OLL K-12 FOCUS GROUP PROTOCOL—2007-2008
STUDENTS USING ONLINE APPLICATIONS
This protocol is for use with students participating in the online application. Ideally, you will have forty – five to sixty minutes for this focus group.
Introduction
The following is a suggested introduction. When you begin the interview, make these points, but use your own words for a more personal introduction.
You may know that we are working on a project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education to look at characteristics associated with prevalent types of online learning and identify promising practices that are associated with improved participant outcomes. One of our priorities in this project is to learn more from you about the features and capabilities of the online offering that you have participated in, as well as how the application is implemented and administered.
We want you to know that this project does not evaluate you or your online course; we are looking to learn from your experiences to identify promising practices in online learning.
Before we start, I need to have you review and sign this consent form. [AFTER THE RESPONDENT REVIEWS CONSENT FORM] Do you have any questions before we get started?
Student Background
Ok. Let’s get started by going around the room. Please tell me your name, your grade level, and how many online classes you’ve taken and when.
Now, I’d like you to think for a moment about your participation in [application x].
In your view, what is the goal of [activity / course being studied]?
Why did you enroll in this class?
How did you find out about this course? What process did you have to go through to enroll?
Is there a cost to you for participation, credit, or materials? Are there costs paid by your school or district on your behalf?
How is this class different from other courses you’ve taken in school?
[Probe for technology,type/frequency interaction with instructor, type/frequency interaction with peers, difference in time requirements.]
What’s the best thing about taking this course online?
What makes it more difficult to participate in this course online?
Please tell me about a time that you had trouble with technology and how you resolved this problem.
Closing
Is there anything else you would like to add about your experiences with this online learning application?
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | OLL TPD INTERVIEW PROTOCOL—2007-2008 |
| Author | Policy User |
| Last Modified By | DoED |
| File Modified | 2007-10-02 |
| File Created | 2007-10-02 |