STOP - START - CONTINUE by Shawn Macauley

Skelton activity’s

2022-04-05 20:06:43 UTC

Although this assignment was a fun learning activity I feel as if students would benefit if this activity was optional or assigned as a pre-lab instead of a post-lab activity. I believe there was two times this activity fell on the weekend of my exam (I’m Thursday lab) and it was frustrating having to worry about such a long post-lab when I could have been studying more.

2022-04-05 20:08:04 UTC

Getting in contact with classmates for study sessions or help in the class is very difficult, next semester I would make a “ discussion board“ that student can communicate with one another regarding this.

2022-04-05 20:11:10 UTC

I believe that the mastering homework for labs is very helpful, especially the drag and drop portions. If there is a way that you can make extra “not mandatory” ones I believe that would be a great way for students to study more and fully understand!

2022-04-05 20:14:51 UTC

When taking the pre-lecture or lab exams on mastering it is frustrating that it doesn’t not show the correct answers. It makes it very difficult to see what topics I need to study more. If possible, I strongly recommend this gets changed immediately.

SI

2022-04-05 20:40:39 UTC

I really struggled going to the mandatory SIs. Every time I was able to go, it was very helpful, but I already had to switch my work schedule around just for the class/lab itself. Having to do so for supplemental learning on top of it made it really difficult. I'd like to see SIs continued, but would prefer if it wasn't mandatory.

Mastering A&P

2022-04-05 20:47:09 UTC

Absolutely loved Mastering A&P. Assignments are always thorough and I enjoy how it says how much time it may take to complete. I also utilize the calendar on there. A class with so much info and assignments can get hard to track and I thought that made it much easier to plan my week.

SI was extremely helpful and I think people wouldn't take advantage of it if it wasn't mandatory. I do think there should been more SI options because only one them worked for my schedule. Maybe it is possible to do a vote or discussion on SI times in the futre

2022-04-05 22:12:34 UTC

The pre lab activity including videos and the blausen chapters/ videos are what I find to be the most helpful. I learn so much from the them. Although it seems like there is a lot of small assignment, the repetition is very valuable and helpful.

2022-04-05 22:14:20 UTC

I agree that there should be a discussion board for students and that the practice exam and prelab should show the answers. I personally try to find the answers I don't know and I still get some wrong and I will never know which ones.

2022-04-05 22:16:13 UTC

I think that instead of the blausen questions being required in our time that they should be done in class and that students have the ability to ask questions about the answer. Students should have to attend the zoom lecture to get that more thorough discussion. (or it could be part of the discussion board idea in things to consider starting).

2022-04-05 22:18:17 UTC

Things to consider starting:

2022-04-06 01:01:05 UTC

Instruct BIOL252! (Human Physiology!)

This is personally the instruction that works best with me. Very clear, very detailed instruction with the right amount of student engagement. He truly makes you put forth the effort to earn the grade you want. He provides NUMEROUS amounts of resources to teeter your needs, and I personally can say I never walked into an exam (thus far) and felt underprepared. Lab instruction (with Jane wright) is also such a wonderful inclusion. Both instructors are very approachable and provide detailed explanations when needed. I’m interested to see how Human Physiology would be under his instruction. I truly enjoyed this class!

Pre-exam assignments in Mastering that need to be done before actual exam

2022-04-06 03:45:14 UTC

I understand these are meant to help us prepare for the actual exam, but I don’t really understand the use of them when none of the questions that are in these are in the actual exam. They are very time consuming, as they are almost as long as the actual tests but not even worth much points and we don’t even get to see the right answers to the questions we got wrong. These should be optional to help those who have the time for them and need the extra content.

Timed Exams

2022-04-06 03:49:35 UTC

This causes test anxiety. Not everyone can take a test in fast pace and it results in people having to guess on questions. There is so much content learned in not enough time that people need to be able to think to remember some topics. If the exam must be timed, possibly allow more time.

More Extra Credit Options

2022-04-06 03:58:11 UTC

There is so much content to learn and memorize in this class. People are unable to keep up, as we have other classes, jobs, and families that need our attention as well. It’s easy to get behind and extra credit would help those of us make some points up.

SI Classes

2022-04-06 04:01:20 UTC

These are really helpful for reviewing content and making things easier to understand.

EXAM TIMING

2022-04-06 16:46:35 UTC

i don't believe that exams should be timed . if we have 138 questions on a test with a 2 hour time limit that's not enough time for us to even spend a minute on each question to think about it or give ourselves clarification on it. Everyone does not test the same it is added pressure to worry about timing .

Extra Credit

2022-04-06 17:01:45 UTC

more extra credit options some students have to pass this class with atleast a c so just keep that idea in mind.

2022-04-06 23:07:20 UTC

I am probably going to be the bad person for saying this, but you should make it required for students to attend zoom lectures. As part of attendance and participation. The fact that there were supposed to be 40+ individuals engaged and only 7 attended the lecture, explains the reason for some of these responses. I understand people have lives and whatnot that they are very very passionate about, which isn't an issue whatsoever, but if students truly want to get that top-notch grade, be eligible to attend their dream school, and prosper in their dream profession, then they would strictly allocate their time effectively to attend the zoom lectures, go over the NUMEROUS amount of resources available to us, and ask questions!! College isn't about doing half a*s work, then wining to the professor for extra credit because you didn't get the grade you want. take accountability for YOUR OWN education; an "A" will not fall into your lap easily. Work for it. Make attendance required.

Lab Posting Times

2022-04-08 15:16:41 UTC

Because I was someone that had a Monday lab time, I didn't like that new lab materials were posted on Thursdays. It only allowed me 4 days (sometimes 3 on the random occasion that it was posted on Friday) to understand all the material for the upcoming lab. This was difficult to deal with since my weekends tended to be busy due to work and family obligations. Meanwhile, Thursday lab students were allowed a full week to get things done. I think these should release on the first day of labs rather than the last day of labs. More time is better, especially for a course with so much content.

Attending Lectures

2022-04-08 15:22:37 UTC

While I was fine with not having to attend lectures as it gave me extra time to deal with other classwork, more personal study time, and the chance to pick up a few extra hours at work if I wanted, it didn't make sense to me to require SI rather than lectures. The teachers are the experts, but students are required to be taught by other students rather than the teachers for full participation. I think SI should still be required on exam weeks and that lectures should be required every week with a certain number of absences being allowed.

Recorded SI sessions

2022-04-08 20:38:30 UTC

The SI sessions were mandatory which is all fine and well however I found it extremely difficult to attend all that were necessary do to my hectic schedule. I feel like if the SI sessions were recorded then a person could watch the video (still having to sign in) if the live session didn't work with a persons schedule. This way we could still get the credit for attending SI sessions.

Blausen

2022-04-09 14:56:13 UTC

I guess I'll be the one to say that Blausen is clunky and half of the time I can't get my videos to load, just not a fan. I know that the next wave of books is going to be online but reading a textbook on the computer screen is difficult for a lot of people. In previous years I have heard you've done powerpoints, these would be nice to have to print off and take notes on while you're lecturing as well for something physical to hold and review. I have done with the pre-lab powerpoints and found it very helpful.

Mastering A &P

2022-04-09 22:38:31 UTC

When doing our quizzes prior to an exam, it would be nice to know our results at the end. This would help me to know what I need to work on with what was marked incorrect.

