her syllabus is GREAT! This has been VERY beneficial. I check my email regularly and try to check in everyday with my "class", but the instructor may add something after I've logged off (our hours are different-it's 3:18 am now!). In another class, I was not able to attend our regularly scheduled chat one day (not required,thank goodness, because I was already obligated to keeping my neighbors kids each week on that particular day) and I was horrified the next evening, after regular "office hours" when I checked in and discovered a quiz had been announced at the previous days chat session. The quiz, the announcement said, was scheduled for the day after the chat and was online from 9 am until 12 noon. It was about 4:oo pm when I read it! I thought I was going to receive a grade of " 0 " and was really upset. Later, as I moved around blackboard, I decided to see if the quiz was "still there". It was, so I took it just in case the instructor would still accept it. I did well. Later, when I checked my email, I had an email from the instructor that had been delivered to all students at the time he posted the quiz, that the quiz was available and we had several days to log on and take it! I was very relieved. Anyway, I know getting organized has been a challenge for me and I can imagine what the instructors must be going thru (all while receiving monumental amounts of email I'm sure)So, # 1 : schedules well ahead of time are a big plus. # 2 : Mandatory chats at certain times would be horrible I think - kind of defeats the purpose as far as I'm concerned. # 3 : Having to drive 30 minutes one way to take a 15 minute test ON-LINE, on campus is kind of a drag -learning labs are busy, sometimes noisy places and computers are sometimes full, I drop off the kids, I have to be back at a certain time to pick up the kids, etc. Again, Mrs. B has all tests, quizzes, everything on-line and it seems to be working out OK # 4 : Mrs. B's use of the Discussion Board feature is WONDERFUL ! Usually we (students) are able to help ourselves w/out having to each mail her an individual question which saves her a ton of time, she said # 5 : her use of student web pages is neat too - I never communicated this much with other students when I took night courses ON-campus. At 10:00 pm, we were all ready to get home - not stay around and visit and discuss class! I never planned on taking BIOLOGY online and with a lab no less. But the class is really good. My only problem is organizing my time to do my work, and motivating myself to get it done, but that is MY problem! (you know how it is, carpooling kids to practices, kids homework, and such! : ) I really like taking classes online, and like my instructors and hope to meet them one day. . . sorry sooooooo long. ; )

The time limits on the test seem to add a lot of pressure, when taking the test. Maybe the test time could be extended for a little longer so it would not be so much pressure to get it done.I think I have made a lot more mistakes because I do not want my time to run out and hurry through the test.

I have two good on-line classes. My music appreciation teacher is wonderful. I had to withdraw from accounting II. The professor did not have her act together. She did not even post a syllabus for time frame of assignments. When you e-mailed her she took a long time to respond to the point I was at a standstill in the class until she sent back homework that I never got until I told her I withdrew. I feel sorry for anybody who took her for their firts online class. I would like to give David Knowles a pat on the back. He is super and has helped me immediately and promptly with any problems I have had, even if it didn't pertain to his class when I was having access problems with my accounting class.

Most of my instructors are very helpful but I have one that could be a little more timely and more helpful with the assignments that he gives. also his notes and study guides for test are a little lacking.

During the registration process have a place to enter you email address.

Provide more information at the beginning of the class, where to get assignments etc. many people had the same problem I did, the info. packet didn't open or wasn't received

I love taking the on-line classes. It fits right into my schedule with my job and with my family and other duties that I have to deal with. I just wish it would be alot easier to be able to get your books.I always e-mail my instructor if I have any questions or problems and have not problem getting them answered. I hope that when I have to transfer to another college I will still be able to go through Holmes or another college to do on-line classes. It is not so easy when you have a family to take care of and at the same time you are trying to go to college to help yourself. I hop that I will be able to find some college out there that will be able to go that far so I can try to fit everything into my schedule. It has worked out really well since I have started considering I am a 40 year old woman and a mother of 3 with one in college and twins at home. I just seem to fit it into my schedule so much easier.

I think that the online courses are a great option. It was right on time for me. I personally need more communication with my instructor, as far as problems with homework or the workbook. My instructor does answer my e-mail promptly, but i miss the personal touch.

I think that there should be a little more interaction between teacher and students. We receive our assignments, do them, then take a test. I feel that if there were a little more online dialogue between the class and the teacher that the class would be a little more meaningful. I'm learning about the subject, but I could do that by just reading the text book. Even though my experience this time is a little less than I expected, I will take more classes on the internet. My husband takes classes through another university and has had GREAT experiences.

I have enjoyed taking my online course. And will probably take another course online in the future. The only problem I had was the difficulty of the tests. The online test are extremely difficult and some things are not covered in our texts that are on the tests. I believe there needs to be some type of monitoring of these tests and their difficulty levels.

This is my first online course. Traditional grammar was not offered at night. I have enjoyed this online course and will take online courses again if courses are available for what I'm lacking. It is very convenient when you have to work ten hours a day.

This is my first experience with on-line. I am taking 2 courses. One of my instructors answers email in a timely manner. The other does not. The one that answers email in a timely manner does not have a very good grasp of the blackboard system. I think rather than have students take a course in blackboard familiarization, you should have the instructors take one.

