Skip to main content

Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Philip   Johnson   ICS314, Fall 2011

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ICS 314 - Software Engineering I
Department:   Information& Computer Sciences Crn (Section):   78496 (001)    


1.   The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.97 29 0.19   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 28(97%)
2.   The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.76 29 0.44   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(24%) 22(76%)
3.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.79 29 0.41   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 6(21%) 23(79%)
4.   I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.72 29 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 8(28%) 21(72%)
5.   I developed the ability to solve real problems in this field.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.62 29 0.49   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 11(38%) 18(62%)
6.   I deepened my interest in the subject matter of this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.66 29 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(34%) 19(66%)
7.   I developed enthusiasm about the course material.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.59 29 0.57   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 10(34%) 18(62%)
8.   I learned a lot in this course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.86 28 0.36   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(14%) 24(86%)
9.   I developed skills needed by professionals in this field.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.69 29 0.54   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 7(24%) 21(72%)

10.   Ten years from now I'll probably remember this course most by ...
The tools that I worked with during this course, as well as the quickie quizzes.
Carrying a copy of Elements of Java Style to always remind myself to write standard form when coding.
I will probably most remember the three days that I went without sleep in order to work on my Robocode project. Despite the lack of sleep, I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent programming. Part of this was due to the nature of the project itself; as Robocode involves rather exciting subject matter once could argue that it was a significant factor in my enjoyment of the work. However, I think that I enjoyed the work most because it was programming work. I had always loved programming ever since taking a class in C++ back in high school, and this class gave me the opportunity to write code again. More than just letting me write code though, this course taught me how to write good code. Alternately, ten years I will remember having to struggle with Checkstyle and PMD over seemingly arbitrary reasons and cry myself to sleep.
Automated quality assurance tools.
Verifying all of my code! Creating useful test cases. Making collaborative projects easier with configuration management tools
I was really put to work, but learned valuable information in the process
Professor Johnson's enthusiasm in teaching the course.
FizzBuzz, Robocode, and Build Systems.
the kinds of applicable tools and skills that we learned in this course.
The group projects. The collaboration tools in conjunction with my awesome group members has made it the best group work I have ever been a part of.
hopefully still be using the same (or similar) tools we used in this course in large scale applications. I will definitely remember how this course taught me the various types of tools used in software engineering and software development
The focus on group work and ways to manage projects, and ways to speed up software engineering as opposed to just becoming a better "programmer"
the way it launched me into the reality of software development.
everything
Robocode and Hale Aloha Cli
Robocode coding and Continuous Integration. "Write for the world! Not the professor!"
The tools I learnt through this class for my software programmer career.
robocode, google project hosting
The katas we did
the program review lessons
Writing blogs for assignments helped me write with my voice in mind and gives me time to reflect what I did. By writing these blogs, it will make me remember these assignments better if I ever need to reflect on them in the future.
Introducing a hard work ethic along with using a variety of tools that allowed me to become a better programmer.
the unique structure of the course. Having loads of in-class time to work on assignments and practice peer communication skills certainly made this class a success. We were all able to gain so much more by actually doing rather than just by listening.
Still applying the same skills gained from this course and using the same tools such as Ant, Checkstyle, PMD, FindBugs, Jenkins, etc. in all of my future projects.
The wide array of knowledge I gained. It really covered a lot of bases in software development that I think I'll use for a long time.
I will probably remember the Robocode tournament the most. Though my robot did not do very well, it was still interesting to see the differences and similarities in the winning strategies, and I learned a lot about some of my own coding habits by trying to figure out where I had gone wrong.


