ISP 2351 SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE II
RESULTS OF FINAL COURSE SURVEY
DECEMBER 2000

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READ THIS FIRST - Survey Summary
Tips to help you understand the stats
Overall results at a quick glance
Individual questions and results
Students' written comments
Comparison of previous surveys
More on surveys & Greg's methodology
Results of previous course surveys
Back to Greg's Homepage
Back to WebCT

READ THIS FIRST - Survey Summary

" Thanks to those who participated. 23 out of a possible 27 (85%) students responded. This participation level has been consistent on all three surveys - over 80%. Overall, you seem to have been satisfied with the course and, again, have made several good suggestions for improvement. I've responded to several of your written comments. Read them now. There are some trends worth noting:

As promised, these survey results are now a public document (at my homepage at http://homepages.cambriancollege.ca/gbcooper  ). I'll also be notifying your program coordinator and our Dean of the results. I intend to use this data to improve this course and in future classes. Thanks for your participation. It was a great year and I wish you luck in applying your knowledge and skills gained from this course"..........................Greg


Tips to help you understand the stats

  1. "N=11" refers to the sample size, or the number of students who answered the question(s).
  2. The "-" column refers to the number of students who chose to NOT answer that particular question.
  3. The "Mean" represents the average response for that question. For example, a mean of "1.5" means the average is somewhere between a "1" (I strongly agree) and a "2" (I agree somewhat).
  4. The "SD" or "standard deviation" refers to a measure of how widely dispersed the values are from the average value (the mean) based on our sample, which is relatively small (N=11) It's like a "plus or minus" value that qualifies the range of each mean.

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Overall results at a quick glance

The choices were:
1 = I strongly agree, 2 = I agree somewhat, 3 = I'm neutral, 4 = I disagree somewhat, 5 = I disagree strongly

Title N Frequency Mean SD
- 1 2 3 4 5
1CO course excellent overall? 23 0 11 9 1 1 1 1.78 1.04
1CO expectations are clear 23 0 13 8 1 1 0 1.57 0.79
1CO explains concepts 23 0 16 6 1 0 0 1.35 0.57
1CO gives overview 23 0 18 5 0 0 0 1.22 0.42
1CO instructor is knowledgeable 23 0 22 1 0 0 0 1.04 0.21
1CO learning something 23 0 16 5 2 0 0 1.39 0.66
2PR classes are not stimulating 23 0 1 5 3 6 8 3.65 1.30
2PR sense of humor 23 0 17 5 1 0 0 1.30 0.56
2PR textbook is used 23 0 7 8 5 2 1 2.22 1.13
2PR use web site 23 0 10 4 4 2 3 2.30 1.46
2PR web site is useful 23 0 12 3 3 3 2 2.13 1.42
3IN invites feedback 23 0 21 1 0 1 0 1.17 0.65
3IN marking is fair 23 0 14 6 1 1 1 1.65 1.07
3IN material returned on time 23 0 16 4 1 0 2 1.61 1.20
3IN respect for students 23 0 21 2 0 0 0 1.09 0.29
4OV not good use of class time 23 0 4 6 2 9 2 2.96 1.33
4OV hard to know what's important 23 0 1 6 3 3 10 3.65 1.40
5CM deals with disruption 23 0 10 11 1 0 1 1.74 0.92
5CM helps students succeed 23 0 16 5 2 0 0 1.39 0.66
5CM instructor is organized 23 0 5 12 5 0 1 2.13 0.92
6OB learn outcome1 23 0 13 8 1 1 0 1.57 0.79
6OB learn outcome2 23 0 11 10 2 0 0 1.61 0.66
6OB learn outcome3 23 0 12 10 0 1 0 1.57 0.73
6OB learn outcome4 23 0 9 10 3 0 1 1.87 0.97
6OB learn outcome5 23 0 11 12 0 0 0 1.52 0.51
7LO survey was clear 23 0 16 6 0 1 0 1.39 0.72
7LO use previous survey 23 0 11 8 2 1 1 1.83 1.07

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Individual questions and results

The choices were:
1 = I strongly agree, 2 = I agree somewhat, 3 = I'm neutral, 4 = I disagree somewhat, 5 = I disagree strongly

