PRT1115 -
COMPUTERS IN PRE-TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY I
RESULTS OF FIRST ONLINE COURSE SURVEY
APR 2008
Use these handy links to get to a section fast.
- Note from Greg: READ ME FIRST
- Tips to help you understand the stats
- Overall results at a quick glance
- Survey questions
- Students' written comments
" Thanks to those who participated. 12 out of a possible 18 students (by this point in the semester) responded (approx. 67%). Overall, feedback was positive, especially in "giving overviews" and "instructor knowledge." There is room for improvement, noted in responses to the questions such as "classes are not stimulating..." and "hard to know what's important..." In learning outcomes, there was improvement noted since the last survey.
Your written comments demonstrate some insightful observations about the course content, resources, and my teaching methods. Although they are not all positive, they are certainly constructive. There is always room for improvement. I have added some comments to your written remarks below.
Thanks for your efforts. These surveys not only help me become a better instructor, they benefit you too! You have been an active participant in improving your learning environment and this will give you food for thought in future courses. As promised, these survey results are now a public document (linked from my homepage at http://homepages.cambriancollege.ca/gbcooper ). I'll also be notifying your program coordinator, your upcoming PRT1215 instructor, and our Dean of the results. I intend to use this data in future classes (hopefully, ones with you!) and I'll encourage future PRT1115 professors to take a look when planning this course."..........................Greg
Tips to help you understand the stats
- "N=12" 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=12) It's like a "plus or minus" value that qualifies the range of each mean.
- The "median" is the "midpoint" between the highest and lowest value of the responses. (1,2,3,4, or 5 corresponding to a,b,c,d or e)
- The "mode" is the most frequent value or values of the response (a,b,c,d, or e)
Overall results at a quick glance
| Title | N | Frequency | Mean | SD | Median | Mode | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | a | b | c | d | e | ||||||
| 1CO course is excellent? | 11 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.82 | 0.98 | 2.0 | a |
| 1CO expectations are clear | 10 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.60 | 0.84 | 1.0 | a |
| 1CO explains concepts | 10 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.60 | 0.70 | 1.5 | a |
| 1CO gives overview | 10 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.20 | 0.42 | 1.0 | a |
| 1CO instructor is knowledgeable | 10 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.40 | 0.52 | 1.0 | a |
| 1CO learning something | 10 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.70 | 0.82 | 1.5 | a |
| 2PR classes are not stimulating | 10 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3.40 | 1.43 | 3.5 | e |
| 2PR sense of humor | 10 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1.80 | 1.32 | 1.0 | a |
| 2PR textbook is used | 10 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2.30 | 1.25 | 2.0 | a,b,c |
| 2PR use web site | 10 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.40 | 0.70 | 1.0 | a |
| 2PR web site useful | 10 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 | 0.82 | 2.0 | b |
| 3IN invites feedback | 10 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.30 | 0.67 | 1.0 | a |
| 3IN marking is fair | 10 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.60 | 0.70 | 1.5 | a |
| 3IN material returned on time | 10 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.50 | 0.85 | 1.0 | a |
| 3IN respect for students | 10 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.40 | 0.70 | 1.0 | a |
| 4OV hard to know what's important | 10 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 3.00 | 1.25 | 3.5 | d |
| 4OV not good use of class time | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4.30 | 1.34 | 5.0 | e |
| 5CM deals with disruption | 10 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1.90 | 1.37 | 1.0 | a |
| 5CM helps students succeed | 10 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.30 | 0.67 | 1.0 | a |
| 5CM instructor is organized | 10 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.60 | 0.70 | 1.5 | a |
| 6OB learn outcome1 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2.00 | 0.94 | 2.0 | b |
| 6OB learn outcome2 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.90 | 0.74 | 2.0 | b |
| 6OB learn outcome3 | 10 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1.80 | 1.14 | 1.0 | a |
| 6OB learn outcome4 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.90 | 0.99 | 2.0 | a,b |
| 6OB learning outcome 5 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.80 | 1.03 | 1.5 | a |
| 6OB learning outcome 6 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2.20 | 1.14 | 2.0 | b |
| 6OB learning outcome 7 | 10 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.70 | 1.06 | 1.0 | a |
| 6OB learning outcome 8 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.90 | 0.99 | 2.0 | a,b |
| 7LO survey was clear | 10 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.30 | 0.67 | 1.0 | a |
| 7LO uses previous surveys | 10 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.70 | 0.82 | 1.5 | a |
Key to understanding survey question categories:
An "a,b,c,d,e" scale was used for survey question responses, using the following:
a = I strongly agree, b = I agree somewhat, c = I'm neutral, d = I disagree somewhat, e = I strongly disagree
The questions that were used on the survey were:
General Questions:
- Overall, I would rate this course so far, as "excellent".
- I have a clear idea of what I am expected to learn.
- The instructor explains concepts clearly and effectively.
- The instructor gives an overview of what is going to take place at the beginning of the class so students know direction & purpose.
- The instructor is knowledgeable on the course material.
- Overall, I am learning something in this course that is valuable now, and will be later, after I graduate.
- The classes are not stimulating.
- The instructor maintains a sense of humor and applies it in an appropriate fashion.
