ISP2351 RESULTS OF SECOND COURSE SURVEY NOV2000

ISP2351 SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE II
RESULTS OF SECOND COURSE SURVEY
NOVEMBER 2000

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READ THIS FIRST - Note from Greg

Tips to help you understand the stats

Overall results at a quick glance

Individual questions and results

Students' written comments

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READ THIS FIRST - Note from Greg

" Thanks to those who participated. 22 out of a possible 27 (81%) students responded. Excellent! (Again!) Your participation in these surveys has been consistent so far. (85% in the last survey). You have also provided some rich and insightful written comments.

Again, there seems to be overall satisfaction with the course so far, especially in the areas of: content, interaction, overload, and class management. There is noted improvement in the course's five core learning outcomes, compared to the last survey (the average mean is down to 1.892 from 2.172 = improvement of 0.28, "1" = "I strongly agree"and "3" = "I'm neutral") This means that on the average, students are more comfortable with their current knowledge and abilities. By the final survey, this should improve further.

Some areas for improvement were also noted:

use of the Web site (I assume related to the delayed availability)

some concern about good use of class time and knowing which material is important - these is room for improvement here

some students are "neutral" about whether or not they are learning something - I hope the Nortel field trip and the concluding hardware modules will help you see the application and practical value of what you are learning

I've also responded to some of the written comments. See them now. 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"..........................Greg

Tips to help you understand the statistics

"N=22" refers to the sample size, or the number of students who answered the question(s).

The "-" column refers to the number of students who chose to NOT answer that particular question.

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).

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=22). It's like a "plus or minus" value that qualifies the range of each mean.

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
Title	N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
1CO course overall	22	0	10	11	1	0	0	1.59	0.59
1CO expectations	22	0	16	5	1	0	0	1.32	0.57
1CO explains concepts	22	0	17	4	1	0	0	1.27	0.55
1CO gives overview	22	0	18	4	0	0	0	1.18	0.39
1CO instructor knowledge	22	0	21	1	0	0	0	1.05	0.21
1CO learning something	22	0	13	6	3	0	0	1.55	0.74
2PR classes are not stimulating	22	0	0	6	3	4	9	3.73	1.28
2PR sense of humor	22	0	20	2	0	0	0	1.09	0.29
2PR textbook	22	0	8	10	3	1	0	1.86	0.83
2PR use web site	22	0	9	7	2	3	1	2.09	1.23
2PR web site	22	0	9	3	6	3	1	2.27	1.28
3IN invites feedback	22	0	20	2	0	0	0	1.09	0.29
3IN marking	22	0	19	2	0	1	0	1.23	0.69
3IN material returned on time	22	0	15	5	0	1	1	1.55	1.06
3IN respect for students	22	0	21	0	1	0	0	1.09	0.43
4OV not good use of class time	22	0	0	7	4	7	4	3.36	1.14
4OV which material is important	22	0	1	4	3	8	6	3.64	1.22
5CM deals with disruption	22	0	11	9	1	1	0	1.64	0.79
5CM helps student success	22	0	17	5	0	0	0	1.23	0.43
5CM instructor organized	22	0	7	15	0	0	0	1.68	0.48
6OB learn outcome1	22	0	9	11	2	0	0	1.68	0.65
6OB learn outcome2	22	0	7	13	1	1	0	1.82	0.73
6OB learn outcome3	22	0	8	10	4	0	0	1.82	0.73
6OB learn outcome4	22	0	7	10	3	1	1	2.05	1.05
6OB learn outcome5	22	0	4	13	4	1	0	2.09	0.75
7LO survey was clear	22	0	17	4	0	1	0	1.32	0.72
7LO use previous survey	22	0	12	9	1	0	0	1.50	0.60

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
22		1.59	0.59	2.0	2		0 0.0%	10 45.5%	11 50.0%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 1CO expectations

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.32	0.57	1.0	1		0 0.0%	16 72.7%	5 22.7%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 1CO explains concepts

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.27	0.55	1.0	1		0 0.0%	17 77.3%	4 18.2%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 1CO gives overview

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.18	0.39	1.0	1		0 0.0%	18 81.8%	4 18.2%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 1CO instructor knowledge

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.05	0.21	1.0	1		0 0.0%	21 95.5%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 1CO learning something

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.55	0.74	1.0	1		0 0.0%	13 59.1%	6 27.3%	3 13.6%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 2PR classes are not stimulating

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		3.73	1.28	4.0	5		0 0.0%	0 0.0%	6 27.3%	3 13.6%	4 18.2%	9 40.9%