 

Question: 1CO course overall

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.78 1.04 2.0 1   0
0.0%
11
47.8%
9
39.1%
1
4.3%
1
4.3%
1
4.3%

Question: 1CO expectations

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.57 0.79 1.0 1   0
0.0%
13
56.5%
8
34.8%
1
4.3%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%

Question: 1CO explains concepts

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.35 0.57 1.0 1   0
0.0%
16
69.6%
6
26.1%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 1CO gives overview

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.22 0.42 1.0 1   0
0.0%
18
78.3%
5
21.7%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 1CO instructor knowledge

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.04 0.21 1.0 1   0
0.0%
22
95.7%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 1CO learning something

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.39 0.66 1.0 1   0
0.0%
16
69.6%
5
21.7%
2
8.7%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 2PR classes are not stimulating

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   3.65 1.30 4.0 5   0
0.0%
1
4.3%
5
21.7%
3
13.0%
6
26.1%
8
34.8%

Question: 2PR sense of humor

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.30 0.56 1.0 1   0
0.0%
17
73.9%
5
21.7%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 2PR textbook

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   2.22 1.13 2.0 2   0
0.0%
7
30.4%
8
34.8%
5
21.7%
2
8.7%
1
4.3%

Question: 2PR use web site

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   2.30 1.46 2.0 1   0
0.0%
10
43.5%
4
17.4%
4
17.4%
2
8.7%
3
13.0%

Question: 2PR web site

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   2.13 1.42 1.0 1   0
0.0%
12
52.2%
3
13.0%
3
13.0%
3
13.0%
2
8.7%

Question: 3IN invites feedback

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.17 0.65 1.0 1   0
0.0%
21
91.3%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%

Question: 3IN marking

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.65 1.07 1.0 1   0
0.0%
14
60.9%
6
26.1%
1
4.3%
1
4.3%
1
4.3%

Question: 3IN material returned on time

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.61 1.20 1.0 1   0
0.0%
16
69.6%
4
17.4%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%
2
8.7%

Question: 3IN respect for students

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.09 0.29 1.0 1   0
0.0%
21
91.3%
2
8.7%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 4OV not good use of class time

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   2.96 1.33 3.0 4   0
0.0%
4
17.4%
6
26.1%
2
8.7%
9
39.1%
2
8.7%

Question: 4OV which material is important

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   3.65 1.40 4.0 5   0
0.0%
1
4.3%
6
26.1%
3
13.0%
3
13.0%
10
43.5%

Question: 5CM deals with disruption

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.74 0.92 2.0 2   0
0.0%
10
43.5%
11
47.8%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%
1
4.3%

Question: 5CM helps student success

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.39 0.66 1.0 1   0
0.0%
16
69.6%
5
21.7%
2
8.7%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 5CM instructor organized

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   2.13 0.92 2.0 2   0
0.0%
5
21.7%
12
52.2%
5
21.7%
0
0.0%
1
4.3%

Question: 6OB learn outcome1

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.57 0.79 1.0 1   0
0.0%
13
56.5%
8
34.8%
1
4.3%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%

Question: 6OB learn outcome2

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.61 0.66 2.0 1   0
0.0%
11
47.8%
10
43.5%
2
8.7%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 6OB learn outcome3

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.57 0.73 1.0 1   0
0.0%
12
52.2%
10
43.5%
0
0.0%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%

Question: 6OB learn outcome4

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.87 0.97 2.0 2   0
0.0%
9
39.1%
10
43.5%
3
13.0%
0
0.0%
1
4.3%

Question: 6OB learn outcome5

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.52 0.51 2.0 2   0
0.0%
11
47.8%
12
52.2%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%

Question: 7LO survey was clear

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.39 0.72 1.0 1   0
0.0%
16
69.6%
6
26.1%
0
0.0%
1
4.3%
0
0.0%

Question: 7LO use previous survey

N   Mean SD Median Mode   - 1 2 3 4 5
23   1.83 1.07 2.0 1   0
0.0%
11
47.8%
8
34.8%
2
8.7%
1
4.3%
1
4.3%

