ISP 1251 Mid Course Survey Results

Title	N	Frequency	Mean	SD
-	1	2	3	4	5
win95	36	0	30	5	1	0	0	1.19	0.47
DOS	36	0	12	9	8	5	2	2.33	1.24
LINUX	36	0	1	2	5	7	21	4.25	1.08
troubleshoot soft	36	0	7	15	9	4	1	2.36	1.02
troubleshoot hard	36	0	6	11	12	4	3	2.64	1.15
gives overview	36	0	29	3	3	1	0	1.33	0.76
expectations	36	0	21	13	2	0	0	1.47	0.61
sense of humor	36	0	33	3	0	0	0	1.08	0.28
textbook	36	0	17	14	3	1	1	1.75	0.94
marking	36	0	27	6	3	0	0	1.33	0.63
web site	36	0	31	4	1	0	0	1.17	0.45
use web site	36	0	29	6	1	0	0	1.22	0.48
instuctor knowledge	36	1	31	4	0	0	0	1.08	0.37
instructor organized	36	0	22	10	4	0	0	1.50	0.70
explains concepts	36	0	20	13	2	1	0	1.56	0.73
helps student success	36	0	22	12	2	0	0	1.44	0.61
deals with disruption	36	0	22	12	2	0	0	1.44	0.61
invites feedback	36	0	32	3	1	0	0	1.14	0.42
survey was clear	36	0	29	5	2	0	0	1.25	0.55
use previous survey	36	0	19	14	3	0	0	1.56	0.65
learning something	36	0	28	4	3	1	0	1.36	0.76
course overall	36	0	17	16	2	1	0	1.64	0.72

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	30 83.3%	5 13.9%	1 2.8%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.19	0.47

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	12 33.3%	9 25.0%	8 22.2%	5 13.9%	2 5.6%	2.33	1.24

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	1 2.8%	2 5.6%	5 13.9%	7 19.4%	21 58.3%	4.25	1.08

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	7 19.4%	15 41.7%	9 25.0%	4 11.1%	1 2.8%	2.36	1.02

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	6 16.7%	11 30.6%	12 33.3%	4 11.1%	3 8.3%	2.64	1.15

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

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	29 80.6%	3 8.3%	3 8.3%	1 2.8%	0 0.0%	1.33	0.76

Question: expectations

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

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	21 58.3%	13 36.1%	2 5.6%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.47	0.61

Question: sense of humor

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

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	33 91.7%	3 8.3%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.08	0.28

Question: textbook

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	17 47.2%	14 38.9%	3 8.3%	1 2.8%	1 2.8%	1.75	0.94

Question: marking

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	27 75.0%	6 16.7%	3 8.3%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.33	0.63

Question: web site

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

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	31 86.1%	4 11.1%	1 2.8%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.17	0.45

Question: use web site

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	29 80.6%	6 16.7%	1 2.8%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.22	0.48

Question: instuctor knowledge

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	1 2.8%	31 86.1%	4 11.1%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.08	0.37

Question: instructor organized

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	22 61.1%	10 27.8%	4 11.1%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.50	0.70

Question: explains concepts

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	20 55.6%	13 36.1%	2 5.6%	1 2.8%	0 0.0%	1.56	0.73

Question: helps student success

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	22 61.1%	12 33.3%	2 5.6%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.44	0.61

Question: deals with disruption

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	22 61.1%	12 33.3%	2 5.6%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.44	0.61

Question: invites feedback

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

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	32 88.9%	3 8.3%	1 2.8%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.14	0.42

Question: survey was clear

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	29 80.6%	5 13.9%	2 5.6%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.25	0.55

Question: use previous survey

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

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	19 52.8%	14 38.9%	3 8.3%	0 0.0%	0 0.0%	1.56	0.65

Question: learning something

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

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	28 77.8%	4 11.1%	3 8.3%	1 2.8%	0 0.0%	1.36	0.76

