RESULTS
OF FIRST COURSE SURVEY JANUARY 2004
CET
2320 CLIENT ADMINISTRATION
IMPLEMENTING AND SUPPORTING MICROSOFT™ WINDOWS
XP PROFESSIONAL (MOC2272B) (Best viewed with a magnifying glass and a large cup of
coffee...!)
Thanks
to those who participated! 44 out of a possible 56 students (79%)
responded.
This is a good first result and should be a fair indicator
of the class. Hopefully, we'll get a better response on
the second and final surveys. Overall, there seems to be general
satisfaction. The means in most categories fall in the 1 (strongly
agree) - 2 (agree somewhat) range. BUT...there are some areas where
the range is in the 2.5 (neutral) and higher (disagree) range.
These are consistent with your written comments. You've made some
excellent suggestions. Many of them
I'm
already
incorporating
into our
class, but I realize there's still lots of room for improvement.
There are some general
categories of comments I'll summarize and respond to here. Other
comments I've responded to individually below. See
them now.
BOOKS
Unfortunately,
the initial section sizes (upon which the original book orders
were based) were smaller than the actual class sizes. The
bookstore was never at fault. In fact, the bookstore manager
went out of his way to expedite ordering and delivery. They
couldn't order surplus copies, hence, the delay, and students
were asked
to
pay up front
BEFORE
additional
books
were
ordered, and 1-2 weeks delivery, another delay. This wasn't the
best solution, but a workable one. In light
of this, I
made
the module
slideshows available
on our
intranet server,
provided paper
handouts and online versions of lab prep notes, and encouraged
doubling up in the lab with those who had books. I also took
this into
account
on
the first test (only the first three modules, and only on the
slideshow material.) I also prepared some short practice quizzes.
I hope these strategies helped. Did they?
DISK CADDIES
Again,
an unfortunate incident. I should have had a supply sheet available
to you on registration day, so you would have had some lead time
to purchase the disk caddies. I was not aware that second semester
CETY students did NOT have disk caddies. As soon as this was
realized, I contacted some local suppliers (and some with
your help!) to ensure there was enough stock. Some suppliers
even discounted slightly the caddy-hard drive combination.
LAB
SETUP PROBLEMS & COURSE DELIVERY
Many
folks identified several problems here. Anything from malfunctioning
hardware to IP address conflicts, lab prep/setups not working,
disorganized delivery and unknown objectives. Hardware
problems have to be reported to me promptly
- that's why I ask for your help in identifying the problem machines.
Then
I report them to Computer Services.
So far, they have responded and fixed every problem. IP
address problems - yes, this was a source of frustration
for you and me. I believe we have dealt with this, thanks
to your prompt feedback and
assistance from another faculty member. The two virtual server
sessions I run use DHCP to now issue IP addresses for everyone,
as well as the default gateway, primary and secondary DNS's,
instead of relying on you to figure out the problem. Other
than isolated password expiries and incorrect TCP/IP configuration
or
"nwtraders.msft"
suffix
problems,
we
seem to
have the problem
licked. Lab prep, disorganization, and setups not working -
things might have seemed disorganized and as if little prep was
done, but I can assure you lots went on and continues in the
background.
At the
beginning of the semester, and with help from another faculty
member, the
initial
lab setup was done over a period of several days. Weekly, I work
through each lab prior with my "student workstation" connected
to a lab
server
session. I have also attempted to improve the server setup as
we go (ie: resolving IP address conflicts) by setting up two
sessions - one for each class section. Student lab prep information,
supplemental slides and other resources are posted onlne
(WebCT). I hope these strategies have helped. Have they? There
is always room for improvement, and I'll continue to look for
ways to avoid problems. Unknown objectives -
Usually, I outline the goals for the day. The learning outcomes
are clearly
stated
at
the
beginning
of
each module, and I try to emphasize these in the slide presentations.
I'll endeavor to improve on this.
LARGE
CLASS SIZES
Many
of you consistently point out our classes are too large. (now
32 and 25 students) And it is a challenge when you have a question
and have to wait 10-15
minutes before I can get to you. I employed several strategies
to deal with this: allowed some class switching (net effect was
minimal, since more
students joined the course), have put the lab review assignments
online - so you don't have to wait for me to "see" your completed
work, used email announcements, put more information online,
and reduced "housekeeping" time at the start of a class, to
give
you more
time on lab work,
and offered to provide additional lab time after hours. This
offer also included accessing the lab when another faculty member
is in the lab. To avoid holding other students back, I have
allowed folks to
work
ahead, when possible. I hope these strategies have helped
you. Did they?
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.
Thanks for your participation.........................Greg
"N=44" 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=44)
It's like a "plus or minus" value that qualifies the
range of each mean.
The
flow, it flows very nicely for every student, it does not
go too fast for some students yet some can work ahead on
the assignments and get them complete. Also the professor
is very enthusiastic.
3
tests
online
4
What
I have learned about the XP operating system.