Question: 2PR sense of humor

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.09	0.29	1.0	1		0 0.0%	20 90.9%	2 9.1%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 2PR textbook

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.86	0.83	2.0	2		0 0.0%	8 36.4%	10 45.5%	3 13.6%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%

Question: 2PR use web site

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		2.09	1.23	2.0	1		0 0.0%	9 40.9%	7 31.8%	2 9.1%	3 13.6%	1 4.5%

Question: 2PR web site

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		2.27	1.28	2.0	1		0 0.0%	9 40.9%	3 13.6%	6 27.3%	3 13.6%	1 4.5%

Question: 3IN invites feedback

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.09	0.29	1.0	1		0 0.0%	20 90.9%	2 9.1%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 3IN marking

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.23	0.69	1.0	1		0 0.0%	19 86.4%	2 9.1%	0 0.0%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%

Question: 3IN material returned on time

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.55	1.06	1.0	1		0 0.0%	15 68.2%	5 22.7%	0 0.0%	1 4.5%	1 4.5%

Question: 3IN respect for students

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.09	0.43	1.0	1		0 0.0%	21 95.5%	0 0.0%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 4OV not good use of class time

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		3.36	1.14	3.5	2,4		0 0.0%	0 0.0%	7 31.8%	4 18.2%	7 31.8%	4 18.2%

Question: 4OV which material is important

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		3.64	1.22	4.0	4		0 0.0%	1 4.5%	4 18.2%	3 13.6%	8 36.4%	6 27.3%

Question: 5CM deals with disruption

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.64	0.79	1.5	1		0 0.0%	11 50.0%	9 40.9%	1 4.5%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%

Question: 5CM helps student success

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.23	0.43	1.0	1		0 0.0%	17 77.3%	5 22.7%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 5CM instructor organized

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.68	0.48	2.0	2		0 0.0%	7 31.8%	15 68.2%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 6OB learn outcome1

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.68	0.65	2.0	2		0 0.0%	9 40.9%	11 50.0%	2 9.1%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 6OB learn outcome2

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.82	0.73	2.0	2		0 0.0%	7 31.8%	13 59.1%	1 4.5%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%

Question: 6OB learn outcome3

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.82	0.73	2.0	2		0 0.0%	8 36.4%	10 45.5%	4 18.2%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Question: 6OB learn outcome4

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		2.05	1.05	2.0	2		0 0.0%	7 31.8%	10 45.5%	3 13.6%	1 4.5%	1 4.5%

Question: 6OB learn outcome5

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		2.09	0.75	2.0	2		0 0.0%	4 18.2%	13 59.1%	4 18.2%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%

Question: 7LO survey was clear

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.32	0.72	1.0	1		0 0.0%	17 77.3%	4 18.2%	0 0.0%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%

Question: 7LO use previous survey

N		Mean	SD	Median	Mode		-	1	2	3	4	5
22		1.50	0.60	1.0	1		0 0.0%	12 54.5%	9 40.9%	1 4.5%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%

Students' written comments

One thing I like about this course:

No.	Response
1	Web resources, structured learning, class mates, good team work
3	The practical hands-on approach.
4	is the hands on work
5	we got a chance to work on computer
6	We can do the labs in any order we choose.
8	taking computers apart
10	Labs
11	Learnt alot
12	greg is easy to talk to and very flexible when it comes to due dates. A lot of things are being covered very well. Thanks for the positive feedback...BUT...I'm NOT flexible on due dates! Presentation, project, test dates, etc. are due on the date assigned! I think what you mean is the nature of our hands-on hardware modules. Since these require a mastery learning approach, when you complete them is up to you, but they're due no later than Dec. 1. (Only the "Design a Lab" written lab with floorplan can be submitted on Dec. 8)....Greg
13	Interested in content and the course material is presented to us in a way that few teachers do. Sence of humor. very important.
14	Greg is a great enthusiastic teacher and the lab projects are really great since we have the chance to work at our own pace
15	hands on assignments
16	Learning more about the insides of a computer and learning from the other students through their presentations
17	thing i like about this course is everything, cause i wanna try to do my A+ certification Excellent! Remember TJ's presentation and see me if you need any resources to help you prep. Good luck!....Greg
18	Unlimited time to complete modules
19	We are able to have hands-on experience regarding computer software and hardware. We can dismantle and rebuild a computer. We are able to install extra hard drives, cd burners, sound cards, etc. on the computer.
20	we get to do hands on stuff and its fun Good philosophy! If it isn't fun, it probably isn't worth doing!...Greg
21	The instructor!
22	The ability to work hands on with the materials we are learning about rather than it being all theoretical in nature.