Mandatory SI

2022-04-09 22:42:17 UTC

I do not mind the SI sessions but at times I get distracted from the lecture because other students continually pitch in stating that "Mr. Mac said this and Mr. Mac," said that and it tends to take over what the purpose of the session is. I am not sure if the preceptor's do not review your previous lecture prior to SI to know what we need to be learning for the day to get away from that?

All of it

2022-04-09 22:43:47 UTC

I feel that all the resources that are available to us are what we need to be successful as students. IF we are not taking advantage of it in our own way, then that is something each individual person needs to try and work on.

Consider having just Mastering and L&L. Mastering has everything we need. Blausen has a lot, but it gets a bit much to have so many places to learn from. Maybe make it optional and just do your lectures from that source. Definitely keep mastering! Make it so that the people that have Lab on Monday and Tuesdays have the correct due dates so it pops up for them as it's due by 11:59 pm instead of a date that's later, as it can be easily missed. There is a lot to do and would be a great reminder if you could figure out how to make that happen. I agree with everyone on the timed tests. They need to not be timed as there are many people that struggle more nowadays with anxiety and timed testing. Even with knowing the answers because of taking the time to study, anxiety takes that all away! Maybe try a couple of tests and Lab quizzes that are not timed and maybe you will see better grades and less added stress for the students, heck maybe it wouldn't even take the two hours as it isn't a worry for all of us. However, if this cannot be changed I think you have done a good job with helping the people that have made appointments to get the help needed. Even with the help from you getting me the resources, it is a process to complete and probably will not get done this semester.

huffmandana1987 — 2022-04-10 16:13:43 UTC

Small assignments

2022-04-10 18:03:24 UTC

I know the small assignments are meant to help us see the material more than once but they become time consuming and can be overwhelming if you have a full course load or an outside life these should have no affect on participation grade and be optional. I am not a person who learns by reading through a book I honestly learn more and retain more listening to your lectures and doing pre labs and lab itself answering the questions within the reading should be optional and not affect participation. Pre exam quizzes are long assignments that don't really help towards the exam because I don't recall seeing the questions on the actual exam and we also don't get the right answer to know how or why something was wrong.

Exam Review

2022-04-10 18:11:08 UTC

We should be able to review our exams after the fact without having to set up a session I understand if you hold the answer but being able to look through and know what was wrong I can figure out why or how I got it wrong.
Consider letting students who have the capability go digital when it comes to the labeling of the skeleton it was so much easier/ more organized for me to take a picture of my skeleton on my ipad and use my pen/stylus to draw on and label the needed structures.
More online SI session options the later times that were offered were all on campus when they would have been more useful being zoom sessions.
Instead of a pre lab exam maybe a study guide or discussion forum with exam topic.
Small assignments should be extra credit instead of points deducted.

Blausen questions

2022-04-11 15:42:03 UTC

I found the Blausen questions somewhat frustrating. For some reason, the combination of "online textbook" and "textbook questions you must answer online" meant I kept forgetting to do them. In non-hybrid classes I've successfully completed textbook question assignments, but I think I've completed only around 33%-40% of the Blausen questions. To clarify, I currently have an A in this class—I'm uncertain of how much they really contribute to learning.

I think we should consider making SI sessions not mandatory. Although they are very helpful, and I would also recommend students going, it is just very hard to find time to do it. I know it is only 1 hour per week, but finding a time that fits with a busy schedule is tough

2022-04-12 00:55:15 UTC

I do not feel like the Blaussen text matches up well with the Mastering assignments and that many Mastering questions are not covered in Blassen or lecture. Maybe using Mastering text would help. There is also such an excessive amount of extra information in Blassen it is time consuming and difficult to wade through. And it seems like we are often doing assignments on material we have not covered in lecture or had to read yet, so again I am just googling answers. It is a big time sink. Lab and lecture do not seem to line up well with each other either and often feel like separate classes. Also, in my lab section, I do not feel like we were given much helpful direction or information and that we were just basically on our own learning the material.

2022-04-12 22:46:33 UTC

I agree with other comments that having access to tests and quizzes would be very helpful when studying`

2022-04-12 22:49:50 UTC

I forgot this part. I hate testing at home. My household and neighborhood are loud, especially on weekends, and not conducive to a good testing environment. I know we don't currently have on campus lecture and the option, but in the future, I hope tests will be during class time when lecture moves back to in person.

2022-04-12 22:54:04 UTC

I have found SI helpful, but I do understand it is difficult to schedule for some. I also like having access to the lecture videos and the option to attend either zoom session. I did not want to do the muscle skeleton video at first, but it actually was very helpful. All of the additional slides online are also helpful as well as dissections.

2022-04-12 22:59:45 UTC

I would like to add that I appreciate that you are asking us for ways to improve the class for future students and are taking suggestions seriously. I feel like student input is often disregarded.

2022-04-12 23:06:00 UTC

2022-04-15 03:53:43 UTC

I felt as though the first couple of labs were not structured very well. They consisted of hours of looking at the greene manual and rarely was there ever interaction or hands on learning. I don't understand the point of a lab if you could easily look over these sections of the book at home. It was really hard to learn material by just looking at pictures. I would appreciate more hands on activities as I felt once we got into the dissection's, things clicked a lot faster.

I think if there were no due dates for the dynamic study module assignments or the due dates were grouped together and due prior to each exam they would be utilized more as a study tool rather than homework.

2022-04-21 23:46:48 UTC

More assignments correlated with Lecture/Blausen material. I personally feel I got a lot out of Lab but very little from Lecture.

2022-04-21 23:50:25 UTC

A way to review and look at answers we got incorrect on completed exams without having to make a Zoom meeting.

2022-04-21 23:52:59 UTC

Mastering A&P and PreLab assignments were extremely beneficial. It would be nice to find a way to do the same with Lecture/Blausen material.

2022-04-21 23:55:31 UTC

I feel like the Blausen/Lecture material and Pearson's/Lab material did not coincide very well together and it got confusing come exam time.

2022-04-21 23:58:31 UTC

I need a physical textbook to use. Maybe that could be offered as an option.

leathermancop — 2022-07-04 19:51:36 UTC

2022-07-09 21:57:16 UTC

I believe we should be able to see where we went wrong on the mastering that suppose to prepare for the exam

S.I, Mastering, Pre-lab videos, Exam Review before test, Great lecture videos with textbook - all of this worked great

2022-07-10 16:15:42 UTC

Go over what will be on LAB PRACTICALS, what is expected, what to focus on more, etc. - my professor was not helpful at all and I overstudied.. It should be like how Dr Mac sets up his lecture exam reviews, but for the lab practical with our lab professor... They even noted how "students score worse on practical's.." Then please change how it is set up. The overall exam was extremely difficult with an overload of content on it..

2022-07-10 16:21:26 UTC

Stop the post-lab assignments. They are time-consuming, not helpful, and often just give me anxiety with trying to plan everything else going on with the class and my personal life (with the exception of the dissecting pictures, that is understandable).

2022-07-10 16:24:31 UTC

Exam preparation

debbiecrenno — 2022-07-12 17:58:44 UTC

I think that mastering and blausen are good preparation for exams. However, I feel that when I begin to finally have an understand of the questions that are being asked about the material theres no more questions on it. I think that there should be more practice problems that are optional for students in order to help them practice the material based on the wording of questions.

