| Bloustein Online Continuing Education Program (BOCEP)
“I find myself employing the information I gained in the urban design program a year after the classes ended. The classes were structured in such a manner as to provide real-world applicability, but also to spark the interest of the student to continue self-education. A year removed from my last BOCEP class, and I am still utilizing skills and information daily that I garnered in the classes. I am a better economic development professional as a result of BOCEP and my clients are better off as well. I have recommended BOCEP to many and I will be back for more classes--I would be foolish not to!”
Chuck D’Aprix
Principal, Economic Development Visions
Washington D.C.
"I have recently taken the course
'Land Use Laws in New Jersey.' The level of discussion and the fact
that others participating online work on a daily basis on issues
relevant to the course made the experience well worth it. I have
certainly recommended Bloustein Online to colleagues; it provides
a flexible environment to explore and enhance skills and knowledge."
Nicolas Ronderos
Associate Planner,
Regional Plan Association
New York, New York
"The bottom line is that you did a fabulous job in structuring
and teaching the course and I found the entire experience (readings
as well as comments from my fellow classmates) to be immensely educational.
Thanks much."
Donald A. Aridas
Senior Planner,
Eng-Wong, Taub & Associates
New York, New York
"Very well done. I'm hoping to have other members of my staff
take these courses on the next go around. This really fit in with
my very busy schedule and gave me the opportunity to think a lot
and learn more that I would have if the only choice was an on location
course."
Arthur Ientilucci
Director of Zoning,
City of Rochester
Rochester, New York
"I really enjoyed the Neighborhoods and Brownfield Redevelopment
class, and I learned quite a bit about what my counterparts in the
DC Office of Planning have to go through and consider when contributing
to the redevelopment of DC neighborhoods. Plus, my knowledge concerning
brownfields has been taken from zero to a point where I can speak
at least somewhat competently on the subject."
Christopher E. Earley
Project Manager - Residential and Community Services
Department of Housing and Community Development
Washington, District of Columbia
Here below are findings from the BOCEP Spring/Summer 2005 course evaluations (38 responses):
BOCEP members had generally positive experiences in their class and with their program. Although they spent a significant amount of time in their classes, several students wanted more. Everyone who completed a course evaluation said the class met at least some of their expectations; that is, no one said their course met few or none of their expectations. About 42% said their class met or exceeded their expectations.
A large majority of students said the choice of assigned materials were “right for this course” (82%) and the amount of reading was “about right” (74%). A significant percentage (18%) said there was not enough material assigned for their courses.
Two of the most telling statistics are the percentages of students who would recommend their course or program to their peers and supervisors. A high percentage would recommend BOCEP to mid- and senior-level planners.
Figure 2: BOCEP students who… |
would recommend the program to: |
(n=33) |
would recommend their course to: |
(n=34) |
Junior-level planners |
79% |
Junior-level planners |
59% |
Mid-level planners |
91% |
Mid-level planners |
71% |
Senior-level planners |
91% |
Senior-level planners |
61% |
Your supervisor |
72% |
Your supervisor |
42% |
Planning officials |
75% |
Planning officials |
67% |
Elected officials |
69% |
Elected officials |
63% |
Figure 3: Detailed Assessment of BOCEP Student Experiences
|
|
% Agree or
Strongly Agree |
% Disagree or
Strongly Disagree |
% Not
applicable |
The instructor was prepared for class
and presented material in an organized manner |
94% |
6% |
0% |
The instructor responded effectively
to student comment and questions |
93% |
7% |
0% |
The instructor generated interest
in the course material |
86% |
14% |
0% |
The instructor provided timely feedback
|
93% |
7% |
0% |
The instructor had a positive attitude
toward assisting all students in understanding course material
|
93% |
4% |
4% |
The instructional methods encouraged
student learning
|
74% |
19% |
7% |
I learned a great deal in this course
|
74% |
26% |
0% |
The online discussions with my
colleagues helped me learn the material
|
82% |
14% |
4% |
The eCollege environment is easy to use
|
96% |
4% |
0% |
The eCollege environment is reliable
|
93% |
7% |
0% |
The eCollege system allowed me to
get my class materials quickly
|
100% |
0% |
0% |
|
% Agree or
Strongly Agree |
% Disagree or
Strongly Disagree |
% Not
applicable |
The instructions I received before
the class started helped orient me to the class
|
86% |
7% |
7% |
The online orientation was useful
|
70% |
7% |
22% |
The technical support staff were knowledgeable
|
39% |
4% |
57% |
The technical support staff responded
to my questions in a fair amount of time
|
36% |
4% |
61% |
The technical support staff fixed
or helped me fix a technical problem
|
32% |
4% |
64% |
The BOCEP staff were helpful
|
70% |
0% |
30% |
The BOCEP staff responded
to my questions in a fair amount of time
|
74% |
0% |
26% |
Visit or return to these pages:
|
