Authors:
Jesse M. Heines
and
David M. Martin Jr.
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Lowell, United States
Keyword(s):
User Interfaces, Security, Privacy, Anonymity, User Perceptions, Web Application Deployment
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Authentication
;
Collaboration and e-Services
;
Computer-Supported Education
;
Cryptography
;
e-Business
;
e-Learning
;
Enterprise Information Systems
;
Internet Technology
;
Learning/Teaching Methodologies and Assessment
;
Obstacles
;
Pedagogy Enhancement with e-Learning
;
Sensor Networks
;
Usability
;
Usability and Ergonomics
;
Web Information Systems and Technologies
;
Web Interfaces and Applications
;
Web Security and Privacy
;
Web-Based Education
;
Web-Based Teaching and Learning Technologies
Abstract:
An attempt to move from a paper-based university course evaluation system to a Web-based one ran into numerous obstacles from various angles. While development of the system was relatively smooth, deployment was anything but. Faculty had trouble with some of the system's basic concepts, and students seemed insufficiently motivated to use the system. Both faculty and students demonstrated mistrust of the system’s security and anonymity. In addition, the union threatened grievances predicated on their perception that the system was in conflict with the union contract. This paper describes the system’s main technical and, perhaps more important, political aspects, explains implementation decisions, relates how the system evolved over several semesters, and discusses steps that might be taken to improve the entire process.