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Course:Object-Oriented Software Development (SE-450-711) Quarter:Autumn 10/11 Time: ::: - ::: Location: Distance Learning |
James Riely PhD Associate Professor jriely@cs.depaul.edu Instructor homepage
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What are the major strengths and weaknesses of the instructor?
1. Grading was structured in such a way that you were punished for the same thing twice. Weights on grading of questions were inappropriate according to student effort and class instruction. Exam instructions were confusing and incorrect. Professor was stiff and inconsiderate of issues raised.
2. Professor Riely is an outstanding instructor. He is casual and funny, able to break down complex programming patterns into digestible chunks. One of the best teachers I've ever had, period.
What aspects of this course were most beneficial to you?
1. The project and the homeworks were a little too much, but if lowered the quantity and increased the quality the project was the best thing for the course.
2. Almost everything...it was a completely new and interesting way to look at and think about programming. Totally fascinating. The final project was terrific. I feel like a much, much better programmer for having taken the class.
What do you suggest to improve this course?
1. Have less homeworks and more time for the project. Have the exams weigh a little less and the homework more. Add ability to accept late assignments, one hour late is not the same as 3 days left. Also, online students should not have the same dead line for in class students since there was a day difference in time lectures are published. Other classes respect this difference which is very important for weekly homework. Also, if extensions are offered, give the students who submitted on time, extra credit because an A late is not the same as a A on time.
2. The only thing I might suggest is that 'less is more'. On some lectures, after the fourth or fifth complicated pattern had been introduced, I sometimes went cross-eyed as it all blurred together. It is a lot of information to absorb.Would it be possible to make it a 'greatest hits' of patterns? There are so many that seem extremely similar. That said, I am sure the material is pared down. I wonder if I would have gotten more out of the class if there were actually slightly less on the menu.
Comment on the grading procedures and exams
1. Very unfair in my opinion. Students concerned were not addressed, and a stiff arm approach was employed to respond to questions. Grades were not explained. Just getting points minus will not improve student's learning. If you take points off, explain why and what is the right answer.
2. Very fair. The midterm exam was tough, but interesting. The project was terrific.
Other comments?
1. Overall disappointed with the class, caused undue stress, and did not learn much.
2. Nope.