A Student Feedback Tool That Links CMS Use with Good Grades (Research-based)

During academic year 2007-2008, UMBC students earning a grade D or F used the course management system 35 percent less than students earning a C or higher. While the sample of courses needs to be expanded, UMBC has acted on its findings by creating a "Check My Activity" tool, allowing students to compare their own activity against an anonymous summary of their course peers. The purpose of this tool is to provide early and frequent system feedback directly to students at any time during the semester, in hopes they might change their behavior or motivation to seek help.