Discussion board

debbiecrenno — 2022-07-12 18:02:40 UTC

I think that a discussion board could be useful for students. Maybe have it labeled "questions for each other" and students can post their questions and others can help by commenting suggestive ways to remember or understand that specific question. I would definitely use this resource if it were on blackboard.

Dissections at home, S.I.

debbiecrenno — 2022-07-12 18:06:04 UTC

One thing that helped me was dissections. While being an online student, I thought we weren't gonna get any hands-on experiences. However, this was not the case and I have found it to be extremely helpful when learning about the different systems so far. I also have found SI to be very helpful. However, I think that maybe there should be a few more days or longer times available for students to attend. Some days it felt like SI went by too fast and material felt a little rushed towards the end. I think that if SI was maybe an hour and a half or two hours it could be even more helpful and help to get more topics covered.

Skeleton labeling

2022-07-13 16:53:59 UTC

I had an extremely difficult time with labeling the skeleton with the supplies given. I felt like it was more of a hassle than learning opportunity because majority of the time I kept putting stickers back on the locations. That alone turned my assignment into a longer one.

Busy work

2022-07-13 20:07:08 UTC

I feel the course has too much busy work, coloring pages, mastering, and questions in the book. Even in lab we are breaking out to label pages in the book. I think that time would be better spent helping each other or doing an actual activity. A lot of us work full time and are struggling with the load, which is fine if the pressure is working but judging by the grades it doesn't seem to be. It is a lot of info but I feel it can be lightened a lot and still have the same learning affect.

SI

2022-07-25 01:00:13 UTC

Mandatory SI sessions may be helpful but not having a lot of time options made it extremely difficult to attend. I think a better tool would be a discussion board that students could do on their own time.

dynamic study modules/ blausen questions

2022-10-24 17:28:29 UTC

With this class, I truly believe less is more. I think that having resources available such as the study modules and blausen questions are helpful, but when they are thrown into our participation grade and basically required, I think that is a little unfair. Everyone learns differently, and for me, I learn way better by just watching the videos and writing my notes rather than reading through an online book and trying to answer questions about what I read. I lose focus very quickly and can not pay attention to words on a computer screen for that long. I like that they are available, but I don't think that we should be punished for not doing them if we are clearly still learning and doing good in the class without it. I also think that the study modules are just unnecessary busy work for us. We already have so much on our plates to keep track of, that I miss the due date every week with them. They are also not the same unit that we are learning most of the time, so I just don't see the point of throwing that extra stress at us.

2022-10-25 16:46:36 UTC

Exam review sessions, and the lists or "study guides" that give us topics that will be on the exam so we know what to study.

2022-10-25 16:48:08 UTC

I would like to be able to see what answers I got wrong, as well as the correct answer so I know what I need to spend more time on. This is in regards to the mastering assignments, or exam quizzes. It is hard to know what to study when we cannot see right or wrong answers.

2022-10-25 16:52:40 UTC

I think that stopping post lab activities would be helpful to a lot of people. We already spend hours on prelab assignments. And then even more hours outside of lab studying the lab manual and everything else. Personally the lab activities did not help me learn at all, and took time away from studying. They should be optional, and if students prefer to do them as a way of helping them learn, they should get points for it. But everyone learns differently.

more than one short paper

2023-03-21 00:56:50 UTC

The short paper was such a fun thing for me and I wish there were more ways for us to exercise our individual interests in this class! It would be cool if there was another paper of some sort for just a little extra credit!

mastering and skeleton adoption

2023-03-21 00:58:01 UTC

Okay so the mastering assignments are really helpful! Sometimes even fun for me, I love the labeling ones where you drag and drop. Also I really love the skeleton adoption program.

Microscope Use

2023-03-21 01:00:37 UTC

The proper use of microscopes was focused on a lot at the beginning of the course but as of now (over half way through the course) we have only used them ONCE in lab. I really think the microscopes would have been a huge help with histology. It's also a very cool hands-on way to learn when you can see something in front of you and not just on a page! Overall, I'm very disappointed with the lack of microscope use.

SI!

2023-03-21 01:04:27 UTC

SI is so helpful and honestly really fun (at least the ones with Jane!! :D)

Dynamic Study Modules

2023-04-06 23:17:59 UTC

I have not found the Dynamic Study Modules to be beneficial in my learning.

Things To Continue

2023-04-06 23:27:51 UTC

Mastering HW, Lab HW, Lab Activities, Prelab Videos but they could be shorter, Prelab assignments, Blausen Textbook and questions, Zoom discussions and videos, and Supplemental Instruction.

Dissections

2023-04-06 23:31:11 UTC

Although some of them are interesting I did not find them particularly helpful.

Skeleton/Post Lab activities

2023-04-10 01:38:56 UTC

While I understand that they correspond to the lab they work with, I feel like they could be put under the prelab as part of the assignment. Whenever I pull out the pages for my prelab, I would always have to refind all of the previous lab papers and search my binder when they could have been placed with the pre-lab assignment.

Teaching using blausen

2023-04-10 01:41:33 UTC

I LOVE THIS! I always find that I go through numerous notebooks with classes trying to organize notes from the lectures and power points provided. With this class I found that all of my notes were in one of two places: my designated binder for Anatomy or my online textbook. It was perfect!

Coursework

2023-10-30 01:38:33 UTC

When I am going to lab I find I am wasting my time with (busy work). Considering it is a lab I would prefer we are doing some sort of hands on activity or verbal participation. The only time I felt lab was beneficial is when we were going through histology slides and being asked questions about it; but that's pretty much we do already in lectures and SI . In addition to that the dissections are fun which means its more engaging and will lead to more long term memory since emotions are evoked and associated. Pretty much I would like lab to be a lab. The pre labs post labs and mastering takes away from actual study time. mastering would be ok if it was more tailored to the exam.

Essays and time use.

2023-10-30 01:56:44 UTC

I don't think students would like this but you can do a short essay every week or 2 weeks for participation. Not only would that be a better use of our time as it would force us to connect ideas which is a high yield study strategy. It would also force us to understand the concepts in order to write a coherent and articulated paper. I believe this would be a far better use of a participation grade rather than coloring, making lateral lists, and doing modules that are not even tailored to the exam. I understand that would be a lot for the professor to grade so maybe you can involve the students in someway, which can help other students recognize their strengths and weakness's in a particular concept.

What works.

2023-10-30 02:02:28 UTC

I think overall the class is well designed. The blausen book/quesitons, lecture, and lecture videos all interconnect wonderfully and is a great way to grasp a understanding of the content. Additionally I particularly like short essays.

The check the knowledge can be joined with the prelab, and the post lab cam replace the post lab quizzes in class.

2023-10-30 02:48:16 UTC

In my lab class I am not really learning anything because things are not set out in lecture form. No new information is given to me other than the ones I already did on my own and studied based on the lab videos. I believe I would grasp the topics better if t here was some time set aside to actually lecture the lab information during class. would be better equipped and confident that I am learning.

2023-10-30 02:51:22 UTC

The lectures by Dr. Mac are so informative. They leave very little out. The way he reinforces the information during lecture makes it so easy to understand the topics.

2023-10-30 02:52:36 UTC

Participation in the blaussen. Too much to do with all the extra stuff from mastering plus prelab and lectures. try to have us to the check the knowledges instead of so much in the text.

