Class Comments

1. Class Comments

2. Blackboard I got lots of comments about Blackboard – being difficult to tell what has been graded. That is a problem for the graders and me too. Two things that I think will help: 1. I've started putting the grader's name on the webpage next to the assignment. Then, if something doesn't get graded, you'll know who to talk to. Talk to the grader in a timely manner. 2. We're moving to Eagle for grading. Eagle sends you an email from the grader when your assignment is graded. It is also much easier for the graders to see what has been graded and what has come in late. Eagle also adds up your points and scales them based on weights of various categories. I do apologize for switching mid-semester, but with 120 students, if the grading system requires just one extra minute per assignment to grade, that's two hours per assignment!!!!

3. Groups Students: I think that everyone should do their own work. Especially with some of the things we have done. Working in groups doesn't help one to learn some of the complicated things like writing in HTML. • Current educational theory says that you will learn it better in groups. I suspect that is not true for everyone. • Smaller groups is likely a good idea. A group of four is pretty difficult to manage. Let’s say “Groups of two UNLESS you can’t because of insufficient laptops.” • If you insist on working by yourself, there are no penalties for doing so!

4. Speed Students: • I would love a slower approach and creative ways to make it easier to understand. • Slower pace, maybe holding back a little and making sure the class understands it. • slowing down a little bit • Not moving so fast. • Some of it comes quickly but I have had to get help from others several times. • slow down • I learned this all in seventh grade. This is a tough one. I’ll add on some “superstar” questions to the inclass assignments so those of you who are bored can go beyond what the rest of the class is doing. Formal education is always this way – too easy for some, too hard for others. I’ll encourage you to read material before coming to class. That usually makes a huge difference in understanding. Feel free to raise your hand and say, “Could we slow down?” If you really learned this all in seventh grade, I don’t want to hold you hostage. I’ll make it easier for you to do the work without coming to class. • In class assignments can be mailed to the grader in charge. You will be expected to do the “superstar” questions if you routinely submit email “inclass” assignments. • I’ll post a list of “so you are bored” activities. If some of you want to jump ahead, there are many things I’d love you to play around with.

5. Exam Student: I would like to have a prep sheet for the Exam. • Yes. I agree you need this. The next two individual homeworks are to help you prepare for exam questions. • Exam is in a week, right?

6. Class Size Students: I think actually that the class size makes the course more difficult for a lot of students, because it causes difficulty in discussing individual concerns Smaller in size, and hold it in a lab with computers. • That's an option. One downside is that you would be required to come back another hour or two during the week. The other downside is that 50 minutes of pure lecture may be tough to swallow. • Let’s try having the TAs sit around the room, rather than at the front. That way they are closer if you have questions.

7. Class organization Students: The structure doesn't make sense and is a little disorganized. A lot of the examples we use in class don't really seem to pertain to what we're supposed to be learning. • I'll work on communicating that better. It will become clearer • It likely is a lot looser than some classes. We are now in the "gaining random skills phase". Towards the end, the lessons will be more focused on one goal.

8. Students: Have clearer assignment descriptions. • Look at the webpage for assignment write-ups and Eagle for submissions. Everything is recorded by day. • Try emailing me with questions – then I'll update the assignment for everyone! • Realize what the grader is doing. He/she writes down all the things listed in the assignment and assigns points to each feature. If you miss any small detail, you get docked. I realize this seems picky, but it is generally fairer than having the grader grade by “overall impression”.

9. Less lecture Students: In my opinion, we lecture in class for a longer period than necessary. If I could change one thing, the class would be way more hands on and less lecture. • Good idea. That will also make better us of the TAs.Let's try it. That will require you come to class prepared – having read the material.

10. Laptops Students: • Allowing us to use laptops more. • Just the whole shutting the computer thing we've recently started. • I understand why we need to close our laptops during class; however, it really helped me when I was able to follow along with the powerpoint on my own computer. That way I could read a slide at a slower pace for comprehension if it didn't make sense. • I appreciate NOT being distracted by other students playing video games or surfing the web

11. My response • I taught my first college class when I was 21. I’ve taught FOREVER. I pretty much know what goes on in classrooms. • About 2/3’s are using the computers for something related to the class. The other third are doing whatever. • Those that are “on task” are often not listening to the professor – even though they are doing something they consider legitimate. • You think you are paying attention, but you are missing a lot. Case in point: cell phone users driving. • You are adults. I’ll trust you to make the decision. If using your computer during class is a benefit, use it! • However, it is still my responsibility to convey information. If it feels like the majority aren’t listening, I’ll turn it into a quiz to get attention. • If you KNOW you are going to surf the web, play video games, or other distracting behavior – SIT AT THE BACK OR ON THE SIDES!!! Then I don’t see you and others aren’t distracted

12. Behavior • Some things are just rude. Can you imagine doing these things in a conference meeting with your boss? • reading the newspaper • putting your head down on the tables • playing video games • Texting, reading text messages • Talking to your neighbor about something unrelated • How am I supposed to deal with boredom? • Write. No one knows what you are writing. • Ask deeper questions. Ponder the answers. • Play texttwist with words on the overheads.  • If it is a waste of time, don’t come. • Appropriate interpersonal behavior may be the most important thing you learn!!! Most managers say, “Typically, people are NOT fired for technical inadequacies. We let people go because of poor work ethic, inability to work with others, attitude, dishonesty, talking about boss, gossip, etc.

13. Top Reasons Employees Are Fired 1. Bringing their personal life to work with them. 2. Forgetting about team work and only looking out for the best interests of themselves. 3. Arriving late and leaving early. High absenteeism rate. 4. Sleeping at their desk on a daily basis. 5. Taking extra long lunch breaks each day. 6. Downloading anything and everything from the World Wide Web. 7. Complaining about their job to anyone that was willing to listen. 9. Lying on their job application or resume. 10. Drinking alcoholic beverages on the job. 11. Refusing to follow directions and orders. 12. Talking too much and conducting personal business at work. 13. Inconsistency - unreliable work and behaviors. 14. Inability to get along with other people. 15. Performing tasks slowly, with numerous errors. ** In many environments, the people who succeed are not necessarily the brightest, but the ones with the best social skills.

14. Google • Your ideas on making google better are AMAZING!!! Finding what is missing and thinking of what needs to change is a major ticket to success. It's what computer scientists do! We problem solve. • This skill is a key one in MANY disciplines. Foster that skill. Keep a list of how you would change things. Someday, you'll get a chance to make many of the changes you suggest.