ISP 1251 - RESULTS OF END OF COURSE SURVEY - MAY 2000

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Note from Greg READ ME FIRST!
Tips to help you understand the stats
Overall results at a quick glance
Individual questions & results
Students' written comments
Some responses to written comments
Comparison with previous surveys this semester

Back to Greg's Homepage
Back to the ISP1251 Web site
Previous ISP1251 survey - Spring 1999

Note from Greg

" Thanks to those who completed the survey. 28 out of a possible 42 students (66%) responded. Overall, you seem to be saying there was a consistent level of satisfaction in several course-related areas:

  1. There were increasing comfort levels in the major topic areas: Win95, DOS, Linux, & troubleshooting software & hardware problems, although you've constructively pointed out there is still room for improvement;
  2. The two Web sites were used on average by each student approx. 95 times throughout the semester (WOW!). The FrontPage Web site had over 3000 hits and the WebCT site had almost 1000 hits;
  3. There seems to be consistent satisfaction with the course overall and you felt that you "were learning something." (All students responded with "I strongly agree" or "I agree somewhat" to most of the survey questions.);
  4. Where you had concerns, once again, you've come through with some excellent suggestions & comments;
  5. You are consistently satisfied with my efforts to implement constructive comments from previous surveys - this is a confirmation that the time you AND I invested in this process was worthwhile. THANKS!

Thanks again for your quality input. As promised, these (and the previous) 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 and our Dean of the results. I intend to use this data in future classes (hopefully, with you!) and I'll encourage future ISP1251 professors to take a look when planning this course."...................Greg

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Tips to help you understand the stats

  1. "N=28" 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 choose to NOT answer a 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=28) 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

 

Title N Frequency Mean SD
- 1 2 3 4 5
win95 28 0 23 5 0 0 0 1.18 0.39
DOS 28 0 14 6 2 4 2 2.07 1.36
LINUX 28 0 1 10 7 5 5 3.11 1.20
troubleshoot soft 28 1 10 8 8 1 0 1.93 0.98
troubleshoot hard 28 0 9 11 8 0 0 1.96 0.79
gives overview 28 0 20 7 0 1 0 1.36 0.68
expectations 28 0 16 8 3 1 0 1.61 0.83
sense of humor 28 0 23 5 0 0 0 1.18 0.39
textbook 28 0 7 11 7 3 0 2.21 0.96
marking 28 0 21 6 1 0 0 1.29 0.53
web site 28 0 24 4 0 0 0 1.14 0.36
use web site 28 0 23 4 0 0 1 1.29 0.81
instructor knowledge 28 0 24 4 0 0 0 1.14 0.36
instructor organized 28 1 15 10 2 0 0 1.46 0.69
explains concepts 28 0 13 10 4 1 0 1.75 0.84
helps student success 28 0 17 7 4 0 0 1.54 0.74
deals with disruption 28 0 18 7 3 0 0 1.46 0.69
invites feedback 28 0 25 3 0 0 0 1.11 0.31
survey was clear 28 0 25 3 0 0 0 1.11 0.31
use previous survey 28 0 18 9 1 0 0 1.39 0.57
learning something 28 0 20 5 2 1 0 1.43 0.79
course overall 28 0 16 10 1 1 0 1.54 0.74

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Individual questions & results

 

Question: win95

I am comfortable using Windows95 (or Win98)

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 23
82.1%		 5
17.9%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.18 0.39

 

Question: DOS

I am comfortable using DOS

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 14
50.0%		 6
21.4%		 2
7.1%		 4
14.3%		 2
7.1%		 2.07 1.36

 

Question: LINUX

I am comfortable using UNIX (or LINUX)

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 1
3.6%		 10
35.7%		 7
25.0%		 5
17.9%		 5
17.9%		 3.11 1.20

 

Question: troubleshoot soft

I am comfortable troubleshooting software problems on my computer

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 1
3.6%		 10
35.7%		 8
28.6%		 8
28.6%		 1
3.6%		 0
0.0%		 1.93 0.98

 

