Student comments from EPID600 Summer 2010

(in random order - click here for date order)

(About student comments)

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7: “I suggest that for the best use of our time we either do the slides first and allow minimal question during them. Or we leave the questions until the end. It is not productive when only a few students start manipulating the entire live meeting time by typing questions back and forth with the instructor. Another suggestion is to include more policy or study of disease content in the course. It is very quantitatively focused, which is an important skill, but I have heard there is so much more to epidemiology than that. I would love to be tested on other skill areas, like my more holistic understanding of the topic. And if we had less material and more focus on the quality of the areas that we do learn, I think it would be a lot more fulfilling class. Right now I feel like I spend the entire week on a misguided treasure hunt for case study answers instead of enjoying the content that I am learning about. Thank you for all your efforts to make live meetings work. I think for the most part it is a good idea. We just need to find a way to handle questions in a fashion that they're not a distraction to getting through the material. Thank you!”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/13)
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6: “I think we have a good team from what I can tell in these early weeks. The conversations and work has appeared to be fairly shared and collectively we're doing a good job figuring things out. My only fear is having to work towards an answer without the benefits of the team's discussion and insights. Thanks Kate!”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/13)
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32: “I really liked this class and found the information so relevant to my role in Public Health. I "didn't know what I didn't know" but feel I am better equipped to critically analyze EPID studies and evaluate their relevance. I'm in the EMP and think this class should have been the only class scheduled this semester. The weekly work load and deadlines were difficult to keep up managing a full time career, family and 2nd class. I think the content of this class was so valuable that it deserved more study time and attention than I could offer. Most weeks I felt like I was drinking through a fire hose. I learned a lot through this experience, but do not believe by actually grade will reflect my effort. In comparison, this class took me as much time as my CAPSTONE project, except I received an H in that class and expect a Low Pass in this one. The TA and professor were absolutely some of the best in the program. Their love and knowledge for the subject made a complex subject great fun to learn. Thank you for your efforts.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/07/25)
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30: “I enjoyed the course, which may not be evident by my grade but still true. I worked hard at it and wish I didn't have this unending fear of the math. I feel I would have gotten more out of the course if I could have spent less time on the calculations...which, of course, isn't realistic and it is also not a reflection on the instructors or the course. But thank you anyway...Alex was always responsive, encouraging and helpful whenever I had to contact him.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/07)
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19: “It would be helpful to post the Peer and TA rating scales at the beginning of the semester so that everyone knows what is expected of them.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/12)
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40: “I enjoyed working with this group and appreciate the TA assistance.”
Bruce, MPH student, PHPX, TA: Kimon (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/03)
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33: “This class was a lot of work but I have enjoyed it and learned a great deal.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/02)
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9: “This class is great! The materials are so well organized and instructions are very clear. I also enjoy Vic's humor!”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/11)
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37: “Some people simply do the bare minimum that is required of them throughout the course, which is frustrating in a group setting for the more highly motivated classmates. I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on my classmates performance in order to recognize those that of above and beyond their call of duty as students in this course.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/01)
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2: “Disclaimer: It is difficult to recall who does what and to what extent. I recommend that you ask students to rate each other after an individual discussion group session within 24 hours of being held. Maybe randomly select cases?”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/15)
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25: “This course was extremely challenging but rewarding at the same time. I have learned a lot that I can apply to my current job.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/07/29)
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36: “This was a hard class, but Kimon was very supportive and made every effort to be encouraging and helping out. His response time to emails is outstanding (at every odd hour of the day). I felt that I could really rely on him which is extremely important in an on-line class.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/08)
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18: “I think our group is outstanding. This is my 5th online course and this is certainly the best and most active group in which I have had the pleasure to work.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/11)
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8: “Hi, I found it somewhat challenging to differentiate very much between my group members because we have been working in smaller "sub-groups" and I do not feel that I have had a lot of interaction with some of the group members. I am coordinating the next case study and am going to suggest that we work as an entire group for the duration of the case study. I feel that will help our group members get to know each other better and help alleviate some of the concern if a sub-group member has a challenging schedule for a week or two and is less able to contribute. Thanks.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/12)
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22: “Oi, this class is brutal. I'm enjoying it, but its kicking my ass. Which is good, that means I'm learning. :) Thank you!”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/15)
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39: “This is a very challenging course, but the experience will help me better understand the true nature of public health and its use of epidemiology.”
Tobi, CERT student, FEPI, TA: Kimon (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/07/26)
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5: “Our group works great together. Generally, I feel that we each make excellent contributions to discussion forums and it is apparent that we each spend a great deal of time reading (even outside of the assigned reading) and working on our case study assignments. I love that we come from varying backgrounds and so our strengths and weaknesses are oftentimes complementary. There are a couple of folks in our group that have gone missing, but for the "core 5" of us, we are hard-working and striving to do the best we can in this class. I am proud of our achievements thus far!”
Holly, CERT student, FEPI, TA: Alex (1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/10)
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29: “Overall, I feel that we worked very hard to prepare and remained active participants in our weekly activities. Each of us brought forth our own unique strengths and qualities. We listened well to each other's thoughts and opinions and never once did I feel that we were slacking. We worked well together and helped each other learn from our mistakes and from our experiences. I learned so much more than I ever imagined possible. The class was interesting and challenging. I am having fun implementing my newfound tools into my daily life, at work and at home.”
Holly, CERT student, FEPI, TA: Alex (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/05)
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35: “I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such wonderful, hard working, and supportive group this semester.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/06)
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4: “I feel as though my group members all work hard and contribute to our discussions with the exception of maybe one. We had some challenges at the beginning with members dropping the course, but I feel as though the group recovered and stepped up to meet the needs of each other in the group.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/14)