Question: course overall

N	-	1	2	3	4	5	Mean	SD
36	0 0.0%	17 47.2%	16 44.4%	2 5.6%	1 2.8%	0 0.0%	1.64	0.72

ID	Response
1
3	Hands-on lab activites...they are a significant learning tool. I espcially like the web site, every class should get in on this concept.
4	the teacher spends as much time as he possibly can with the students. And to me, that makes all the difference in the world because it shows that somebody actually cares about how you do in this school!!!!!!
5	is that it deals with some software and much more hardware
6	Learning how to use the computer more effectively.
7	its interesting and fun sometimes.
8	I can alway get update on web page
9	I have enjoyed getting the hands on look at software and hardware it has given me a much better insight to computers and I know I have learned a great deal.
10	I really like having the websites to access from home anytime, espically the homework page on the Sys Arch homepage. Also liked having the web CT to access my marks earlier rather than wait until next class to obtain the marks.
11	that we can access the information required from our home computer as the labs at at school are busy all the time and the hours our inconvenient when the labs are free.
12	that we cover a broad range of languages, ie., DOS, UNIX, D LINUX, etc. Also the fundamental knowledge required on how to operate and troubleshoot problems on a computer. The textbook is a great tool on providing the information required to troubleshoot, etc.
13	How is ties in with what we are learning in Concepts and Programming with Pauline
14	the web ct
15	I enjoy the sis arc web page and how the ressources for this course are online and available from my home PC.
16	records online
17
18	Website is great. The assignments due is an awesome idea and hope maybe one day all our classes will have a similar format on one big website. Keep up the good work and appreciate you listening to feedback
19	The teacher is cool.
20	Knowing nothing at all about computers before I started this course,I find it a challenge to keep up with the rest of the class.
21	The teacher know's what his talking about and explains it well.
22	I like the analogies you use. It makes it easier to understand the concept.
23	The way things are tought.
24	being able to learn some work online!
25	the homework page
26	lab activities
27	the instructor allows students to work at their own pace by providing all information online which allows the students to access information both in the lab and at home which is a far cry from the rest of the college courses
28	This course is interesting. Greg is very supportive and helpful.
29	IT IS FUN, ALTHOUGHT IT IS MY SECOND TIME TAKING IT. I NEVER LIKE IT LAST TIME. IT DEPENDS HOW DIFFERENT TEACHERS TEACH THIS COURSE.
30	Greg is one good teacher, he makes you feel like a human being (a friend who is helping you achieve sucess)
31	Greg's easy going attitude it doesn't intimidate the students at all.
32
33	Web page is great. Love the fact that if you cannot make it to a class it is not the end of the world..You can find out what you should be doing and get the files to do what you need. Thanks.
34	this course is very useful.
35	depth of information considered
36	The pace is GREAT! We are given adequate time to do assignments so that we do not have to rush through them, and can actually take our time to learn it. As well as keeping the website up to date.

ID	Response
1	I hate working with dos there is to much to remember
3	No complaints
4	The pace at learning DOS commands should be looked at more carefully because I think most people are having a hard time at grasping how to do them!!! And I think pewople are actually trying there best. More time has to go into learning things like DOS commands because the rest is basically just reading the book.
5	The thing i hate the most about this course is that the linux causes problems for everyone
6	Not understanding DOS and Doskey.
7	I hate DOS and I don't know if I am ever going to use it.
8	none
9	I'm not really thrilled with DOS, it has been a real struggle for me.
11	the class size is too big especially for the labs.
12	It is very difficult to try and comprehend everything that has been taught. It seems there is not enough time. Rush, rush, rush. But I guess that's par for the course. There should be more hands-on, as I learn from seeing.
13
14
15
16	only one lab time
17
18	nothing
19	I think it would be better if the theory class was befor the lab class.
20	I find it confusing at times.
21	The theory class should be before the lab class.
22	I don't like the wording of some assignments they are difficult to understand. The speed of the class is sometimes overwhelming. Especially when introducing something new. Sometimes more background info would be helpful (eg DOS)
23	Didn't get $90 worth of use out of the text book.
24	doing DOS work!
25	Not much time but many little labs at the same time and not much time to do them in peace. Also not enough explanation and direction to understand the material other that reading the book which is too long and time consuming, we have other classes, jobs, homework, need sleep, other books... NO TIME!!!
26	nothing, neutral
27	the emphasis on DOS though I do understand why we as students must understand the architecture of todays computer software which is still very much based on DOS though
28	There should be more class time to learn about dos, doskey, and batch files.
29	NOTHING SO FAR
30	i don't know?
32
33	Not a thing. that i can think of...
34	Is the way they prusunt that people are knowagable.
35	depth of information considered in comparatively small time frame
36	When in theory class you talk way too quick