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Students' written comments

One thing I like about this course:

No. Response
1 The fact that the modules can be completed at anytime which reduces the pressure. It also gives off a good atomosphere which is stress free.
3 the hands on experience
5 This course was very interesting. It taught me a lot about computers, when I first came into this course I did not know a thing, now I feel comfortable doing quite a bit with computers. Great course!!
6 installing hardware
7 I'll say it for the third time "HANDS ON".
8 There is a lot of hands on experience which is the best experience.
9 we get to have hand on assignment
10 taking things appart
11 The ability to work independently as well as with groups on the PC.
12 different places to have classes
13 The unity of the professor and his students
Yes...I agree. There was a strong rapport in the class. This was due in part, I suspect, to the activities we were involved in - the 'Meet 'n' Greet, the Nortel field trip, etc.....Greg
14 the hands-on modules bot software and hardware.
15 working with computers
18 waste less time going over stuff not related to the course of study.
19 The text book!
20 Greg is like the coolest teacher and makes the course worth going to class for
21 The instructor makes the course fun and tries to get the students involved in other activities such as field trips, online discussions, fund raisers and working together as a team.
22 very informative
23 hands on

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One thing I dislike about this course

No. Response
1 Uncertain about the on-line test short answers. Not sure if marked properly.
Yes, there is concern about the online test marking. I will assume this is not a concern for the true/false, multiple choice, matching or essay questions - just the short answer "fill in the blank" questions, right? It has happened that you think of an answer that I didn't, or you misspelled the word or phrase or used a slight variation of the same phrase or group of words. I try to anticipate all answers when I build the test, but I can't think of all the possibilities. That's why I always stress the importance of you going over your test and checking for any errors or possible correct answers I missed. Whenever you bring these to my attention, and if you are right, it is very easy for me to revise the question, and regrade the test for you and the entire class. We do this now. All students benefit from these revisions. This may not be a perfect system, but it allows for flexibility and prevents students from being unfairly penalized IF you bring it to my attention - that's the catch!.......Greg
3 to much theory
5 The LAB SUCKED....!!!!! The lab is a danger zone and needs to be dealt with.
This is an issue we hope to deal with when we make our recommendations to the college about a rebuilt lab, and we'll incorporate the lab design projects many of you submitted in module #9....Greg
6 oral presentations, it had absolutely no point really except to waste half of each of our classes pretty much, therefore unable to learn the things we are supposed to be learning!
This is a generic learning outcome in the course. I would suggest you bring this to the attention of the program coordinator, Dean and advisory committee. BTW, this survey summary will be sent to the mini-coordinators and Dean......Greg
7 Not really much to dislike.
8 Not enough time or lab groups were to small to complete labs.
Completing labs was an issue previously identified and discussed. It's interesting to note, that overall, students were relatively successful in getting their hardware modules completed. The stats: 56% of the class completed 100% of the hardware modules, 75% of you completed 90% or more of the modules, 89% of you completed 85% of the modules, and 100% of the class completed at least 77% of the modules. These indicate a relatively good success, which is a tribute to your efforts, as well as mine!.....Greg
9 we dun have enuff time to do our module.. most of the time we have to group together to get the module done
10 how long it sometimes takes you to get around the class for labs
Although there is room for improvement in how I evaluate the hardware modules, and I did try a slightly different strategy after this was suggested on the first survey. I tried combining different groups who needed to complete the same modules, remember? But... you're right, there's always room for improvement....Greg
11 The lab was not set up properly for computers and lecture rooms was awkward for viewing.
12 maybe the instructor shuld focus on the students instead of all of the other projects he has on the go. mabe website would have been up before half way through course and maybe marks would be updated sooner/tests marked sooner (test #2 took 1 week to get corrected)
(1) I hope I never let my other duties interfere with any of my courses. Several times I brought you up to speed on other initiatives I'm involved in, BUT only because it was directly related to our course, or ways in which it could be improved - WebCT issues, lab facility planning, etc. However, if this is a perception, I need to deal with it.
(2) The website issue was mentioned on the last survey and I responded - this is an additional resource I try to provide as time permits, and yes, I would have liked it up and running sooner - there is room for improvement there.
(3) I don't think one week is an unreasonable period of time to mark a test, but you're right, I usually have them graded within a day or two. Your expectations are high - that's a good thing, because my expectations of you are the same.
Thanks for the comments.....Greg
13 How the professor will sometimes babble and time is taken away from him verifying our labs
I babble? Really? Just kidding! Yes, several students have suggested I try not to be so long-winded. Just get to the point faster. I need to improve on this. Thanks for the tip!....Greg
14 there is alot of material to cover, and i am somewhat confident when i am troubleshooting my pc. but it still seems rushed - not enough time - i guess that's how it is supposed to be - also for being graded on the hardware/software modules - it did seem it that there was a lot of "talking" before we actually were evaluated. but i now realize that there are some people who need to have things repeated for them to understand (that's me) - room in lab - cluttered/messy - hopefully in new buildingit will be designed to our specifications with our needs in mind
15 the lab class was messy, disorganized
18 too much time wasted time and time again
19 The college's facilities!
20 Nothing really
21 The course website was rarely used, other than to access resources provided by the instructor.
22 too much technology
23 too big class size