2023-10-30 02:54:12 UTC

Dynamic Study Modules

avabritton3 — 2023-10-30 14:28:53 UTC

I think that the Dynamic Study Modules should be discontinued. We have a lot of assignments on our plate already, that I find myself trying to do them quickly because I need to do something else more important for the class. I will say, some of them are helpful, but we had a few assigned to us before we had learned the material in class, that it made it very difficult for me to get the correct answers. I would love to hear others feedback on this topic as well.

Better Exam Study Guides

avabritton3 — 2023-10-30 14:35:00 UTC

I found that in each exam, there were multiple things on there that I was not ready for and did not take time studying because it wasn't on the Exam Study Guide. I feel that if we had just a brief overview of EVERYTHING that is on the exam, I personally, would have done a lot better on the exams.

Mastering A&P

avabritton3 — 2023-10-30 14:39:34 UTC

As many assignments as there were, and considering how time consuming it was, I am grateful for Mastering A&P as it did help me understand the material better with the different types of questions involved. I especially loved the labeling questions. I just wish it would show us the correct answers! But, the Lab HW after lab, I found extremely helpful because it helped me retain all my knowledge, and I felt super successful when doing those specific assignments.

Please provide more time to take exams. Personally I like to double check and re-read every question multiple times to make sure I have not read it wrong and I need more time to do so.

2023-10-30 20:26:08 UTC

2023-10-30 20:27:27 UTC

Provide more extra credit learning opportunities.

2023-10-30 20:27:57 UTC

Please continue your optional zoom calls after exams have been taken.

Mastering

2023-10-31 23:29:06 UTC

When we do pre/post lab activities or chapter homework on mastering, there are often questions that we didn't learn about. I don't know if you can regulate what goes into those assignments, but if you could, it would make it a lot easier. I end up looking up the answers instead of resorting to learned knowledge.

Lecture Videos

2023-10-31 23:31:00 UTC

Even though they are time-consuming, I really appreciate being able to take notes for lectures before I go in person. That way I can spend time listening to you and highlighting or adding additional important info.

Exam review quizzes

2023-10-31 23:37:00 UTC

The pre-exam quizzes on mastering don't really cover all of the information that will be on the exam and instead spend like 30 questions on a single topic. Then when we get to the exam, there are only a few questions regarding that specific topic. If you could make sure that the quizzes cover all/most of the information that will be on the exam, that would really help. Even if it's just 2 or 3 questions.

Also, it's frustrating that they don't tell you what answers you got wrong. I would like to know so I can further review my problem areas.

At home exams

2023-10-31 23:40:41 UTC

I really enjoy being able to take my exam at home and being able to choose what day I take it. It's a lot less stressful, and I feel more comfortable and relaxed.

STOP - START - CONTINUE

2023-11-10 16:30:14 UTC

2023-11-17 22:54:31 UTC

not adding a time limit

2023-11-17 22:55:33 UTC

numbering multiple part questions individually instead of having 10 parts that only count as one question

2023-11-17 22:55:57 UTC

continue giving us study guides and guides to the written answers

2023-11-20 01:16:59 UTC

Exam review sessions have been very helpful.

2023-11-20 01:21:20 UTC

There are so many assignments for this class. I don't think Prelabs/Postlabs, Blausen questions, Mastering's Dynamic Study Modules are a good use of time. The lecture videos are lengthy and filled with great info already.

2024-03-17 00:12:51 UTC

I struggle with Pre-labs then test on Mondays..I don't learn from the videos or coloring papers, I'd rather make items for the skeleton, Hands on or have a model to use while watching the videos. Also with have exams on the weekends its frustrating to do prelab stuff too... Also I don't feel like Lab matches lecture..I would love to see Lab and lecture done at the same time in the same classroom

2024-03-17 00:16:09 UTC

The words used to teach should be the words used on the test/Exams. When I have to question the question I tend to get sidetracked... Teach to the test ONLY, Teach to the State Test

2024-03-17 00:18:45 UTC

Keep the Open Communication, it has been very helpful for many of us. I personally like the lecture videos except for the length. I am in class and still come home and do HOURS of homework and studying.

Things to modify

2024-03-17 17:24:07 UTC

I love the Blausen book it’s very detailed , I didn’t mind the Blausen multiple choice question but the written questions I wish could have been addressed in person to get a well rounded explanation. Mastering assignments help keep context rolling however some of the assignments just do not match exams . I feel like the pre exams were very time consuming and didn’t touch a little bit of everything that was on the actual exam. Personally, the pre Lab assignments threw me off when trying to study for exams I was trying to learn and connect several things at once . It’s do able however not everyone works well under that type of pressure .

Things that would help

2024-03-17 17:27:09 UTC

The bookwork in lab would be better in we were able to get into groups and discuss what we are learning sometimes it helps hearing someone else explain it . I wish there were more opportunities for extra credit

Muscular System EC

2024-03-20 15:45:21 UTC

It might be cool to have a optional EC opportunity where the class meets in the MCC gym and does like a slide show accompanied light workout. This could provide an active learning method to learn our main muscles/bone markings/OI/movement types. Plus it would be fun.

Online Lecture Videos

2024-03-24 01:02:43 UTC

Online lecture videos are extremely helpful when taking notes at home, and I tend to also listen to them while I am driving for a second "exposure" to the material. Then again while in class. By the time I hear Dr. Mac talk about the material in class, thinks seem to "click" in my brain and my understanding becomes clearer. After that, I usually listen for a third time and "tell" Dr. Mac the material before he says it.

SUP Class

2024-03-24 22:55:46 UTC

While I appreciate the opportunity I have had, this opportunity has not equated to the monetary aspect of this. Due to our lectures being posted online and class time is supposed to just be an in person summarization and time for questions/clarity. Why couldn't this time include material offered in the Supplemental course? For as much time this course requires outside of the normal lecture/lab time; it would be nice for all students to experience what we do in SUP.

Time Restraints

2024-03-24 23:11:45 UTC

I am not sure at this time for suggestions on how to better awareness on the time constraints this course (& many like it) will have for students. This course requires a lot of discipline and I feel like before students are allowed to take this course there should be a pre-req course teaching students time management in regards to school. School is not like most of the real world, this requires dedicated time just like a job where you have no distractions related to the anything but the subject at hand.

I must note that I did appreciate in the beginning of the course, time was spent to recognize this.

All of it

2024-03-24 23:13:35 UTC

I thoroughly enjoyed all this class had to offer, it hit on all ways to study, offered in class and you tube lectures; multiple study resources, participation, lab. Dr. Mac, please continue to care about the students, you are doing an amazing job.

Continue with Videos

2024-03-26 02:28:58 UTC

I believe that the lecture and lab videos play a significant role in being successful in this class. I do believe in order to get some of the best grades, you must know what is going on before entering the class and those videos assist with that. Lastly the videos remain on blackboard until exam is complete for those sections, there for you have multiple times to gain knowledge of the information.

Great Job Dr. Mac keep rocking out!

SUP MODIFICATION

2024-03-26 02:31:18 UTC

I highly recommend the following suggestions:

Posting all SUP pack keys by the end of the week it is given, due to the fact that some/most of us use them to help study. If we are writing down the answers, and they are wrong. We are studying the wrong material. VERY IMPORTANT*
Sup packs should contain the correct images that correspond with the material being learned. Again, helps with studying that material.
Sup should be a time to gain more of a "hands on learning" session and not an additional hour of lecturing.
Allow more time for the students to ask questions regarding the material.