Question: troubleshoot hard

I am comfortable troubleshooting hardware problems on my computer

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 9
32.1%		 11
39.3%		 8
28.6%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.96 0.79

 

Question: gives overview

The instructor gives an overview of what is going to take place at the beginning of the class so students know direction & purpose.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 20
71.4%		 7
25.0%		 0
0.0%		 1
3.6%		 0
0.0%		 1.36 0.68

 

Question: expectations

The instructor explains expectations of students clearly at the beginning of the semester and throughout.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 16
57.1%		 8
28.6%		 3
10.7%		 1
3.6%		 0
0.0%		 1.61 0.83

 

Question: sense of humor

The instructor maintains a sense of humor and applies it in an appropriate fashion.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 23
82.1%		 5
17.9%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.18 0.39

 

Question: textbook

The textbook is used in this course.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 7
25.0%		 11
39.3%		 7
25.0%		 3
10.7%		 0
0.0%		 2.21 0.96

 

Question: marking

Marks are given in clearly defined, impartial manner.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 21
75.0%		 6
21.4%		 1
3.6%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.29 0.53

 

Question: web site

The Web sites have provided important learning & information resources in this course.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 24
85.7%		 4
14.3%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.14 0.36

 

Question: use web site

I use the Web sites in this course frequently.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 23
82.1%		 4
14.3%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1
3.6%		 1.29 0.81

 

Question: instructor knowledge

The instructor is knowledgeable on the course material.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 24
85.7%		 4
14.3%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.14 0.36

 

Question: instructor organized

The instructor conducts organized and well-planned class sessions.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 1
3.6%		 15
53.6%		 10
35.7%		 2
7.1%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.46 0.69

 

Question: explains concepts

The instructor explains concepts clearly and effectively.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 13
46.4%		 10
35.7%		 4
14.3%		 1
3.6%		 0
0.0%		 1.75 0.84

 

Question: helps student success

The instructor helps students meet objectives and achieve success.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 17
60.7%		 7
25.0%		 4
14.3%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.54 0.74

 

Question: deals with disruption

The instructor deals effectively with disruptions in class/lab activities.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 18
64.3%		 7
25.0%		 3
10.7%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.46 0.69

 

Question: invites feedback

The instructor invites feedback from students and accepts constructive criticism without becoming defensive.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 25
89.3%		 3
10.7%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.11 0.31

 

Question: survey was clear

The questions in this survey were worded clearly & concisely.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 25
89.3%		 3
10.7%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.11 0.31

 

Question: use previous survey

Overall, constructive feedback from the "start of course survey" has been acknowledged and appropriately implemented in the course.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 18
64.3%		 9
32.1%		 1
3.6%		 0
0.0%		 0
0.0%		 1.39 0.57

 

Question: learning something

Overall, I am learning something in this course that is valuable now, and will be later, after I graduate.

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 20
71.4%		 5
17.9%		 2
7.1%		 1
3.6%		 0
0.0%		 1.43 0.79

 

Question: course overall

Overall, I would rate this course so far, as "excellent".

1. I strongly agree 2. I agree somewhat 3. I'm neutral 4. I disagree somewhat 5. I strongly disagree
N - 1 2 3 4 5 Mean SD
28 0
0.0%		 16
57.1%		 10
35.7%		 1
3.6%		 1
3.6%		 0
0.0%		 1.54 0.74

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Students' written comments

One thing I like about this course is:
One thing I dislike about this course is:
One thing I would improve in this course:
I have one additional comment:

 

ONE THING I LIKE ABOUT THIS COURSE IS:

ID Response
2  
3 The use of the Web site, WebCT.(updates and valuable information) Implementation of the feedback is quick.
4 I have no favorite "things" I like about this course... It has changed a lot since the first time I completed it.
5 Not for the faint-hearted. Course material reflects an in-depth consideration of material.
6 Variation of different subject matter: hardware, software, o\s, networking
7  
8 Greg Cooper is a nice and easy going man. I like learning about the computer hardware.(physical parts)
9 I like the ability to access my personal records and homework on the web site.
10 It was very interesting.
11  
12 Independant schedule due to homework posted online
13 Very informative and well-planned
14  
16 The individual work base from the site. Awesome!
17 Hands-on approach
18 Learning many aspects of computer operating systems
19 the hands on work
20 This course has been very well planned and informative.
21 It is great that we are given a chance to learn about other O/S but I do think that at the starting of the semester less time can be spent on Win and allow for more time on Linux, the timing for DOS I feel was reasonable. Another great thing was at the end of every theory class those who were having trouble could stay behind to learn more valuable tools, being more of a one on one which is what some students need, the same going for lab class if you have questions things were taken up immediately whether it be on your own pc or up front on the border as a miniature lecture to go over what we had taken in class (a refresher!). All round you did a great job! Thanks alot Greg
22 Always learning something new
23 Lab exercises, hands on material so you can try something out since that's different than just reading about it.
24 this course is a good coarse
25 It was fun.
26 The Web Page and how accessable things are
27  
28 The instructor provided course materials evenly throughout the semester and allowed sufficient time between assignments. Also the course website was an invaluable resource in terms of determining when assignments were due as well as providing resources for assignments.

 

ONE THING I DISLIKE ABOUT THIS COURSE IS:

ID Response
2  
3 Sometimes instructor takes up too much time in class trying to help out people with some problems that they have on their home computer.
4 There are a lot of "small" assignments due, where the curriculum may not allow all the time required to complete them.
5 Rapid progression of course makes recovery from difficulties nigh impossible.
6 some subject matter was not covered long enough to make sudents had a full understanding: DOS, Unix/Linex, Batch Files, macros, DOSKey
7  
8 Too much too fast. Lynux, Dos, Batch... these should have lots of time to learn them and understand them comfortably. These were shown and passed way too quickly. They confused, irratated and stressed me instead of becoming an asset, or skill to me...
9 The DOS work... it's too complicated!
10 Didn't use the text book enough.
11  
12 There's big workload
13  
14  
16 Nothing
17 Linux
18 The difficulty of learning text based operating systems
19 to much material to remember like dos commands
20 Not enough "hands-on"
21  
22 still do not understand DOS or Linux
23 It's already over :)
24 the thing i hate about this course is using linux you don't need linux in our world ahead
26 Not enuff activity to do in lab class
27  
28 Too much emphasis on DOS and other outdated software rather than focusing on Windows and NT but I also understand that knowledge of DOS/Unix/Linux is required in today's world.

 

ONE THING I WOULD IMPROVE IN THIS COURSE:

ID Response
2  
4 More linux!
5 In class demonstrations of DOS commands, Linux, Unix commands, etc. A better visualization of what practical benefits arise from knowing this stuff.
6 provide a more through DOS understanding to students who never used it
7  
8 Take more time on the bigger things and slow down just a little. Let the big stuff sink in before moving on because your moving on, letting many fall far behind. Then they are lost and many problems then arise.
9 To improve on DOS and UNIX
10 Use the text book more
11  
12 nothing
13 Have at least 4 tests instead of 3. The gap between test 2 & test 3 was large. Meaning alot of info was covered.
14  
16 nothing
17 Does not need improvement
20 There is very little time to totally grasp the learning concept of each of the topics which we covered in this course, i.e., Linux/Unix/Dos/Mac, etc. There should have been a test between chapter 5 and 6 - there is a lot of material to study. More hands-on.
21  
22 more time with DOS commands
23 I would improve doskey. learned everything about it properly when doing the batch files, the doskey section wasn't as clear but the explaination with the batch files helped clear everything up.
24 take linux out
26 Have more practical stuff in the lab
27  
28 Nothing, the course is excellent as is actually.