The system for taking tests on line could use some improvement. For example, when I take a test in one of my classes there is a timer function that shows how much time I have spent on my test and how much time I have left. In my other class there is not a timer. Also - it is kind of hard to figure out what your grade is in the class and what assignment is due if you are in the fall term because the screen shows dates that are applicable for the summer term. One more thing. I mentioned earlier that I did not understand why a on-line student is required to buy their book, whereas a on-campus student is not. It's not as if Jeff Davis doesn't have anything to hold over an on-line students head if they don't return the text book. They can do the same thing that they do for on-campus students - withhold their grade and put a hold on their account so they can't enroll in the next semester. Finally - I really would be interested in seeing the results of this survey - please be sure and send me a copy when the data is compiled.

Be prepaired to handle computer malfunction on the students part in a fair manner. Have the instructors contact each student via e-mail before the standard semesters begin. If the resources are available a "chat room" for students to students, students to faculty, and faculty to faculty should be made easyer; the best example i can think of is mplayer.com....Thank you for giving my peers and i an oportunity to express our suggestions and comments.

THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME TO REGISTER FOR AN ON-LINE CLASS. AT REGISTERATION I HAD MANY QUESTIONS AND NO ONE HAD ANY ANSWERS. I NEVER KNEW WHEN MY CLASS WAS TO BEGIN, I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT BOOK I NEEDED UNTIL CLASS HAD ALREADY BEGUN, SO THIS PUT ME BEHIND. I RECOMMEND SOME TYPE OF TRAINING AS MENTIONED IN THIS SURVEY OR AT LEAST SOME WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS TO GET SOMEONE THAT IS NEW AT THIS STARTED.

The system would work better if the instructor would hold more chat sessions and get homework to us before the next assignment is done. The online classes are moving at a more rapid pace than the traditional classroom setting. I've enjoyed the classes where the instructors are making themselves available; however, I feel the online classes take more time than if I were in a classroom setting. I will not be taking more than one online class next semester

This makes a total of 4 classes i have taken online. I really enjoy it because I can access the site when it is most conventient for me. The biggest problem I had taking a class from a different college was the book. I am on a Pell Grant and I had to pay for the book up front myself. Although I realize the money will eventually come back it was somewhat inconvenient at the time. The only suggestion I have is that all books are made available to receive immediately thru the same distributor for the online course. It would simplify matters just as going to the campus bookstore is the thing to do for traditional classes.

I have had problems with testing. The computer has marked off questions that were right just because I did not put it in their order. I would also like a liitle moretime to take the tests.

I think the online classes may be more difficult overall for a couple of reasons.

1. The school and professors must maintain rigid standards to protect credibility of school.

2. Lack of instructor/student interface (body language) makes it difficult at times to interpret exactly what is required of a project.

Overall good deal for students. I have had zero problems with the blackboard website.

For the most part, I have enjoyed my online courses. Two out of three of the teachers have been very patient, helpful and very explicit concerning the course, how it is to be done and their instructions for the class. Two out of three have been very good about returning email and assignmnets in a timely manner.

I have had problems with the testing, however. When I "submit" I have been receiving an error message which Tech. Support said was an internal fault and my teacher should reset the program. But, unfortunatley, this is also the teacher that I am having problems communicating with. I have sent 6 emails before getting an answer, then my questions weren't answered. I also don't understand how to start a new discussion on that part of the Blackboard. But, for the most part, I am enjoying this new way of learning and appreciate the technology that allows me to work full time, have a family life and also go to college full time. It's also good to know that I can access this when out of town and get my lessons in. Other than one teacher, I think this is great!!! Thank you for the chance to give my input.

I think online courses is the best thing. Some people would like to attend college but for whatever reasons cannot. For me, not having to drive a total of 60 miles round trip, pay a baby sitter, or just being away from home and not to mention not having to take of work. It is the best thing going.

I think online classes are great,and I would take many more classes if they were offered.Many of the students at JD campus work casino jobs that do not fit the schedule of physical attendence classes,and I think its better to have an awake student at a computer at home doing study on his/her time, than one asleep in class.

Have a MSVCC book store available, or a instate store that the books could be purchased at, have the required books listed before class begins.

I am very satisfied with my online class. My instructor is friendly and informing. I wish I would have taken more classes online.

Try to work with AOL so we don't get knocked offline during a test.

The books are TERRIBLE for both internet classes that I an taking. Being that we do not see a insturctor or hear a lecture an easier text book would be better, one that is more condensed or broken down more.

I have searched for years to find an accepted and accredited way to further my education without having to actually be in the classroom. My work schedule (shift worker) and family obligations make it impossible to attend campus classes.

The MVCC is making it possible for me to earn my degree in a way that fits my circumstances. I also feel that in some ways it is MORE of a challenge than the traditional classroom because of the added need for self discipline. PLEASE, continue this program. I have spoken with several individuals in circumstances such as mine and they were thrilled to know these classes are available. A number have discussed their plans to enroll.