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38: “Very good class! I very much enjoyed learning the basics, since I had no exposure to Epi prior to this.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/05)
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3: “Overall, I feel that all of the members of our group try hard to make quality contributions to the case studies each week. We also try very hard to discuss the case study each week and come to a quality consensus that most of us can agree on. The facilitators thus far have done an excellent job at managing the dicussion forum and putting together the final consensus.I read each week from the text and read the necessary lectures and material for the case studies. I feel the book and lectures do not provide enough examples (ie. calculations) to prepare me for some of the case study questions.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/11)
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23: “I would have liked to have had a little more time to discuss with out group before having to turn in assignments. I felt we learned a lot from one another and would have benefited from more discussion, but assignments were due to quickly. The workload of this course was overwhelming and I don't feel it necessarily enhanced learning or retention. However, there was so much new information, I may have felt the same way if I'd been given 2 weeks for an assignment? I just know it was tough to fit so much into a week while still trying to work a full time job and be a parent. But I did learn a lot. Thank you.”
Jill, MPH student, PHNX, TA: Alex (2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/03)
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43: “The Exam 3 article critique was difficult - it would have been helpful to have a "practice" run or an example. Overall, I enjoyed the class...a lot of work but interesting material and helpful TAs and instructor.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/03)
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17: “As expected, there is a lot of information to be absorbed in a relatively short period of time. Sometimes, I find that I have trouble comprehending exactly what information some of the case study questions are requesting. I had biostatistics several semesters ago, and wish that I had taken it last semester, instead. On a more positive note, I am learning a lot, both from my instructors and my group. This is probably one of the few groups that I have been part of, where all of the members are actively participating, and it has been a pleasure. I finally understand how group experiences can be a positive educational experience! :) I have always wanted to be able to read and fully comprehend a scientific article. Thanks! :) I will leave you on a funny, albeit embarrassing note. I was listening to your first audio lecture, and heard your intro in several languages. I did not listen further, and decided that there was a technical problem that had to be addressed. I called UNC helpline, and the individual decided that the lecture was in Japanese, and that I should send you a note to that effect. I'm not sure why, but I finally decided to listen further, and realized that it was just your intro! :) The individual from the UNC helpline called me back and discovered the same thing himself, and we had a good laugh. I hope that I gave you a good laugh, as well! :)”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/10)
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42: “This was a great course - both the hardest and best of the 5 core concept courses. The material was well-designed for online delivery and made the best use of the online group dicussions of any of the core concept courses. Thank you for a great summer.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/06)
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16: “I am very plesed with my team overall. The group work is very helpful in accomplishing the volume of work assigned.”
Bruce, MPH student, PHPX, TA: Kimon (1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/11)
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15: “The technology used in the class is very impressive. I think I am learning much more with the live lectures than I would with just the readings and discussions.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/10)
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34: “Thank Kate for your help this semester!! I appreciate how you answered my questions and got back to me in a timely manner!”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/02)
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20: “We seem to have minimal participation in our group. Only 4 of us have regularly participated in discussion forums out of 8, and only 2 of the 4 seem to be comfortable with the material (even remotely comfortable). This definitely makes it challenging to come up with consensus answers (simply because there isn't a whole lot of input. We're doing our best.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/09)
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10: “This is a tough class that forces you to pay attention to details. I appreciate the humor at the beginning and end of the slide decks.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/11)
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21: “I am so glad that I am having this distance learning in the Field Epidemiology. Firstly, Dr. Vic's case study style is more practical, I like the format of the case study, covering concepts repeatedly, allowing me to understand the unclear concepts. The group discussion is a great deal to learn any subject. You can discuss ask anything with your colleague student Brillant people I have in my group and I am learning good things from them.”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/14)
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31: “You might want to provide an example of a "good discussion" for a case question. Many of the people in my group would only post an answer and this made it difficult to learn anything or see where your answer differs. They got a little better as time went on, but I found it difficult to get a real discussion moving with this group. An example may have helped.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/08)
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44: “This was a very interesting class. It was my first graduate level class, as I will be starting school full time this fall. I am thankful that I was able to take it in the summer and enjoyed the online format more than I thought I would. Overall, we had a really good group and I learned a lot!”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/02)
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45: “I have thoroughly enjoyed this class. While it took most of my spare time outside of work, I am walking away so much more knowledgable than when I came into the class.”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/05)
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14: “It would be great if we had an optional review next week focused just on the case studies to answer any questions we have now that we have gotten a score back. I'm concerned about our group scoring so low, so I want to make sure that we are really understanding the materials and expectations (prior to our exam being due!!)”
(1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/11)
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1: “I believe our entire group is improving greatly. Our communications are getting better, we are more open to posting comments that aren't necessarily the same as everyone else's, and are having more discussions about answers. Alex, I know I had some worries about working with _____ at the beginning, but it has turned into an excellent collaborative team (in my mind). I do enjoy this course a great deal, but the workload is a little heavy when you add in the fact that many people are also trying to work, take other courses, and/or raise a family. For me, I often times feel like I have to get the assignment done and am so stressed that I am not learning, just completing and not digesting...does that make sense? Maybe at the end I will relish the quick pace, but I know when I have worked 80 hours in a week and then come home and try to be a parent, I feel the stress of this course weighing on me.”
Jill, MPH student, PHNX, TA: Alex (1st peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/06/13)
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47: “Great class, wish I had had more time to devote to it. Would have liked to have had some sessions go for two weeks to let things sink in, but realize with the length of the class and amount to be covered, its not possible. TA's and instructors did a great job in helping students through hard material. I took the class for my own interest and education, and no doubt it has been money well spent. Thank you!”
(2nd peer evaluation, Internet course, 2010/08/05)
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(An additional 9 comments were received but the students did not authorize their dissemination.)

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2010b, compiled 06/17/2010