Dissections

2024-03-26 02:39:39 UTC

When preparing for dissections, it would be nice to see a visual image of the items that need to be "pinned" The little videos are helpful. As someone that needs a visual of the expectations, images would be helpful when reviewing the videos, and possibly taking notes.

Lecture Videos

2024-03-26 02:44:15 UTC

I would like to see a outline for the lecture videos, or maybe even a fill in the blank handout that corresponds with the videos. That way we stay engaged with the material.

I find that taking "good" notes for each video takes roughly 4-6 hours of watching, stopping, and writing...repeat..over and over again to obtain all the material in each lecture video.

2024-04-07 01:01:18 UTC

I am reading students comments from 1 to 2 years ago and apparently nothing has changed. Exams still extremely long with not enough time to complete so many questions. I feel something as wonderful and complex as the human body, has become a chore to learn. This workload causes me great anxiety. I won't make any suggestions, because I see nothing has changed from suggestions made 2 years ago.

Lab activities

2024-07-05 20:27:25 UTC

The only thing I have found to be superfluous in my opinion so far are some of the lab activities. I know some people do well with the visual connection and ability to touch bones and such. But some of the muscle cutting and labeling on our take home skeletons took wayyyyy too long and didn't really seem to be helping me retain or cement anything, they ended up being just frustrating projects that I feel could have used my time better doing other study options.

2024-07-05 20:30:40 UTC

Sooo many things. I find the mastering questions, the blausen videos and questions, the lab quizzes, the lecture videos, the pre-lab videos, and most of the labs so far to be helpful. Sometimes it feels the deadlines for mastering assignments for the learning modules are a bit ahead, something is due but it's over content that we haven't been expected to learn in the lecture videos or read in blausen yet. But perhaps it's intended to be the first introduction to the topic to see what we already know. Either way I enjoy it!

Earlier assignment deadlines

2024-07-05 20:33:47 UTC

If there's any way to schedule some of the lecture and reading blausen assignments just a little bit before the lab that's going to relate to it, that would be helpful. I've found that when I'm "caught up" with where I should be, I feel behind and the content feels new and overwhelming, but when I get a few days ahead with all the assignments, I feel I have a better grasp and can utilize lab better to cement concepts and know what I need to be looking for.

kelseyviazanko — 2024-07-08 22:39:25 UTC

One thing that I think should be modified is the due dates of all of the Mastering assignments. There is something due almost every day and although the assignment grades are awarded into a lump sum for participation points, it is sometimes challenging to keep track of which days have something due. I get that the point is for us to be logging into mastering every day and studying in small amounts every day but for some people who have crazy schedules or other responsibilities, it can become a lot. I think it would be more beneficial to have a handful of assignments due at the end of the week or even just to allow for late work partial credit for the mastering assignments. There have been times where I would get into bed at the end of the day and think, "Oh no I forgot all about mastering," and then have to get my laptop to do a 20-30 minute assignment that is only worth 5 points. Organization and keeping a planner can help with this issue, but at the same time there may be some days where some of us don't devote as much time to studying or try to take a break from studying for the day, and vice versa there may be days that are completely devoted to studying and completing assignments. The spread of due dates just makes it easier for some to be missed entirely.

Labeling on Mastering

kelseyviazanko — 2024-07-08 22:43:16 UTC

I absolutely hate doing the labeling activities on Mastering. I feel like half the time, you either can't tell exactly what the line is being pointed at, whatever is being pointed at isn't even an answer option, or the picture/model that we are labeling will be different from what it looks like in Greene, Blausen, or even on Google. I find myself just skipping over the labeling questions because it's more of a hassle trying to figure it out, especially when it tells you how many you got wrong but not which ones are wrong.

Lecture Videos

kelseyviazanko — 2024-07-08 22:45:33 UTC

I find that I learn the most from the lecture videos. I do split screen and have the lecture video on one side and the Blausen text on the other, and I will stop and start the video while taking notes and reading along in Blausen. Yes, the lectures are long and usually doing it this way doubles the amount of time it normally takes, but I've found that it helps me.

Lecture Videos

kelseyviazanko — 2024-07-08 22:52:30 UTC

I love the lecture videos but the only thing I would modify is when they are released/scheduled for. Having a Tuesday lab time, I have found that in order to understand what we are doing in lab, I would have to skip ahead and watch the lecture videos for later in the week or even the following week. I feel like what we do in lab one day, we don't even have the lecture on that material until the next lab, and by then it isn't helpful for me because at that point I have no idea what we're doing in lab. To have the lecture videos that coincide with the in-lab material and chapters scheduled prior to lab would be way more help because then it introduces the material and lab can then be used for hands on application of the material, rather than vice versa.

I think all the extra activities shouks stop! it's too much busy work, It takes away from the learning experience

2024-07-14 01:15:26 UTC

I think you should consider lining the lecture and labs more closely together that way the student who's never taken the course has a better idea about the material

2024-07-14 01:17:10 UTC

the lectures online are a great learning source

2024-07-14 01:17:53 UTC

Layout of Course

baleighortquist — 2024-07-15 06:03:29 UTC

In the beginning, I had a hard time navigating all of the different locations and where items were located. If you put all of the videos and content in one folder, like the lecture videos and pre-lab videos for the same chapter, it would have worked better for my brain.

lecture videos

2024-07-17 00:25:15 UTC

so really my only thing is the background noise in the videos it makes it a lot harder to focus on the lecture because my brain keeps going back to what sounds like some sort of fan in all the videos

2024-10-27 16:42:53 UTC

The mastering assignments are a helpful tool for applying my learning to something other than the exams.

Blackboard Organization

2024-10-28 12:08:12 UTC

I would reorganize the blackboard to be more concise and with material sorted into required content and extra content, week by week. Right now it's very overwhelming and difficult to sort through everything there.

Practical Experience

2024-10-28 12:13:28 UTC

It would help if lab time was more focused on practicing what we're trying to learn. So, if we're supposed to be learning histology, let's spend our lab time working with the microscopes and viewing slides. If we're supposed to be learning about the skeletal system then let's spend our lab time learning how to identify bone markings. We spend three hours a week in our lab and don't do nearly enough practical activities. I think it would help students to be prepared for lab practicals and online exams if we did more practical, hands-on, activities.

Mastering A&P

2024-10-28 12:15:56 UTC

The mastering assignments are very helpful and provide exposure to material ahead of our lab time. The PAL Learning is especially useful for self-study. I would definitely continue requiring students to engage in the Mastering A&P portion of the class content.

2024-10-28 18:35:09 UTC

Although it appears several students dislike the array of platforms with consisting assignments, I personally enjoy the variability. This setup is clearly trying to accommodate several learning styles, as well as ensuring students are continuously interacting with the material. Has it seemed overwhelming at times, sure, but the differing platforms have provided an anchor for understanding, at least for me.

The recorded lectures are informative, and I believe they contain everything you need to know in order to succeed on exams. I personally rewatch them minimally two times before an exam. The second time, I pause and answer questions he poses, in addition to retaking notes. This is very helpful in deciphering what you need to study more deeply.

Mastering is great, the study modules are fun and the assignments are a good reinforcement.

Blausen is beneficial and the wordage is plainly stated, which is conducive for learning, rather than adding more stress. I enjoy the questions added.

Overall, I think the course is structured with emphasis on helping students succeed, it’s truly a matter of discipline and creating ample time to study the material. Often times, enhancement to one’s life doesn’t come easy.