5
The
textbook
6
Computers
7
Windows
XP
8
I
like how it's geared towards a current operating system,
rather than one that isn't mainstream. I've found that learning
up-to-date information is much better.
9
Instructor
is friendly, and eager to help out.
10
cool
course ... some networking knowledge would be appropriate
such as having read network +
12
Its
microsoft certified
13
The
fact that I have my own hard drive and all my work comes
with me with no fear of any other student messing anything
up
14
It
allows us to learn important things on Windows XP, the most
recent WIndows operating system. Its things we'll be able
to use in the future
15
We
are able to work on our own for the most part.
16
its
hands on
17
the
fact that everything is organized and planed out
18
Sequence
of materials presented is in a good order
19
The
environment.
20
The
fact that I have learned how to install an operating system.
21
It
is prep for a recognised certification.
23
The
instructor. Mr.Cooper is one of the 3 best teachers I've
ever had, he never talks down to you, he's funny, and explains
things well enough that anyone can get it the first time,
even if they've never used computers before.
24
working
with multiple OS's and configuring networks
25
The
freedom we get to do our labs.
26
The
professor is easy going and humorous, he makes the class
a bit more enjoyable.
27
I
can learn more about Windows XP for trouble shooting at home.
28
The
teacher has a good sense of humour and is willing to adapt.
29
The
way the network is set up
30
The
high energy from the instructor
31
meh
its kewl
32
No
comment
33
No
Comment
34
It's
a fun course but I already know most of the stuff that I'm
doing.
35
I'm
learning lost of things I did not know before about Windows
XP Pro
36
a
37
The
good and friendly environment
38
The
Labs are clear and hard to mis-interpret
39
It
is important to our carrers
40
I
will have the knowledge to complete a Microsoft Certification
exam.
41
the
students get to work on there labs with the time they need
to complete it, there isint any quick deadlines.
42
The
way it is exicuted
43
its
good
44
I
find it a very informative course, amny of the things we
have covered i use in home life.
The
conflicts of IP addresses during Friday's class. See my comments above.
5
The
total disrganized method of delivery, large class size, and
distracting students are bothersome. See my comments above.
6
the
way the words are in the tests
7
setting
it up
8
That
it is very similar to the Windows 2000 Professional course
offered by Microsoft. Yes, in fact, the MS2000 exam will exempt you from doing
this course if you have already passed it.
9
Caddy
setup and network problems seem to be an ongoing problem,
that delay class progress. See my comments above.
10
need
more class time 3 hours a week is insuficient
11
The
fact that it is a new course and hopefully some of the things
are done differently next year Yes, we're already planning for an improved organizational
approach and delivery for 2005.
12
One
thing... books were ordered wrong... the class switch was
useless anad complicated matters, classes are just now getting
started See my comments above.
13
The
time it took to start up and the problem with IPs.
14
We
were the first ones to have the course taken this way, so
obviously there were some delays, but overall it had really
nothing to do with the course itself.
15
In
the beginning there was too much disorganization and complications.
16
books
were so late
17
nothing
really
18
Course
Outline was not available before this semester, so having
to purchase hard drive and hard drive caddy was an unexpected
expense which I had not budgeted for. Students should be
forwarned of additional expenses before the semester begins. Yes, I agree. See my comment above. As far as
the course outline availability goes, I wasn't aware that
it was a problem.
It was submitted prior to Christmas and I believe it was
formatted and put online. Did you try accessing ACADNET,
or did you mean in the WebCt course?
19
The
first class to teach with new material. Teacher's don't know
what to expect in class and labs.
20
I
feel like I don't know what is expected of us as students
by the end of this course. I hope I have identified each of the core learning
outcomes. These are related to the module objectives.
21
This
course should not have been implemented until all of the
prep work was done first. Too much time has been wasted fighting
configuration errors. Actually the prep work was done, but you're right, we have
been dealing with lots of challenges. Hopefully, most of
those are resolved now. Are they for you?
22
early
absence of reading material
23
Notification
of extra purchases would be really nice when we get a list
of what will be needed for the course.. some people are on
a really tight budget, and $240 for a hard drive and caddy
can mess some people up See my comments above.
24
Caddy's
and Books are baaad
25
Sometimes
it is a little disorganised, dont know what he want us to
do. Lots of reinstalling windows, waste of time do to it
taking 1 hour to reinstall windows
26
Everything
has been so confusing to this point, but I hope well get
it together soon!!!!!!!!
27
Nothing
yet.
29
The
computers only work half the time. Cost me more than i expected
for supplies.
30
The
start of the class seems rather long; perhaps a prepared
note on the WebCT would excel the classroom time. I've attempted to reduce the "announcements" time and put
more online. has it worked for you?
31
no
problems
32
No
comment
33
I
didn't get my book until TWO!!!!!! months into the course
this is UNACCEPTALBE!!!!, and i'm not happy at all about
this. The first test was only 3 days away from getting my
book......... See my comments above.
34
It's
not organized, lots of problems
35
The
beginning of the course could have been better organized.
