Are We Violating Student Expectations? Availability, Workload, Class Time Use, and Technology Policies in Undergraduate Courses

Abstract

The goal of this study was to better understand what students expect from their college instructors in four areas: availability for out-of-class communication (OCC), student workload, in-class time use, and technology policies. Data from 606 participants were collected using an online survey design. Results showed that students’ expectations for OCC are being met, but that expectations for workload are being violated. Results also suggest that students prefer engaging in instructor-led activities during class time and want to be able to use their technological devices for educational purposes during class, but not for social purposes.