2024-10-31 13:58:19 UTC

I think pre lab and post lab quizzes are a lot, why not just have 1 quiz at the end of class? I think these take up very useful lab time where we could be continuing to work on soon due work or continuing to take in knowledge learned in lab. Another thing I would change is not having so busy work or mastering assignments. Also, I find assignments due on the weekend very hard where I try to find time to catch up on normal life. I'm finding a hard time to catch a breather with this class mixing in with my other classes.

SUP

2024-10-31 13:59:38 UTC

I would make SUP optional. I know a few class mates and myself would love to attend these where we can, but dedicating ourselves to this extra course for the whole semester just doesn't fit in with our busy schedules.

Exams

2024-11-01 22:59:18 UTC

I appreciate being able to do the pre exam and exam at home, however it drives me crazy that I can't see what I got wrong. I think it would be so beneficial to see what areas need improvement on the pre exam to better prepare for the actual exam.

Exam Prep Quiz

2024-11-07 21:53:42 UTC

I found that the exam prep quizzes were helpful and a great way to make sure I reviewed all topics before an exam. This being said, I really wish we could have seen the correct answers right after we submit it. I like to take the exams on Friday's so waiting until Saturday night to see the answers was not an option for me

Love this class!

2024-11-07 21:58:13 UTC

I truly enjoyed this class and have had so much fun learning the content. The instructors are incredibly helpful and approachable. Thank you!

Dynamic Study Modules

2024-11-09 01:49:49 UTC

Sometimes I forget that Dynamic Study Modules are a thing. They are very hard to keep track of because there are so many of them and it is easy for them to slip through your mind with everything else that we do for this class. I particularly feel that they are more for busy work, rather than comprehending and understanding. I don't know if there is any other way to make them more engaging, because right now, they are always the last thing on the lists of tasks to get done for the class.

Weekly Content

2024-11-09 01:52:23 UTC

It is way easier to manage the workload for this class if you pick two things to focus on each day, whether it is watching the lecture video for the day or doing a Mastering assignment. Chunking everything into smaller bits and pieces makes the workload feel more manageable.

Mastering Pre-tests and Quizzes

2024-11-09 01:54:46 UTC

I find that the large assignments on Mastering that are supposed to mimick lecture exams in a way, are very helpful for comprehension of the material that we need to know for the actual lecture exam. It is a great way to figure out what we individually need to work on before we take the lecture exams.

2024-11-11 13:55:25 UTC

I believe the new addition of the dialogues is a great study aide. After I have watched the lecture videos and listen to the dialogue it helps my understanding of the subject. Overall I will you should continue things how they are. I feel you have provided a substantial amount of resources and students just need to take the time to utilize them.

Exam questions

2024-11-13 23:58:36 UTC

I would consider modifying the amount of questions that are on the exam. There is just so many questions that make the exam so long and can make someone taking the exam tired during the exam.

Extra Credit

2024-11-13 23:59:45 UTC

Having more extra credit opportunities would be a good thing to start doing because a lot people can benefit from extra credit such as getting grades up and getting ahold of material better.

Lecture videos

2024-11-14 00:00:35 UTC

The lecture videos are very informative and are excellent for learning the material.

Mastering A&P

2024-11-17 17:09:05 UTC

I wish I had more time to focus on studying but instead I'm stressing about the assignments in mastering. I feel like there is one posted every single day and if I am busy with another course and didnt have time to check mastering that day I miss an assignment. I feel like with the blausen readings and questions, our mastering assignments, and our pre and post lab I have no other time to study or work on other courses I have.

Lab quizzes

2024-11-17 17:11:44 UTC

One thing I think would help a lot of peoples grades is having multiple choice or word banks on the Lab quizzes. On our exam they are all multiple choice so I don't understand why they aren't for our lab quizzes. I feel like alot of people would benefit from a multiple choice option. I also wish we could start going over our lab quizzes. I look at my grade and never know what I got wrong or what I could improve on.

Skeleton activities as part of pre/post Lab assignments

2024-11-18 01:22:16 UTC

I found the skeleton activities to be incredibly helpful, but having them be a part of a lab activity that is submitted with the next pre lab did not make any sense to me because our skeletons with us at the actual lab, so I can't technically finish until I'm home. I think if they were their own separate assignment, it would be easier to categorize and plan out my week and I'd be able to be fully focused in on it.

extra credit

2025-03-21 23:51:51 UTC

I would offer extra credit to students that attend 1 hour a week in tutoring, like 10 points a week or something

lecture/lab

2025-03-21 23:53:54 UTC

teach the same thing at the same time..if it is not part of lecture it should not be apart of Lab and vise versa. bouncing between the two classes with two different subjects causes lots of difficulty for people

open book on the more lengthy exams

2025-03-24 02:09:16 UTC

I think having open books on harder exams, not all exams, though, would be great. For example, I am a full-time student and a full-time worker to meet all my needs at home. It isn't easy to find time to study for exams within the times I have allowed myself to relax and take time away from everything. I think all students understand that this class isn't easy and takes dedication and motivation to take in all the content. But when there are multiple sections within an exam that we are supposed to memorize from pre-labs, mastering, blausen, labs, and any additional papers handed out, it becomes a struggle.

Online Lab Exams

kaceythacker — 2025-03-24 04:25:36 UTC

I love the online lab exams, as someone who struggles to remember things straight from my brain without a word bank this truly helps me. The only con I see is the images are not as clear as the in-person models. So maybe a way to have the best of both worlds?

Skelton Activity

kaceythacker — 2025-03-24 04:27:12 UTC

It is a fun activity to do from time to time, but I think it would be more fun to do in a group setting, adding it to the pre-lab sometimes makes it hard to complete. Especially if we have an exam that weekend before the pre-lab is due.

Pre-exam test modification

2025-03-24 12:54:17 UTC

The Pre-exam tests on Mastering I think are helpful, as it gives me a litmus of where I am at in my studying. However, I do find it somewhat frustrating that I cannot see the answers to the mastering prep. I understand mastering is open-book, so there shouldn't be any reason that the answers are unavailable to us after we take the prep test. I would like to use that to guide my studying but am unable to when I am not sure what I got right/wrong.

Discussion board questions

2025-03-24 13:05:55 UTC

Similar to what is going on here, I think it would be beneficial to have multiple discussion boards for each exam/subject for people to post questions on anonymously, so other students can support that question if they also struggle with it. Then it highlights what the big-ticket struggle areas are that we may need to go over more.

Pre-lab assignments & Mastering

2025-03-24 13:10:16 UTC

As much as I absolutely dread sitting down to do my pre-lab because it takes so long (my fault for doing it all in one sitting), I admit I learn the most from this and the mastering assignments. When I am in a setting where I am being quizzed/tested on my knowledge, I find I retain the information better, and when I get something wrong, I remember WHY it's wrong.

That being said, keep giving us multiple attempts on mastering assignments!! I know it's open note, but I like to use my first attempt to check if I am right based on my current knowledge, then if I am wrong, I'll use notes to help me.

Blausen questions

2025-03-24 13:13:39 UTC

I think it would be best to modify the Blausen participation questions, or find another way to incorporate participation. When I go through the questions, I find that they aren't written the best, as if the publishers simply copy and pasted the text and put it as questions. Sometimes I find they don't make sense, and I have found at least one question that was wrong. As a student, I will trust the book over my knowledge, so if there are some questions that are incorrect, that can be harmful to our learning.