- The Web site(s) are used effectively in this course. (e.g. WebCT, external web sites, etc.)
- The Web site(s) have provided me with important learning & information resources in this course. (e.g. WebCT, external Web sites, etc.)
- The instructor invites feedback from students and accepts constructive criticism without becoming defensive.
- Evaluation of course work (labs, assignments, tests, etc.) has been fair.
- Course material (labs, assignments, tests, etc.) has been returned in a reasonable time.
- The instructor treats students with respect.
- It is hard to know which material is important.
- The instructor does not make good use of class time.
- The instructor deals effectively with disruptions in class/lab activities.
- The instructor helps students meet objectives and achieve success.
- The instructor conducts organized and well-planned class sessions.
- The questions in this survey were worded clearly & concisely.
- Overall, constructive feedback from previous surveys has been acknowledged and effectively implemented in the course.
Course-specific Questions
- I am comfortable with and competent at understanding basic computer concepts and terminology.
- I am comfortable with and competent at dis-assembling and re-assembling various computer hardware components
- I am comfortable with and competent at managing files and folders in a structured manner, and effectively utilizing college network resources
- I am comfortable with and competent at processing information from a variety of Internet sources to create valid business documents
- I am comfortable with and competent at producing professional documents and reports using a word processing package
- I am comfortable with and competent at automating and generating professional spreadsheet applications
- I am comfortable with and competent at creating professional presentations using presentation software
- I am comfortable with and competent at understanding basic software and hardware concepts of programmable logic controllers (PLC�s) in an applied Trades context
Written-Comment Questions
- One thing I like about this course:
- One thing I dislike about this course:
- One thing that would improve this course:
- I have an additional comment:
One thing I like about this course:
| 1 | How much I have learned. Gregg was a very
interesting teacher, kept the classes interesting, and made it fun to learn
new subjects. The course touched on different topics, some I knew, some I
didnt and the subjects I knew i found out more about and the subjects I
didnt know, I learned a great deal like Excel. Thanks! Glad this worked out for you. I learned a lot, too!....Greg |
| 2 | it was fun and easy |
| 3 | The teacher was excellent |
| 4 | more broad understanding on computers. |
| 5 | teacher is helpful and friendly |
| 7 | knowledge of computers |
| 9 | It have given me a great understanding in programs I might have not otherwise have known. |
| 10 | How at every class it's what were gonna learn
about is maped out on the board. Not one class is wasted!! Glad you noticed this - I believe it's important to spell out a plan (and share it with students!) for every class! I hope the online topical outline / lesson plans helped you too....Greg |
One thing I dislike about this course:
| 1 | It should have more hours, it should be a 5 hour course a week instead of 3 |
| 2 | to much work at one time |
| 3 | Wasn't enough time to learn more |
| 4 | its hard to understand some of the computer
terms and labs. Sorry this didn't wok for you. Yes - terminology is always a challenge, but I hoped I had covered this off on every new module. Labs - I'm always available to explain them. There's room for improvement on both counts - thanks for the feedback!....Greg |
| 5 | very basic information, not challenging but this is due to mixed class competency |
| 7 | not enough time for labs |
| 9 | The wording in tests. Iam able to do ther
required tasks but the wording in the questions leaves me not sure of the
exact answer especially when more then one answer is required. Good point. My strategy to deal with any issues on this was to release the quizzes & tests at a later date and go over any questions that are problematic, and correct them if necessary. Multiple choice - multiple select questions are, IMO, an excellent "practical case" approach to solving a problem. BUT...I agree - the wording has to be crystal clear. I'll endeavor to improve on this....Greg |
| 10 | The due dates were to "sperratic" to me a due
date is a due date... I agree. Test and quiz dates were rigid. Only prior communication and documentation from students allowed for any flexibility when missed. On labs, however I was flexible. Was this part a concern for you?....Greg |
One thing that would improve this course:
| 1 | Nothing really, it was great to be in it |
| 2 | notta thing |
| 3 | I wouldn't do to much more to improve it |
| 4 | my overall computer skills |
| 5 | more time spent testing hardware |
| 7 | nothing |
| 9 | The wording in tests...lol |
| 10 | Nothing just keep it relating to what we need to know to succeed in college |
| 1 | Gregg shouldnt get the summer off, he should
have to teach us through the summer to...LOL Thanks...sort of...I already teach during the summer in the motorcycle course!!!...Greg |
| 2 | nope!!!!!! way to go tech :) |
| 3 | Can't wait for the second semester |
| 5 | thanks for the computers You're welcome!....Greg |
| 7 | Thank you Greg!! |
| 9 | Great work Greg!! Have a good summer!!! |
| 10 | Thanks Greg I learned alot! I thought
computers would be a "freebie" class but you kept us on our toes and kept us
learning. Great workload too I was worried to miss a class cause I knew I
would miss to much...thats good though cause this is college!! LOL THANKS
AGAIN SEE YOU AROUND AND TAKE CARE!!! [--name removed--] Thanks for the vote of confidence! Give yourself some credit, too! You have the right attitude about taking responsibility for your education - this is the recipe for future success!!! Good luck next semester....Greg |
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