The main focus of the study has been to determine if students would change their online courses if they had the opportunity to do so and how. In a voluntary survey conducted shortly after Weber State began it's implementation of WebCT Vista (converting from a home-grown system,) students were asked, “What would you like to tell you online instructors?” Responses ranged from “good job!” to “Answer your e-mail once in a while!” When asked what we should have asked them, replies included “Did you agree with the decision to convert from the “old” WSU Online to WebCT Vista?” and “Why don't you ask which of the tools work the best and why I want my instructors to use it.”

Prior to the session, conference participants will be asked to complete the survey and results will be compared to the results from students. Participants will learn: How students surveyed would modify the development of online courses and services; How to design course rating tools that more closely match student thinking; The expectations students bring to online courses; and How to identify ways for institutions and faculty to recognize, manage, and even shape student expectations.

Session participants will also be given the opportunity to participate in a sample focus group to assist them in their understanding of student expectations.