11.   What did you find most valuable and helpful about the course?
The most valuable and helpful things about this course were the format of the class, the exercises, and the "real-world" work that we did. The format of the course was interesting, because it allowed students to do actual work during class, while lectures were posted online, so that students could review the class material at any time. The exercises provided by the instructor were useful in learning the material presented, rather than being tedious busy-work. Finally, the "real-world" work that we did in the class felt like it would have actual value, even if it was only as simple as a "Fizz Buzz" program.
The most valuable and helpful thing was learning how to use Ant to build the project and ensure everything follows standard. It allowed me to see how it can catch errors that our eyes can miss while writing or reviewing the code.
In general, I found that learning about the various technologies and tools in this course was the most valuable part of the class. I had heard about some of the tools such as JUnit and had actually used some such as Google Project Hosting; however, this class allowed me to gain practical experience in using the tools.
Learning more about the software development process in general.
The creation of a professional portfolio and active professional blog.
Everything!
Project management
The constant email threads of help question and answer.
Every module presented in this course was by far the most important thing I found most valuable and helpful.
There are a lot of practical things that you learn in this class that can be applied to many areas in computer science and programming in general.
Learning about the various collaboration tools and putting them to use.
In addition to some intermediate Java, I found the most valuable thing in this course was the tools we used to assist us in the development process. Tools like ant, Google project hosting, and Jenkins made it possible to more efficiently write programs and not waste a whole lot of time with unnecessary things like checking coding standards and small bugs.
The assignments were very relevant to the lectures, and because they are interesting, I found myself watching them ahead of time unlike in normal classes where I don't find myself preparing very well. Using the mailing list for problems was informative even if I didn't ask anything because I could see what other people were having trouble with or thinking about.
all of the concepts that were covered, each one, I found, was the most important in the class.
everything
Learning real world skills and knowledge that prepares one for the real world and the job market. Skills in the programming and computer science worlds such as: Subversion, ANT, Tests/JUnit test, Automated quality assurance, build systems, configuration management, etc. Basics and things that can be built upon to get one ready and show one has some knowledge in general areas needed in jobs today.
Screencasts of each lecture made reviewing material very easy. Emphasis on real-world application of skills vs. "student" based materials.
Team work. New tools for software project. Project in groups. Skills that will certainly be useful out there in the job field.
svn/google project hosting
I found that working with other students helped my own coding practices
I feel it has really contributed and changed the way I program, making me a more effective software engineer.
All the projects we did and the tools used to develop them connecting with what real life professionals do.
The tools that he introduced that automated quality assurance.
This course armed me with enough arsenal to battle an entire fleet of Java code with a team, never singlehandedly.
We got exposure to a ton of different and all very useful tools to make coding not only more efficient, but also a little more fun.
Having lectures as screencasts is a great resource that allows you to review content really easily at your convenience.
More than teaching specific software skills (which it does), this course teaches students how to develop a software engineering mindset through cooperative projects, coding, and software reviews, as well as making students responsible for their own automated quality assurance. Software changes often, but the skills needed to design and use it correctly and efficiently will last much longer.


12.   What did you find least valuable and helpful about the course?
The least helpful thing about this course was having to work with other students outside of class. Although I understand the reasoning behind this exercise, and appreciate that we were given class time to work on assignments, I would have preferred to work at my own pace, which is not necessarily possible in a group setting. Nonetheless, I felt that the assignments given in a group environment were fair, albeit inconvenient.
Nothing. Everything that was taught in this course is very helpful.
I thought the course was pretty helpful from beginning to end.
I dont feel there was anything of the sort.
FizzBuzz :P
Lectures were always online instead of conducted in class. Beneficial for others but not so much to me.
Everything was valuable and helpful.
most of it seemed pretty practical.
Not being able to cover all of the material we were supposed to cover (i.e. Wicket).
Literally everything in this course was extremely helpful. They all built off of each other and there wasn't a single thing I thought I wouldn't need in the future.
Sometimes we spend a lot of time in class working on assignments that are given before, it's good if you're having trouble but maybe having some other things that can be done in class but not outside would be good too.
none
Nothing really.
This is not for those who do not have AT LEAST 10 hours a week to devote to a class. LOTS of assignments LOTS of reading/screencast classes to watch.
Nothing.
n/a
None
I was not a big fan of the screen casts, although I can understand why they were used.
N/A
Nothing I can think of.
Nothing at all, really. I felt that every single concept and tool I learned will benefit me now and in the near future.
Since we focused a lot on breadth-- gaining a large number of tools and techniques, we did not get to go very in-depth with some of the tools, so it was with a rushed sense that we had to learn these things.
Nothing. Honestly I think everything we learned was valuable and for a good reason.
This course had a lot of material to cover, which meant that it felt a little rushed at times; however, as with any core course, this is probably unavoidable.