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One thing that could be improved in this course:

No. Response
1 A better lab which has everything we need and require for this course.
3 more time for hands on experience
5 Make sure that if there is a webCT offered next year that it is worthwhile visiting. This year it was only good to look at marks and do surveys and quizzes. Greg, last year you had the ultimate site that provided links to anything and everything.
Just a point of clarification - we actually have TWO Web sites - the WebCT one and the FrontPage one. I'll continue to use WebCT for marks, communication, surveys and tests. Thanks for your support....Greg
6 less students in the class, takes away from our learning
7 Space and time limit for labs.
8 Our lab environment. We definetely need another or new lab with all the resources needed.
9 have more equipment and times and modules for students to work on... it nice that we have the modules and such but most of the time we have to fight for printers and have to work in a large group to finish the module
10 try to speed things up a little
11 Less talk on lecture/lab days and better equipment
12 lab evaluations-some days we were first on list and it took instructor over half hour to get to us when we were in lab
13 Combine both classrooms into one and make it an IT room not an electronic classroom
14 room set-up
15 the lab
18 more time must be spent on the book and perhaps more lecture time invested. the presentations are good but the do take up a great deal of class time, that should be handled in a different manner.
19 The lab!
20 Greg has to cut down on the 20 minute speeches before class starts :) Not that us being informed isn't important but it cuts into lab time but that's about the only thing I can find to improve the course
I think I need to revert to the strategy I used last year - get the announcements, etc. onto the Web site, and get that up and running sooner!......Greg
21 Developing a better time management system, so students are not sitting in the lab wasting time while they are waiting to be questioned about finished hardware labs
22 more time on certain chapters better working lab
23 smaller class size

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I have one additional comment:

