Co-Streaming Classes: A Follow-Up Study in Improving the User Experience to Better Reach Users

Abstract

Co-streaming classes have enabled library staff to extend open classes to distance education students and other users. Student evaluations showed that the model could be improved. Two areas required attention: audio problems experienced by online participants and staff teaching methods. Staff tested equipment and adjusted software configuration to improve user experience. Staff training increased familiarity with specialized teaching techniques and troubleshooting procedures. Technology testing and staff training were completed, and best practices were developed and applied. Class evaluations indicate improvements in classroom experience. Future plans include expanding co-streaming to more classes and on-going data collection, evaluation, and improvement of classes.

KEYWORDS:

• Co-streaming
• distance education
• health sciences
• academic libraries
• online instruction
• students

Notes

*one evaluation respondent did not answer the question on the Instructor's Responsiveness to Questions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Barrie E. Hayes

Barrie E. Hayes, MSLS ([email protected]) is Bioinformatics Librarian; Lara Handler, MSLS ([email protected]) is School of Medicine Liaison; and Lindsey R. Main, MSLS ([email protected]) is Graduate Assistant; all at the Health Sciences Library, CB# 7585, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7585.

Lindsey R. Main

Lindsey R. Main is now Technology & Public Services Librarian at Champlain College ([email protected]).