Online vs. Traditional Course Evaluation Formats: Student Perceptions

The decision on whether to offer end-of-course evaluations in an electronic format or in traditional scan sheet format generates conflicting viewpoints. From an expediency perspective, offering evaluations online saves time and money and returns the results to faculty more quickly. From a student point of view, concerns involve convenience and anonymity. This study examines the issue from the student viewpoint to identify opposition, support, concerns, and preferences for each format. An analysis of the results reports commonalities and differences in responses based on variables such as gender, experience with online evaluations, and program level. Analysis also draws conclusions about improving the use of end-of-course evaluations.