36
b
37
Nothing
38
Lab
time could be used better, with better and clearer objectives
39
because
it is the first time being ran it isn't very organized
40
The
8:30am Thursday class time.
41
sometimes
it seems to be a little disorganized so i get lost
42
:-P
43
make
2 diff networks that the 2 diff clases can log onto so it
saves time and problems Done! (Two separate server sessions.) Has it
helped you?
I
can't really think of anything off-hand to improve, other
then more organization from the book store to get the books
in on time. Wasn't the bookstore's fault.See my comments
above.
9
For
the initial setup of Windows 98, I think we should use the
FAT32 filesystem, to help solve compatibility problems with
newer hard drives.
10
class
time extra hour per week
12
the
time it took to get organized was too long. ip addresses
should have be assigned... keep things simple
13
Get
more indepth in the installations and concentrate more on
the networking aspect of XP pro. That way it would be more
in tune with my current course *CETY* You'll be taking a "networking infrastructure"
course.
14
n/a
15
Allow
for more ip addresses to be assigned to each class (ie. have
more than 24, 33 is quite resonable). Done! There
are 33 IP's and city names for both sections.
16
just
the book thing
17
The
Pace
18
Warning
students at least a month before the semester begins that
they must purchase a hard drive caddy / hard drive for the
class. See my comments above.
19
Knowledge
of this course.
20
Smaller
class sizes for more techer on student help....I know theres
nothing that can be done about it, but it would be nice to
have a 3rd year who's done this as a teachers aid of some
sort. Good idea! I'm keeping this option in mind.
21
Fewer
students per class. See my comments above.
22
More
class time, and the ability to use the lab wothout supervision.
Password the machines lock the rails or something but more
access is needed....
23
nothing
really, it's too early to see any problems.
24
caddys
should not be used, and enough books should be ordered, time
table considerations should be made between the two cety
groups
25
A
better time schedual
26
Acheiving
class balance.............Getting everybody to the same point
and moving forward as a class, instead of having people all
over the place. This is difficult with large classes. See my
comments above.
27
Nothing
yet.
29
Add
more ip addresses to reduce ip conflicts
30
Notes
on what is expected to be done in the next class. It seems
the mini lecture at the start of the class is a bit long.
31
get
speakers for computers :P
32
No
comment
33
GET
BOOKS SOONER!! See my comments above.
34
Have
it more organized, every one do the work at the same time,
more direction from the teacher....maybe have the teacher
go on the laptop and tell everyone to follow what he's doing
step by step and then the last 30mins of class just have
people fool around with the systems and learn from that I try to do the "slideshow and demo" thing on Fridays, to
save time on Wed. or Thurs. sessions. Has it helped?
35
Make
sure students have a catty before starting class. See my comments above.
36
c
37
Better
monitors, keyboards, and mice.
38
See
question 35
39
The
labs are planned farther head so that the people who work
ahead won't be testers So far, I've only been able to keep ahead 1 to
1 1/2 labs. I'm trying to get farther ahead, but meanwhile,
I'll welcome
any feedback or observations from the "testers."
40
I
do not feel anything needs to be improved.
41
wouldnt
move so fast so i can clearly understand what is being learnt
I
would like to say that so far I am really impressed at this
class and am excited to continue with it!
12
i
really don't like the class switch, it has taken time away
from learning, and has caused p[roblems with numbers. the
hardware issues are to be expected, but we have too many
people in our class now so that we don't have enough working
machines
13
Greg
is an awsome teacher. Unfortunatly, Microsoft comes up short
yet again with their content. Thanks for the endorsement, but you need to see
the Microsoft resources as a whole. The quality is excellent
and the labs, lessons and slides are well thought out, sequenced
logically, and are pedagogically sound. I'll be happy to
show you my
trainer
manuals, and my course delivery and setup resources. And
don't forget your textbook, XP PRO CD, student course CD,
and the
newer
"eLearning student" CD. There is some good content at your
fingertips. The technology is just a tool, it's how we use
it that counts.
14
n/a
15
Without
a book, shit all happens. Slideshows, handouts, additional online content and review
quizzes
were made available. Did it help?
16
none
17
none
18
Hawaiian
shirts aren't fun. But our class is, right?
19
Nope.
20
Greg
you are a great teacher and I feel like you are very fair
in all of your evaluations. You have wonderful people skills
and are a great guy! Thanks
21
The
course isn't properly implemented, the hardware is sub standard,
classes are over booked. There is no where near enough class
time or instructor time to cover the material and complete
labs. See my comments above.
23
none.
24
no
comment
25
No
comment
26
none
27
N/A
29
N/A
30
I
enjoy the class and the energy of the instructor and I apologize
for missing any hawaii t-shirts fridays. Apology accepted. Wear one next Friday.
31
nope
32
No
comment
33
no
comment
34
Teacher
is really nice, friendly and there for students. It's a new
course so there's bound to be some bugs. The teacher should
maybe lead the class a bit more
