Citation

Chen, K-Z., Lowenthal, P. R., & Bauer, C. (2016). Effectiveness and student perception of three high-enrolment health studies online courses. Health Education Journal, 75(3), 343-357. https://doi.org/10.1177/0017896915581060

Abstract

Objective: In countries such as the USA, colleges and universities are focusing on how best to serve their students in tough fiscal times and a highly competitive marketplace. Boise State University has specifically focused on providing online courses as one option to meet student needs. However, more recently, the university has begun developing high-enrolment online courses to resolve bottlenecks.
Design: Mixed-methods case study.
Setting: Three high-enrolment health studies online courses offered at a 4-year university in Boise, Idaho, USA.
Method: A systemic analysis of final course evaluations, student grades and course reports from the Learning Management System were examined to investigate the effectiveness and student perceptions of high-enrolment online courses.
Results: Findings provide support for the premise that offering the high-enrolment courses met enrolment demand, provided high-quality instruction and maintained student satisfaction.
Conclusion: Student perceptions of high-enrolment health studies online courses designed and implemented in the manner specified here can be positive. Lesson learned and suggestions for faculty members, instructional designers and administrators are identified.

Keywords: Health education, high-enrolment online courses, online course development

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