Student comments from EPID600 Summer 2010
(in order by date submitted -
click here for random order)
(About student comments)
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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.”
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Jill,
MPH student,
PHNX,
TA: Alex
(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/13)
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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?”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/15)
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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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/11)
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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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/14)
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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!”
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Holly,
CERT student,
FEPI,
TA: Alex
(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/10)
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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!”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/13)
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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!”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/13)
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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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/12)
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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!”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/11)
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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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/11)
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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!!)”
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(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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/10)
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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.”
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Bruce,
MPH student,
PHPX,
TA: Kimon
(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/11)
Show comments in random order.
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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! :)”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/10)
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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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/11)
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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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/12)
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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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/09)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/14)
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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!”
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(1st peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/06/15)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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Jill,
MPH student,
PHNX,
TA: Alex
(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/03)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/07/29)
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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.”
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Holly,
CERT student,
FEPI,
TA: Alex
(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/05)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/07)
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/08)
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/07/25)
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33:
“This class was a lot of work but I have enjoyed it and learned
a great deal.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/02)
Show comments in random order.
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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!”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/02)
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/06)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/08)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/01)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/05)
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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.”
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Tobi,
CERT student,
FEPI,
TA: Kimon
(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/07/26)
Show comments in random order.
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40:
“I enjoyed working with this group and appreciate the TA assistance.”
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Bruce,
MPH student,
PHPX,
TA: Kimon
(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/03)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/06)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/03)
Show comments in random order.
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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!”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/02)
Show comments in random order.
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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.”
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(2nd peer evaluation,
Internet course,
2010/08/05)
Show comments in random order.
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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!”
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(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.)
2010b,
compiled 06/17/2010 |