Feedback

Link to message board hosted by P. Baskey, 2nd year ISBU

RESULTS OF FEEDBACK/COMMENTS IN LAB 6

"Thanks to those of you who took the time to provide some feedback. Bob and I will do our best to incorporate your suggestions. More importantly, it gives us a sense of how you feel about your learning environment. Although this isn't an exhaustive scientific analysis, it is important information we need to consider. See the interpretation section of these results at the bottom of this page. Regards, Greg"

THE NUMBERS

40 folks submitted Lab 6 (Greg's classes)

19 provided comments/feedback

That's a response rate of 47.5%

SO FAR, HOW ARE THINGS GOING?

So far, so good, great, good, OK, things are fine, not too bad (10)
Easy (2)
Things are going good, except I "overthought" the multiple choice on the test. This is computers, logic is the key.

Enjoying the class
Assignment 6 a little time-consuming
Things going great

Bad
Things going good, knew 90% of DOS commands already, but the [new] ones I've learned are very nice to know.
Everything fine today. Maybe tomorrow I'll find something wrong in your plan.
I just find it long.

WHAT DOS COMMANDS ARE GIVING YOU TROUBLE?

None, I have no trouble, no problem (7)

I'm old enough that DOS was my OS on my Tandy 1000SL....a return to my past. I think the labs give a good basis for those who haven't experienced DOS before.

All of them

Most of the commands aren't too bad if I were to read them over. I don't ever use DOS commands except here in our assignments, so I don't get practice using it except at school.

If they do [give me trouble], it only takes a minute to figure it out.

ATTRIB, DIR LAB5

No specific command, it's a matter of practice. This assignment helped...wish [DOS] was more user friendly, now I'm happy to see Explorer!

Difficult sometimes explaining what these commands do

They are all equal to me. This assignment helps make things clearer.

WHAT DOS CONCEPTS/COMMANDS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE COVERED IN MORE DEPTH IN LAB OR LECTURE?

None (2)
For Sys Arc I the DOS commands/concepts covered in the lab and lecture are fine. I'm sure Sys Arc II goes into more depth later.
Everything covered so far great.
All
None. Maybe how to bypass lockouts in a network using a UNIX setup. (Unlikely, but might be referred to in our UNIX section - Greg) This course is good, would like to learn more.
Not sure how in depth it's going to be covered, but what I'd really like to know from this class is how to build and set up a full system from scratch. (Definitely part of Sys Arc II, but maybe we could arrange a special workshop? Let me know if folks are interested - Greg) So far everything about this has been explained well and I'm enjoying it.

Any concept or command I'd like to learn. I would really like to learn how to mess around with AUTOEXEC.BAT (We'll be doing this as part of our section on batch files after March Break - Greg)

HOW TO INTERPRET THESE COMMENTS?

DOS IS EASY? Although several students feel the DOS material is easy, I need to be mindful of those for whom it is NOT easy. I think I need to pay more attention in class to the problem areas identified. I also need to continue to make it easy for folks who know this stuff already - for example,continue to permit early lab hand-in.
THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Overall, there seems to be a strong sense that folks are enjoying the course, even those who are experiencing some difficulty. You should always feel free to suggest ideas for improvement. It is particularly encouraging to read students' comments that include "want to learn more...", or "...can't wait to learn about...". In my book, there is always room for improvement, and when students are eager to learn, it makes an instructor's job easier and fun!
SUGGESTIONS There are some good ideas here - one we'll be doing as part of the course, another is part of Systems Architecture II, and one isn't part of either course, that I'm aware of.
PERSONAL COMMENTS Several of you also wrote personal notes which were encouraging and positive. Thanks for the support!
OVERALL CONCLUSIONS? I think what approx. 50% of you are saying is that things are going well so far. Some problems that need to be rectified in class, or using alternate strategies, such as peer tutoring. I encourage these folks to see me to discuss these options. I need to continue doing the things I'm doing well, but be mindful of room for improvement. If time permits, I'll prepare a formal survey that will be anonymous. I hope I'll hear from many more of you.
ANYTHING ELSE? Let me know if I missed something, or if you'd like to add your comments. Send them to me at gbcooper@cambrianc.on.ca or send them anonymously by dropping your written comments off at my mailbox at the School of Business Room 3130