Integration of Vocab

2025-03-24 17:50:57 UTC

I've found that vocab is one of the easiest things to accidentally "let slip" when it comes to studying for lecture exams. I know we briefly discuss vocab during lectures, and Blausen's vocab review sections are helpful as well, but further integration of that vocab (whether it be worksheets, or online vocab practice quizzes (similar to or on mastering A&P) towards participation grade might add extra depth/practice when it comes to preparing for the vocabulary sections of the exams.

Starting the Pre Lab a week ahead

2025-03-24 21:06:34 UTC

As a lab ends I start the next Prelab right away and start learning the material right away so I'm not so stressed as the next lab comes up. This helps me stay more organized and knowing what is coming.

Watching the lecture videos on the day it is posted

2025-03-24 21:07:56 UTC

I want to start and make sure I stay ahead by watching the lecture videos, so I don't fall behind, and stay on top of the material.

2025-03-26 02:42:46 UTC

Keep including all of the same resources that you have listed. It is very helpful to have so many options. Having the small assignments almost every day is like a reminder to study and add a little bit of anatomy into your everyday routine, which is a must if you seek to really master the material and do well in the course.

2025-03-26 02:47:12 UTC

Something that would benefit us students for exams and further understanding of the material is to learn the vocab based on its usage in the course. Instead of learning the vocabulary root words in alphabetical order, they should be presented to us at the same time they are presented to us in the information and actual course content.

Cut Lecture Videos Shorter

2025-03-30 20:29:35 UTC

Even at 2x speed, the videos are still pretty long, especially when the instructor talks about things we don't need to learn or explains in detail. I think we can go more in-depth into details in the in-person lectures after watching a short video with the notes that we need to write the day before. This will be better time management for people at home so that it is useful for them to attend lectures instead of hearing the same thing they just listened to.

Pre-Exams + Art Labeling

2025-03-31 00:49:07 UTC

The pre-exam assignments are nice but not helpful if I am unable to review the answers again till the last day of the exam. The art-labeling assignments are cool too, but I wish I could repeat them as many times as possible instead of just once.

The Mastering exercises due dates

2025-03-31 01:02:45 UTC

It would be wonderful to add the due dates in the calendar. I rely on my calendar in the BB a lot and I am finding myself that I am missing the due dates.

The assignment due dates

2025-03-31 01:11:04 UTC

Some due dates in the "grading" section are incorrect—it's 2025, but my current assignments are listed as due in 2024. It's pretty confusing! And the BB calendar doesn't show them.

To Dr. Mac

2025-03-31 01:27:28 UTC

It would be great to read Dr. Mac's comments on some posts! His insights could add a lot of value and clarification.

Dr. Mac's emails

2025-03-31 01:31:58 UTC

Dr. Mac's emails are great, they provide valuable insights on what to expect and how the class is doing. I love reading them!

Going over PreLab assignments during Lab.

2025-04-03 14:05:01 UTC

Potentially before or after the lab quiz, I feel it would be beneficial to go over the prelab in person. Either as a full group, or in smaller lab-table groups with each other. I know the answers for the PreLabs are posted for students to double check, but amidst other things to stay busy in the class, double checking your already completed work may not be a priority for many students. Going over it in lab together would help cement the information, and would partially drive accountability for students getting it done accurately if they know they're going to be reviewing it with their classmates. Most importantly, I've noticed working in groups in lab has previously been extremely helpful with troubleshooting an area of anatomy that we might not have realized we were struggling with until talking it out with lab partners. Working with others allows for better communication and verbal understanding of the material (and hopefully more connection towards starting a study group) but also more confidence to ask the lab instructor a question if the group recognizes an area they each struggled with or possibly misinterpreted from doing it on their own.

Blausen participation & pre exam

2025-04-05 05:15:31 UTC

In my opinion answering the questions in blausen as we are trying to watch the lecture, take notes and try to keep up with our book on another screen is overwhelming. Also, the pre exam, yes gives us additional points, but it is very time consuming and it takes away time from focusing on other studying tools. The fact that it doesnt even show us what we got wrong to me feels like it does not help me focus on what I need to go over more. We already have something to do or watch every day and these two things I think take up a lot of our time and so not show a lot in return.

I think there needs to be a different system for grading dissections. We lose points for not being a good photographer. This makes the grade we receive not reflect our knowledge of the material.

2025-04-05 09:09:50 UTC

The Blausen text book.

2025-04-07 14:17:09 UTC

Not having an actual text book or an iPad compatible ebook has made reading everything very difficult. Reading on a laptop and spending that much time in front of a screen is not ideal as it is, adding in the inconvenience of the laptop- if we had a textbook or a comparable ebook (at least for me) studying would be much easier as I could bring the book out while waiting at the doctor, or at my hair appointment, in between classes without getting out my entire laptop. Blausen’s material is great but not having book and only being able to read on the laptop is very inconvenient, and I personally feel I rush through the material because of it being on my laptop.

Lab

2025-04-07 14:26:41 UTC

The flow and atmosphere in lab.

Lab is already too short. When we show up and are rushed, rushed, rushed. I feel it takes away from the learning experience and only causes anxiety and stress related to the class. Then add in the constant comparison to other classes and degrading of how the class is never prepared and knows nothing- it does not make for a cohesive learning experience. It is actually quite the opposite. We should feel like we can ask any question in class instead many are afraid they will get chastised for it and get told they need to figure it out themselves with their question not getting properly answered. This style of “teaching” should be modified.

Helpful Homework

2025-04-11 21:34:37 UTC

The interactive work in Mastering online and for the prelab is very helpful as a study tool.

I enjoy having the presentation slides from lectures and additional informative slides available on Blackboard as a review tool.

Dissections are essential for understanding.

Lab time better spent

2025-04-11 21:40:25 UTC

I did the online/asynchronous class so my only in-person time was at lab. I thought the time spent during lab filling in Greene pages was a waste since that is something I could be doing on my own time. I would rather have used that lab time for group review or study or spending time going over the models/posters with the instructor for clarification.

Zoom Review

2025-04-11 21:45:58 UTC

I would appreciate a Zoom review session as were sometimes included in the materials. Since I take the hybrid class with another instructor, I have questions for Dr. Mac that could be presented or answered in that format vs sending an email.

I think some of the assignments could be shorter so you can focus on the lectures and labs.

2025-07-18 14:27:30 UTC

more study groups would be helpful

2025-07-18 14:28:10 UTC

Continue the quick feedback!

2025-07-18 14:28:43 UTC

I really find the engagement and find it helpful. For example, the video calls before each exam to review the content are helpful, as they allow us to gain more insight and ask questions we forgot to ask in class.

2025-07-23 01:43:50 UTC

Doing more activities where we have to draw out structures, such as the square heart, is very helpful to build a mental image of what we are learning and helps retain the new information presented.

2025-07-23 01:45:45 UTC

My only request, if to change anything, would be to get bigger stickers for the skeleton. The skeleton was a great tool, especially for the muscles.

2025-07-23 01:47:49 UTC

2025-07-24 02:34:44 UTC

Something that was difficult for me to understand or get the hang of was the organization of the folders in blackboard. there were some that had no content in them, just a title. it would make it difficult for me to keep track of where things were and would confuse me.