ID	Response
1
3	No complaints
4	Asking the students if they understand things before moving on. Because if you don't know how to do something you obviously can't move on with a clear awareness of what the heck is going on.
5	wipe linux right out of the course and you will see that more students will join
6	Slower pace with DOS and Doskey commands.
7	More time should be spent on the chapters. Too much material is covered in a short period of time.
8	speed it up a bit more in theory part
9	I feel it would be more of a benefit to students who are completly new to programs such as DOS if we had more textbook type instructions, rather than web site materials worked into the course.
11	have two sections for labs so that the class size be smaller
12	We require additional information on the programs we will be using, ie., DOS, DOSKEY, etc. The web links have been somewhat helpful, but there are still so many terms that I don't quite understand, and we still have to take up UNIX and LINUX. Also, more definite dates when things are due would be helpful.
13	More instruction geared specifically towards DOS, I guess you can say the hows, whys and whats, somethings are still unclear to me, regarding the concepts of DOS
14
15
16	another lab time
17
18	nothing comes to mind
19	Making the book cheaper.
20	I dont know enough to comment on this.
21	Less survey's!!!!!!!!
22	Slow it down, provide some background info
23	Use the text book more
24	to do project than test
25	Mr cooper is very nice but you explain what we will be doing too much, half of the class, we spend listening to the order we will be doing everything in. We should use that time to explain and show us how to use dos, doskey, batch files... use the wed. class for DIRECT explanations and the lab class on mon. to do the acctual homework and labs whithout any directions to listen to for half of the class. If people have problem you can go see them then, individually...the others who do understand can go on without being constantly interupted, and get much more done therefor making good use of their time which I/we have so little of.
26	doskey
27	an introduction to Windows NT would be helpful if it could be somehow worked into the course
28
29	I THINK THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH DONE COMPARE TO LAST SUMMER. AGAIN IT DEPENDS ON TEACHERS, I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT WEBCT BEFORE. THE FACT THAT I CAN REVIEW THE WHOLE COURSE AND THE LABS EVEN WHEN I AM HOME HAS BEEN HELPFUL TO ME. SO FAR SO GOOD.
30	i don't know
32
33
34	nothing keep it the way it is.
35	Texts that cover a hands on approach to DOS and batch files, etc.
36	everything is just GREAT!

ID	Response
1	I think that we should be assigned questions from the text book and take them up in the next class to give a review of the chapter
3
4	Have a nice day> :) :-)
5	1 I hate Linux 2 greg is a great instructor would like to have him in the next classes [student signed name]
6	More review for test and less time on website, since everyone should know, by now, that it is there for their purpose and their learning tool.
7	Greg is a super instructor with a great sense of humor. He always answer any questions whenever I need help. He makes sure that I understood the material that I am having problems with before he moves on to the next chapter. He is cool.
8	none
9	I would like to see the lab assignments made a little more clear, there are many times when the intructions lead you to believe one thing when really another is what is required. It does get frustrating when you have to struggle with what you are required to do. If the instructions were more clear less time would be wasted trying to figure out what you have to do. That time could be spent getting it done.
11
12	Overall, the course has been quite interesting and fun. But I think having more hands-on would be better. But I think that's in Sys. Arch 2. Can't wait..... Keep up the good work, Greg. You make things interesting and exciting even when initially I don't know what your are talking about. But eventually understand later. You are trying your best to slow down. That's great. I know, I'll keep reminding you.
13	Hey way to go Greg, the web site, WebCT, gaining permission from the publishers and access from home make it a great complement to the course
14
15
16
17
18	no
19	No.
20	No comment
21	I have no further comments.
22
23	I really like this course
24	U're a good teacher but remember not to talk too fast!
25	do not take this personally,you are a nice teacher, but I just cannot work efficiantly with so many constant distractions.
26	so good so far.
27	overall, the course with Greg Cooper is far and away much better than my first experience with [previous instructor] during the summer semester. Greg is an excellent instructor, who allows the students to work through the labs and assignments and is always available to answer our questions and concerns. I look forward to taking Sys Arch II with him now.
28
29	YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD TEACHER.
30	don't have any
32
33
34	You are great keep up the good work greg.
35	Due to the complexity of the course material, testing cannot accurately assess what a student has absorbed or discarded as unimportant.
36