 

I HAVE ONE ADDITIONAL COMMENT:

ID Response
2  
3 Good work Greg! Nice to come to class and have you in good mood!
4 well... what would that comment be? HA HA Have a good summer, Greg!
5 Much was covered. How much was retained remains to be seen.
6 when asked a question, get to the point..... the explanation can come later
7  
8 Take more time teaching Lynux, Batch and Dos when it comes to the assignments and all the codes and commands... make them understand instead of memorizing them..
9 It was nice to be in ur class =)
10 no
11  
12  
13  
14  
16 Greg, just one thing. Your handouts and assignments are confusing at times and when you begin to do them it takes about half an hour to forty five minutes to understand what is going on. Maybe show someone else the handout before you give it to us who can then tell you if it is confusing or not. Thanks
17  
19 the textbook should be used more
20 Greg, thank you very much for all your support. It is nice to see someone so energetic and enthusiastic every class. See you next year in Sys Arch 2...(hopefully).... Have a great summer.
21  
22 Greg has changed, since this since this program started (for the good)
23 great course!
24 thanks greg had a great semester
26 none what so ever
27  
28 Have Greg Cooper teach all the computer classes. :)

 

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Some responses to written comments

ON THE ISSUE OF "DOS, LINUX & BATCH FILES..."
Many folks expressed concerns about "not enough time", or "too much too fast", or "I still don't understand these topics". I think it will be appropriate to modify my delivery strategy next time. For example, I'll need to try smaller chunks of info, with lots of smaller, practical more in-depth hands-on examples. I think I tried to break off "pieces" that were too large. This worked in the theory concepts for chapters 1-2, 5-6 - I'll need to do the same thing with DOS and Linux next time. This will also help me for some materials I'm planning to use if I'm teaching Systems Architecture II (ISP2351) in Fall 2000.

ON THE ISSUE OF "THE TEXTBOOK"
See my comments in the mid course survey. We covered only four chapters this semester and it will be used more extensively in Sys Arc II (approx. 10-12 chapters). It will be the same book.

ON THE ISSUE OF "...handouts and assignments are confusing at times..."
I agree - I need to ensure that instructions and objectives are clear. "...Maybe show someone else the handout before you give it to us who can then tell you if it is confusing or not." An excellent suggestion - I will try this. I'll be able to incorporate this strategy in my other courses!

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Comparison of survey results (maximize browser window for easier viewing of this table.)
NOTE: 0.25 (or smaller) differences in the means were deemed relatively "consistent" with previous survey.

1=. I strongly agree 2=. I agree somewhat 3=. I'm neutral 4=.

I disagree somewhat

5=. I strongly disagree

start of course survey
participation = 73%

Question Title Mean
win95 1.20
DOS 2.60
LINUX 4.23
troubleshoot soft 2.54
troubleshoot hard 2.71
know goals 1.77
humor important 1.54
feedback opportun 1.77
feedback periodically 1.66
will buy textbook 1.46
access to website 1.37
use web site 1.34
learn independent 1.80
want to learn indep 2.69
learn online 1.94
want to learn online 2.43
questions clear? 1.23
so far, so good? 1.54

mid course survey
participation = 80%

Question Title Mean
win95 1.19
DOS 2.33
LINUX 4.25
troubleshoot soft 2.36
troubleshoot hard 2.64
gives overview 1.33
expectations clear 1.47
sense of humor approp 1.08
textbook used 1.75
marking fair 1.33
web site good resource 1.17
use web site 1.22
instructor knowledge 1.08
instructor organized 1.50
explains concepts 1.56
helps student success 1.44
deals with disruption 1.44
invites feedback 1.14
survey was clear 1.25
used previous survey 1.56
am learning something 1.36
course overall 1.64

end of course survey
participation = 66%

Title Mean
win95 1.18
DOS 2.07
LINUX 3.11
troubleshoot soft 1.93
troubleshoot hard 1.96
gives overview 1.36
expectations 1.61
sense of humor 1.18
textbook used 2.21
marking fair 1.29
web site good resource 1.14
use web site 1.29
instructor knowledge 1.14
instructor organized 1.46
explains concepts 1.75
helps student success 1.54
deals with disruption 1.46
invites feedback 1.11
survey was clear 1.11
use previous survey 1.39
am learning something 1.43
course overall 1.54

compare mid & end
surveys

comment
consistent
0.26 improvement
1.14 improvement
0.43 improvement
0.68 improvement
consistent
consistent
consistent
0.46 decline - see my comment
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent
consistent

 

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