Lab Quizzes

ryleevanderputte — 2026-04-12 00:15:27 UTC

I liked the packets that students were given for supplemental instruction, and feel that it would be nice if students received a packet of body system labeling such as pictures of the heart, brain, lymphatic, etc to help prepare for lab quizzes instead of looking at our Greene Books that have more structures labelled than we actually had to know. I think something of that nature would be super helpful even for the lab exam. A packet of labeled structures or even coloring activities of the need to know structures could be very useful.

Blackboard

ryleevanderputte — 2026-04-12 00:16:46 UTC

Simpler blackboard folders. Maybe a folder at the top of all extra course packet papers, greene answers, etc.

Dissections

ryleevanderputte — 2026-04-12 00:19:36 UTC

I feel like the dissections were rushed during class and would like more time without rushing and possibly marking structures wrong due to time crunch.

I also wish there was more instruction in person with dissections. Not just here you go I hope you know what to do and where to cut.

Pre-Exam Quizzes, mastering, and stickers

2026-04-13 07:41:42 UTC

Pre-exam quizzes have been great and give a good idea for how well you know the material prior to taking the exam, but not having all the questions available right away (like the exam) is frustrating. I ended up taking all of these in one sitting because I was afraid I would miss questions due to mastering automatically advancing to the next question after submission of the one prior. Also allowing for the correct answers to missed questions immediately after submission of the whole pre-exam would be a good learning tool to know what needs to be improved upon for the real exam. The last thing about these pre-exams is they should be due earlier. Maybe by 11:59am the day the exam opens since they should technically be done before the exam is taken.

About mastering, I think the assessments due on an exam weekend should be moved around or deleted. Most were DSMs that I felt didn’t really help with the testable content, only enhanced or went deeper than needed.

For stickers, the ones that are included in our skeleton were not ideal. I understand they needed to be small to fit with the skeleton, but it was almost impossible to write on them accurately, see them in pictures, and hold/attach them accurately. Also ensuring students don’t get black felt for muscles so they can write the names would be helpful.

Bringing in tutors for exam weeks

2026-04-13 07:55:20 UTC

I think it would be a fantastic opportunity for students to have tutors on campus (directly in the life science wing) during lecture exam weeks and the week prior to lab exams. Maybe they host a couple sessions that week to have students attend and be able to ask questions, plus a few small group times in the study room outside of those. These could be prior year/semester students who mastered the concepts well and are recruited by Dr. Mac/lab instructors each semester for the following semester.

Watch Lecture Videos, Blausen Videos and Questions, Lab Models and Dissections, Engaging the Class!

2026-04-13 13:18:25 UTC

I found a couple of things that helped me a ton. Watching the lecture videos before the in-person lecture made the class time more productive and easier to follow along. The Blausen videos, the review at the end of each section, and the questions helped out with picturing the different structures. I like how the questions were optional in Blausen. Lab dissections and models were extremely helpful in understanding the structures in 3D. I enjoyed the skeleton activities because they allowed me to know how different bones were connected and see where the structures relate to each other. I enjoy that in class, you ask us questions and involve the class. It makes for a more engaging/less boring lecture.

Shorten Mastering, Keep Drag and Drop Questions

2026-04-13 13:25:46 UTC

The mastering questions seem longer than necessary. I don't have a lot of time for homework, so I found myself having to complete mastering assignments instead of doing more productive things like watching the Blausen videos and answering the questions, or rewatching the lecture video, or studying flashcards for prefixes, or looking at the anatomy photos in Hebert. I really learned a lot from the drag-and-drop diagram questions. I would eliminate most of the multiple-choice questions in mastering and keep the diagram/picture drag-and-drop questions. I also liked the exam review in mastering. Lessening the mastering workload would allow for study elsewhere.

Flash Cards, Picture/Diagram Quizzes, Group Chat

2026-04-13 13:34:17 UTC

I would add flashcards for the prefixes and suffixes, as well as matching picture/diagram quizzes for bones, histology, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, digestive organs, Ect. I made flashcards myself and shared them with the group chat we created, which proved to be extremely helpful. I would create or encourage students to create a group chat. Here's a link to what I mean when I say "diagram quiz" https://www.purposegames.com/tag/blood-vessels

Green Coloring activies

2026-04-13 13:36:26 UTC

I learned a lot from the green coloring activities

Consider shortening Mastering and making it optional

2026-04-13 13:49:44 UTC

I would make mastering optional. I would keep the diagram/matching portions with pictures and discard the rest. Mastering steals time from more productive studying. I got the most out of the lecture videos, Blausen videos, and questions.

Old Lecture Videos Need to be Updated. Bad Audio.

2026-04-13 13:52:38 UTC

Some of the older lecture videos have poor audio, like fan noises and email notification sounds going off, which are very loud and annoying. If you could record an updated lecture video with better audio quality and no notification sounds, that would be amazing.

Dr. Mac Teach Labs Later in the Week

2026-04-13 13:57:37 UTC

Right now, Dr. Mac only teaches the Monday lab, which is too intense for me. I need ample time to study, so I like to have lab later in the week. I would love to have Dr. Mac as a lab instructor if he taught later in the week.

mastering calendar

2026-04-13 17:27:19 UTC

The dates due in the mastering calendar are all out of sequence. This doesn’t make it totally impossible to complete these things, but if there are students just learning blackboard, this feels overwhelming at first glance. Honestly, the complexity of the organization of the course was a significant factor in my decisions to drop the course from my semester a couple of times in the past.

Also, a more printer-friendly version of the course calendar would be great!

Walk Through of Studying Resources

2026-04-14 12:00:59 UTC

It would be great to walk through the different studying resources we have available and do a quick tutorial at the beginning of the semester. E.g., Course pack, Green, Hubert, Blausen, Mastering, Blackboard. We may have gone over this briefly, but a more in-depth walkthrough/tutorial on why they are helpful would be beneficial.

Having a timed exam

2026-04-27 00:40:55 UTC

I think that when we have an exam it should not have a time on it. We should be able to have as much time as we need. When you put a time limit on the exam it stresses everyone out because we know that if we don't have it done in the allowed time it shuts off. If you didn't finish the exam that counts against you

get rid of mastering work

2026-04-27 00:44:56 UTC

I dont feel as though I learned anything from the mastering homework. For one there is way to many assignments to do. When your trying to do regular work for the class with studying the material and making sure you know everything you need to in a weeks' time. Then adding in the mastering work is overloading. I found myself missing several assignments because I was focusing on the material in the green book to learn from.

MASTERING

ellelamontvdv — 2026-04-27 02:10:08 UTC

ABSOLUTELY PLEASE KEEP MASTERING!! I found this presentation to be extremely helpful to keep me more up-to-date with our assignments than I normally would have been, and the content was more directly helpful to understanding and exam material than Blausen. The ONLY thing that was problematic (to me) was that the calendar was all out of order but this is really just a minor annoyance and something I could have paid more attention to.

coloring

ellelamontvdv — 2026-04-27 02:20:16 UTC

I'm not a fan of the time it takes to color structures in the Greene manual. Labeling activities suffice.

Timed Exams

2026-07-13 19:14:42 UTC

I think if exams need to be timed (I don't think they should be), we should be given more time. I need time to work things out or talk it through, but because we only get an hour and a half, I don't have time to do that, and end up not doing so great.

Update Lecture Videos

2026-07-13 19:16:57 UTC

Background noise in videos is awful and makes it hard to hear Dr. Mac. Also, I've noticed things in videos we are not learning, so that makes it a little confusing. Keep the videos, just update :)