UAF switches to all-online course evaluations
October 26, 2015
Course evaluations are now 100 percent digital at UAF. Beginning this semester, all courses
subject to evaluation will use the new system.
Blue, the new online system from eXplorance, replaces not only the Instructional Assessment
System forms but also the previous online evaluation systems.
The change, requested by the UAF Faculty Senate, was tested in spring 2015. Provost
Susan Henrich outlined the new system in a Sept. 8 memo to academic units.
The new evaluation system gives students much more flexibility. Surveys can be taken
on a computer, smart phone or tablet. Students have multiple access points to surveys,
including email reminders, Blackboard and a direct URL (https://uaf.bluera.com/uaf). During an allotted evaluation window, students can choose when to take the survey
and how much time to spend on it. Instructors still can provide class time for students
to complete the survey. Evaluations are anonymous and confidential.
Students can find a video explaining how to find and fill out their surveys at this
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTp5f7AMmRQ.
Faculty members can customize surveys to obtain more useful feedback. They can tailor
questions to focus on specific aspects of courses. Other features allow rapid feedback
and collection of a wide range of data. Cross-listed and team-taught courses also
are supported.
Those administering the process will spend less time coordinating distribution of surveys
and compiling responses. The new system also will cut the time spent transporting,
copying and storing hard-copy files.
The change will spark many questions, whether you are a student, a faculty member
or a department coordinator. You may find answers to your questions here: http://www.uaf.edu/files/provost/Blue/Blue-Flyer.pdf. You also can email questions to UAF-course-eval@alaska.edu.