No. Response
3 have one class with just theory and one 2hour class with just hardware modules
4 Have a good christmas
5 Maybe offer a unix course, not in sys arch but as a electorial course. So those students that want to learn unix can take it so that when they go to places like NORTEL we will feel prepared.
Now you know why we emphasized UNIX and Linux last semester! Follow up with your advisory committee reps. I don't know if the program will adopt "electives", but there are several courses offered in the Continuing Education calendar, and you could always enroll in one of the CETY courses, if your schedule and pocketbook permits!.....Greg
6 No I don't.
7 Keep up the great work greg. Oh yes ***MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR***
8 Thank you for the semester Greg, will see next semester. I won the single and doubles events at the SOO in my badminton tournament.
Congrats!.....Greg
9 make the class more of a hand on experience.. lots of the students in this class have no work on computer before and this course give them an opportunity to do actual work on computers...
10 it has been fun
11 Overall, class was great, teacher and students. Need beeter equipment for students to work on. Most of the equipment was obsolete or not working, with no chance to be able to make equipment work again.
12 less announcements-one day instructor wasted 20 minutes of our time telling us that we shouldn't be wasting his
OOPS! Sounds like a classic "Do as I say, not as I do" lecture! You're right, I should never waste your time, and as it's been pointed out, there's room for improvement in the quantity of announcements, etc. But I think there's some context to explain. I believe I was suggesting folks combine into common hardware module groups, since we were approaching the end of the semester, and it was taking large amounts of time to do the same module over and over for small groups. I believe I used the words "wasting time..." in the context that it's inefficient for me to evaluate this way. I never intended to suggest that you're wasting my time, and if I did, sorry!.....Greg
13 Thanks for the knowledge and you are a very enegertic teacher and that's why I have learned so much
Thanks for the support. It works both ways!.....Greg
14 Despite all of ups and downs that have occured in this semester of Sys Arch II, it has been a pleasure having you has an instructor, and I hope you will teach Sys Arch III. Also, it was great idea for the Nortel Day Trip. Eventhough I could not attend your chats with Nortel on-line have been very beneficial in terms of how to prepare for co-ops and employment. This should be a semesterly event. Also with the Meet & Greet this event should be continuous throughout the program year. Both these events, benefit the student as well as the instructor/dean/vp. I wish you and your family a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Thanks! It WAS a great semester, and I think our department will be planning similar events on a regular basis.....Greg
15 Greg rulz
ISBU rulz.
18 take more time teaching and explaining concepts, too much waste of time discussing things that have already been discussed.
19 I am generally comfortable with the instructor and course material. However, I believe that the instructor has many additional responsibilities that have detracted from the quality of his teaching.
See my previous comments....Greg
20 Great class and I hope Greg is teaching Sys Arch III (networking) in January
21 Hope Greg could instruct the following sys arch courses. AND have a Great Holiday season and a Happy New Year
22 The course was very informative and it was fun learning things about computers that I did not know and Greg is a super instructor, he always takes the time to help in answering any question you may have.

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Comparison of Previous Surveys

 
SURVEY
QUESTIONS
1CO course is excellent?
1CO expectations are clear
1CO explains concepts
1CO gives overview
1CO instructor is knowledgeable
1CO learning something
2PR classes are not stimulating
2PR sense of humor
2PR textbook is used
2PR use web site
2PR web site is useful
3IN invites feedback
3IN marking is fair
3IN material returned on time
3IN respect for students
4OV not good use of class time
4OV hard to know what's important
5CM deals with disruption
5CM helps student succeed
5CM instructor is organized
6OB learn outcome1
6OB learn outcome2
6OB learn outcome3
6OB learn outcome4
6OB learn outcome5
7LO survey was clear
7LO use previous survey
 
FIRST
SURVEY
1.59
1.64
1.45
1.23
1.09
1.09
3.91
1.18
2.09
1.95
2.36
1.18
1.09
1.14
1.05
3.68
3.45
1.64
1.27
1.59
1.95
2.14
2.18
2.41
2.18
1.36
1.36
 
SECOND
SURVEY
1.59
1.32
1.27
1.18
1.05
1.55
3.73
1.09
1.86
2.09
2.27
1.09
1.23
1.55
1.09
3.36
3.64
1.64
1.23
1.68
1.68
1.82
1.82
2.05
2.09
1.32
1.50
 
GAIN
1-2
0
.32
.18
.05
.04
-.46
-.18
.09
.23
-.14
.09
.09
-.14
-.41
-.04
-.32
.19
0
.04
-.09
.27
.32
.36
.36
.09
.04
-.14
 
THIRD
SURVEY
1.78
1.57
1.35
1.22
1.04
1.39
3.65
1.30
2.22
2.30
2.13
1.17
1.65
1.61
1.09
2.96
3.65
1.74
1.39
2.13
1.57
1.61
1.57
1.87
1.52
1.39
1.83
 
GAIN
2-3
-.19
-.25
-.08
-.04
.01
.16
-.08
-.21
-.36
-.21
.14
-.08
-.42
-.06
0
-.40
.01
-.10
-.16
-.45
.11
.21
.25
.18
.57
-.07
-.33
 
TOTAL
GAIN
-.19
.07
.10
.01
.05
-.30
-.26
-.12
-.13
-.35
.23
.01
-.56
-.47
-.04
-.72
.20
-.10
-.12
-.54
.38
.53
.61
.54
.66
-.03
-.47