Last Updated

05 Jan 2008

Earlier in 2002, about three-quarters of the students selected Option 1, wanting to take both weekly quizzes and a final examination.  By 2005, nearly half of the students selected Option 2, basing their course grade solely on the final examination.  Option 1 then again gained in popularity, as students recognized the value of in-class lectures and in-person assistance. Last year, the ratio was closer to 60:40. Most of the Option 2 students used the internet exclusively to obtain the course material.  Both options remain open to any enrolled student throughout the course, but the choice must be declared prior to the final examination.  

Likely the main reason for the shift between 2002 and 2005 to Option 2 is that students became more comfortable with internet-based learning, especially appreciative of the combination of sight (i.e., Powerpoint) and sound (i.e., podcast) that are staples of the course.  Since questions and answers for the quizzes are posted shortly after they have been taken, the at-home group is able to evaluate itself  as to potential performance.  Doing well in this self-evaluation gave the Option 2 students more confidence when putting all their eggs in one basket. Yet since 2005, Option 1 is again becoming more common as students seem to appreciate the value of in-class lectures and being able to get personal assistance from both Professor Frerichs during the 6-8:30 pm lecture time and the TA during the 5-6 pm assistance hour.  The EPI 100 course does not offer personal email assistance for the Option 2 group.