13.   The instructor is enthusiastic about the course material.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.86 29 0.35   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 4(14%) 25(86%)
14.   The instructor puts material across in an interesting way.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.72 29 0.53   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 6(21%) 22(76%)
15.   The instructor was effective in meeting the objectives of the course.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.62 29 0.49   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 11(38%) 18(62%)
16.   The instructor is willing to meet and help students outside class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.45 29 0.74   0(0%) 0(0%) 4(14%) 8(28%) 17(59%)
17.   The instructor makes me feel free to ask questions.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.52 29 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 14(48%) 15(52%)
18.   The instructor seems well prepared for each class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.48 29 0.74   0(0%) 1(3%) 1(3%) 10(34%) 17(59%)
19.   The instructor presented the course materials in a clear and organized way.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.72 29 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 8(28%) 21(72%)
20.   In general, the course was well organized.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.55 29 0.51   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 13(45%) 16(55%)

21.   What did you find most valuable and helpful about the instructor?
The most valuable and helpful thing about the instructor, Philip Johnson, was his ability to make each lesson seem impactful and important to our later careers. His assignments and tasks were fair and seemed to be given with the intent to create software engineers, regardless of our individual results during the course.
I find that his knowledge and enthusiasm in this course is the most helpful. The way he lectures in the screen cast shows he wants to help you learn the standards and how to apply it to your current and future projects.
He clearly has a passion for software development and his enthusiasm spills over into his teaching, which can get students engaged and enthused themselves.
Teaching style, passion for his area of expertise,
knowledgeable and makes the subject fun
His enthusiasm and willingness to help students.
Professor Johnson was able to teach software engineering in such a way that was fun and interesting to learn by breaking up complex concepts into small modules.
He is very knowledgeable in his field, and at the same time, he is competent as an instructor, which are two very good traits to have.
His vast knowledge about software engineering and the various tools and practices that can be used to make the process smoother and easier.
Because we had to watch the "lectures" prior to class, the actual class time was spent doing hands-on activities which was really nice because then we could get actual practice in the new material and ask Professor Johnson questions about any problems.
Enthusiastic and makes things accessable to students. Helps to prepare for real world more so than other teachers in my mind.
very clear explanations, always explains why a tool or concept is so important.
Imparting knowledge to us
Willing and able to answer any questions that may arise when covering the material in the course. With use of technology was able to answer question give out up to date information on what is going on in the class through email.
Enthusiastic about the subject. Emphasizes understanding rather than pointless memorization of random terms.
Great knowledgeable professor. Also good attitude in dealing with students. Know what he is doing.
ability to explain concepts clearly
The style of teaching
Easy to talk to and really enjoys the topics he teaches.
His knowledge and the way that you felt like he actually cared about you learning things.
Because he seems very passionate whenever he lectures or talks to the class, the students seem to feed off this energy and get serious about software engineering.
Professor Johnson was very sincere about his students' learning, and made the effort to answer individual questions and concerns.
He is a great communicator. He demonstrates a wealth of knowledge and is an overall nice guy. There is little more I could ask for in a professor.
Philip Johnson is usually available to answer student questions by email in addition to lab hours, and answers questions in detail. In some cases, if the problem is particularly obscure or looks as if it might be on the server end of a class service he has configured, he goes in and checks the settings. This is helpful because of the odd hours and highly specific ways at which computer science homework bugs and questions tend to arise.