One thing I like about this course is:

RESPONSE: Overall, I'd have to say that it's very gratifying to have students feel this comfortable and be this candid in their comments (both positive and constructive) It seems to me that there are lots of things you DO like about this course - the variety, the delivery, the support, the traditional and Web-related resources, and the general learning environment...BUT there's always room for improvement!

One thing I dislike about this course is:

ISSUE: DOS, DOSKEY, batch files, LINUX
RESPONSE: Several students have asked why we cover these topics. What is the practical value? There are several reasons for including these topics:

Although DOS batch programming must seem like a revival of an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language to some, its principles of structured programming apply to any programming environment. DOSKEY is a means of easing you into this environment after we cover the topics related to internal & external commands.
Any Windows 9X or NT networking environment you work in may require you to customize startup & login scripts, memory optimization, scheduled tasks, installing & running older 16-bit applications, all of which may require knowledge of batch files. The equivalent in UNIX/Linux is a script file.
DOS and its related topics are STILL an essential component of the "A+" certification exams. If you want this certification, you'll need experience with DOS AND Windows 3.1 AND Windows 95 AND Windows 98 etc. Although this isn't an A+ certification course, we're giving you a "taste" of what to expect if you decide to write the exams. Our textbook is specifially organized with this in mind.
You'll be able to support both legacy hardware and Plug 'N' Play technology with some DOS skills. This might be more apparent in Systems Architecture II.
We made the decision to drop VAX/VMS (similar to DOS) and include UNIX/Linux this semester. You're more likely to come across Linux in the future. It's also a great opportunity to again, "taste" the basics of an O/S and judge for yourself its relative merits compared to the more popular ones. (BTW, this is why we also felt compelled to include a component, albeit a short one, on the Macintosh O/S - for the same reasons.)

ISSUE: "I talk too fast"
RESPONSE: Yes. It's true. I seem to have a fixed "speedtalk" mode. Sorry. This was identified earlier and I've tried to slow down a little. Our supporting Special Needs colleagues (sign language interpreters, note recorders, etc.) have assisted me by reminding me to slow down, take a breath, etc. I think it's one of those things where I need to be reminded periodically, or when things get out of hand. DON'T BE SHY! If I go too fast, give me a signal! I won't be offended!

ISSUE: "the book"
RESPONSE: I responded to this concern in the first survey. Yes, we only use the book for four chapters in this course. Next semester, in Sys Arc II, we'll be covering approx. 10-12 chapters from the same textbook.

ISSUE: "The pace"
RESPONSE: This is probably because I talk too fast! Just kidding! Again, the pace was an issue identified earlier. I've tried to "chunk" things in smaller bite size pieces. For example, I changed our textbook-based slideshows to work in "chunks" by adding an interactive menu, then just focussing in class on the ones I felt were more complex. Did this work for you? I would also suggest you not be shy in mentioning this in class, or after class. I'll try to be more aware of this as we finish off the semester.

ISSUE: the class size & sequence (theory before lab, etc.)
RESPONSE: These are items beyond my control, unfortunately. I do address them during the process of course selection, and when faculty get together to revise curriculum in May-June. I'll be sure to mention them again.

One thing I would improve in this course is:

ISSUE: book on DOS & batch files
RESPONSE: I'm open to suggestion on this.With a $100 textbook already required, what should we use? I couldn't answer this myself. The cheapest book was a mini-pocketbook, which still costs approx. $20. Would you buy it? Should we include one for Linux as well? That's why we have an abundance (in my humble opinion) of DOS & Linux-related links at the Web site, including creations from our end user support students Mike, Nick, and Eric. Lots of info and it's free, BUT you have to be online to read it. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. What do you think is the best solution?