One thing I dislike about this course:

No.	Response
1	Waiting period for viewing and implementing labs
2	Lab class
3	The amount of time needed to do hands on labs. And also the marking scheme of the mid-term grade. (1-1=0)?
4	not enough time to do our labs. we should have one whole class theory and one whole class for working on labs
5	not enuff hardware time.. better if less theory and more on hardware
6	Takes a long time to get evaluated on a lab. A lot of thing going on and it sometimes takes weeks to get the instructor to come around and evaluate.
8	sometimes takes to long to get lab evaluated
10	Showing up to do a lab and not having it marked on that day.
11	Old computers
12	Things are still being accomplished slowly, lectures should be left to lecture time.
13	Cluttered lab, and time constraints as far as getting labs done. Perhaps once and a while another person including greg should go around and do evaluations to get more done. This is a good idea. I'll check into this further and see if any courses are concurrently running that have a "lab assist/support" component, but it's doubtful. The BUS 3425 course (End User Support) usually runs in the winter semester only....Greg
14	nothing
15	a bit of confusion about which classes we are to attend and on which days our expectations were set too high last year, but the amount of information we had available to us from the isp homepage. the page has yet to be finished
16	Still needing confidence .... that will take time and practice
17	i hate the fact that it takes 3 weeks to get one lab done cause you have to go group to group ON THE COMMENTS ABOUT "WAITING TO BE EVALUATED..." AND SIMILAR: You're right, several hardware modules were more complex than others and required more evaluation time from me. Based on similar feedback from the first survey, I tried to improve the group combinations - up to five people per group on the evaluation component only, not the actual hands-on work. I think students improved their time management as the semester progressed, as well. It seems that we were mostly on track by the mid point, with some exceptions....Greg
19	After the lecture, time should be spent on evaluations on the hardware/software modules then extra talking. It seems there is too much commenting/talking - which is good - but should be left until the modules are checked. Just a thought.
20	too much computer terminology which makes it difficult to understand
21	The lab!
22	Not enough lab time to actually complete the practical components.

One thing that could be improved in this course:

No.	Response
1	Better time in viewing modules
2	the organization of lab classes. We seem to be standing around doing nothing . See my previous comments above...Greg
3	More lab time is definitely needed.
5	web page... it not as useful as it use to. I use webtc more than the home page itself
8	it's going good so far
9	It is apparent we need to be taught more of lynix.
11	The web site could have been up way before now Yes, I agree. Sorry. It took me much longer to get this resource up and running than it did last semester, but remember, this is an optional resource. Your textbook & CD contains much of the good information that is provided at the Web site. I'll endeavor to improve on this - Sys Arc students have come to rely on this important resource...Greg
12	Things are covered very thoroughly, I would not change anything about the cirriculum. The lab is very cluttered and is distracting when in there to learn.
13	labs...labs and labs...both hardware and other.
14	nothing
15	NA
16	Better lecture places and labs
17	the amount of people in class, at the beginning of the semester it was good, there was only like 10 people and we could get things done!
18	Web CT grading for test. Not too sure of certian answers. For example the reliability. Good points. Yes, reliability was a concern for several of the short answer questions. That is why it is IMPORTANT that you point out to me any other possible solutions. The test is reliable, but the solutions I plug in may not cover all of the possibilities, such as spelling mistakes or grammar variations. When I update the question/answer bank, I always regrade the previous test, just in case. We all benefit, but you have to check your marked test for possible marking errors....Greg
19	Space/Temperature - We will continue having a problem of space/temperature in the rooms until we move into the new section, I hope.
20	To work in a better lab environment !!!!
21	The lab! ON THE ISSUE OF THE LAB, SPACE & FACILITIES: Yes, we need better space to accomplish our curriculum goals. I'm forwarding the recommendations for our own lab to our Dean and Vice President shortly...Greg
22	Less talk and more lab Greg. :)

I have one additional comment:

No.	Response
1	Good Job!!!
3	Keep up the good work.
5	nothing else to add really
8	not at the moment
10	thank god that website is up.
11	For question #10 does that include WebCT ? i
12	Keep up the great work, we can only improve that which we have control over. The rest you have to deal with.
13	?
14	no I don't
15	NA
16	Courses improve with feedback
17	but i like the class
19	The slideshow presentations/handouts, review quizzes, etc. are great but should be displayed earlier.
20	Greg is a super instructor and really takes the time to answer any questions that you may have.
21	Improve the lab!
22	Overall an excellent course that provides a good groundwork for the learning of computers.