ISSUE: more direct instruction, less talk on what we're going to do, etc.
RESPONSE: Yes, I agree. In lecture, I've been trying to get away from lengthy explanations at the beginning of class, or detailed Web site updates. Has it been better for you? In the lab, I frequently need to explain a concept to the whole class. This is a personal style - I'd rather occupy a few minutes of the whole class instead of repeat myself thirty-five times.

ISSUE: more instructional materials on DOS
RESPONSE: Be more specific. Do you mean slideshows explaining concepts & commands? Chapters 4 & 5 had lots of examples of external file and folder related DOS commands. The self-quizzes include some DOS syntax questions. Is this what you mean? Perhaps drop me a note, or suggest some items on the last survey.

ISSUE: Less surveys
RESPONSE: No. There are only three surveys. They're optional. Now that I do them online, they only take a few minutes each. (Several students advised me that the mid course survey took approx. 7-8 minutes to complete.) It only takes me a few hours to compile and summarize the results for all of my classes. This is a valuable investment of your time and mine when it comes to improving a course. This feedback and revision process adds value to the course and your personal learning experience. It helps you gauge your personal progress. It helps me become a better instructor. The quality of this survey's feedback, and indicators from the first survey tell me I'm on the right track. I hope you'll agree and complete the final survey. Thanks for taking the time to complete this one!

ISSUE: include Windows NT
RESPONSE: Good idea. What will we remove in order to make room? It would be logistically difficult without sacrificing something. Let me guess...you're saying: "No problem. Dump DOS, DOSKEY, batch files, Linux, etc. That will make enough room, Greg!" Right? Nice try! See my previous comment on why we take these units. BTW, my understanding is that for ISBU students, you'll be doing a Windows networking module later in your program.

I have one additional comment:

ISSUE: ...assign questions from the text book
RESPONSE: I have done this for all four chapters. Perhaps you mean make them a homework requirement in the course?

ISSUE: More review for test
RESPONSE: Currently, I place solutions to chapter review questions and self-tests for each chapter at the Web site. We did an in-class written review quiz prior to the first test. We used a WebCT review quiz (instant scoring) for the second test. These counted for a lab grade. We have open class discussions prior to tests. What other review strategies are you thinking of?

ISSUE: lab assignments made a little more clear, there are many times when the intructions lead you to believe one thing when really another is what is required
RESPONSE: Thanks for pointing this out. I haven't been abundantly clear sometimes. I'll endeavor to continue to improve in this area. Please continue to bring this to my attention as it happens.

ISSUE: I just cannot work efficiantly with so many constant distractions
RESPONSE: Without specific examples, I'll guess that you mean interruptions (mine) and other in-class interruptions. As far as overall class disruptions go, I'll assume that this isn't a major problem. (94% of you felt that disruptions were dealt with effectively) As far as MY interruptions go, sorry, but I need to clarify instructions periodically, or remind students of an important point. This saves time - I don't have to repeat myself 35 times. However, I should keep these interruptions as short as possible - on that point I agree I should improve.

ISSUE: Due to the complexity of the course material, testing cannot accurately assess what a student has absorbed
RESPONSE: Not necessarily. If the testing objectives and corresponding assessment strategies are carefully selected, almost anything can be effectively tested. But there are exceptions were a written test may not be the BEST tool to assess a hands-on skill that is difficult to describe verbally or in writing. You'll see this in Systems Architecture II. I not only use traditional testing strategies for theory and concepts, an additional lab evaluation is based on you actually SHOWING me & DESCRIBING TO ME how you install a hard drive, for example. You do it, you describe it as you go, and you master the skill over time. You raise a crucial point related to effective teaching, learning & assessment. It's questions we instructors need to ask ourselves from time to time: "What are my teaching objectives? What are the related student learning outcomes? How do I assess them effectively? How will I know I've assessed these things appropriately?" The course outline, lesson planning, and surveys like this help me answer these questions and keep me on track!

Question: win95

Question: DOS

Question: LINUX

Question: troubleshoot soft

Question: troubleshoot hard

Question: gives overview