22.   What did you find least valuable and helpful about the instructor?
The least valuable and helpful thing about the instructor, Philip Johnson, was that it could sometimes be intimidating asking him questions. Although he was helpful and instructive when he was asked questions, it seemed as though there were some legitimate questions that he felt students should already be able to answer.
Nothing.
I think he might be my favorite professor but I still find him intimidating to talk to for whatever reason.
my one complaint is he posts assignments on the schedule on saturday night which may be due tuesday. It would be extremely nice to know at least a week in advance when some things are due. some of us have to work to pay for school, and are taking other classes, and it is necessary for students like us to run our life by a strict schedule.
His rare tendency of being late.
None.
It's hard to find anything bad to say about the professor.
Nothing.
Nothing really. He was very knowledgeable and helpful with everything
Occassionally a little late to class. Not that big a deal.
none
Nothing everything seems to build on each other in some way so everything was valuable in some way.
Consistently late to class.... seems to have a lot on his plate other than just ICS 314/613
unfortunately mostly all lectures were videos
None
Screencasts can be a bit impersonal but it's not an issue given his format.
It would have been nice if he did not call out a group in front of the entire class (concerning the Hale Aloha command line interface project). He could have been more subtle about it.
He was very busy most of the time, so it was difficult to approach him and ask for some time.
Nothing. He is the best professor I've had thus far.


23.   What two or three single words best describe this instructor?
1) Professional 2) Engaging 3) Thoughtful
Helpful Enthusiastic
Software development connoisseur.
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
Charismatic Awesome! Approachable
pretty awesome
Enthusiastic, persistent, and knowledgeable.
Cool dude.
passionate competent good-looking
Great professor.
Helpful and Expectant
smart, interesting, teacher
responsible and conscientious
interesting knowledgeable informative
Enthusiastic. Agreeable. natural
Knowledgeable - Great influence
knowledgeable
No Tabs
Enthusiastic Technical
Awesome, crazy, smart.
passionate, cool, wise
Sincere, brilliant, fun
Enthusiastic. Knowledgable. Caring.
Enthusiastic, helpful, organized.


24.   My overall evaluation of this instructor is....
that he is a professor that puts great thought into his learning plans, the abilities of his students, and not just the immediate education of students, but the long-term success of those who come out of his class.
He is a knowledgeable professor by presenting materials that are able to help us in the long run. The way he teaches is interesting than other professors; others will just have us go to the classroom and listen to what he/she have to say for that lecture. Professor Johnson actually posts up screen cast so we can watch it prior to class and take notes while watching the screen cast. This not only allow us to learn the material but also prepare for the class on that day. The way he have us interact with other classmates helps us to get use to working with people and learn other skills that we haven't learned before.
Very good teacher who cares that the students actually learn something useful from his class.
Sometimes is difficult to understand, but very knowledgeable and informative.
He is very enthusiastic, which is very refreshing to see and it helped me to approach the classwork with the same mindset. Also, he is very understandable.
good overall, probably the best ICS teacher overall I've taken at UH.
Dr. Johnson is an excellent professor and has a good way of organizing the course. Things could have been better for me if he taught a little differently but nonetheless, I feel most students like his style of teaching.
He exudes cheerfulness in software engineering principles that may or may not catch you off guard.
He's an excellent instructor for this course, clearly knows what he is doing.
Great!
An excellent professor with very high expectations. He expects us to come to class prepared and if you are not, then well tough luck.
very good. really made me feel more interested in software engineering and introduced a lot of techniques and practices that I wasn't aware of in my little school bubble
great teacher, but I do like in class lectures.
responsible and conscientious
Overall Professor Philip Johnson is a great professor and it was a great experience to take this class and learn from him. I feel that the way the class is set up is that everything builds on each other. And that in the beginning of the class when a speech was given that this class would be intense and to keep up with the work is and understatement not because the work is difficult but that the work builds upon itself. When looking back I feel that the way the class is set up and the way Professor Johnson teaches is that everything done in the class has a reason and is done for a purpose to be successful in the class. Which is different from some of the other classes I have taken in the past.
Highly recommended prof. Although needs to be a bit more organized though. Comes to class late pretty consistently...
Best professor so far in the ICS department.
has well organized plan for course
Great professor, learned a lot
A+++++++++++++ would be taught to again.
He is a great lecturer and is good at pointing out critical points that we as students are supposed to learn.
Excellent; he is a teacher who cares about his students, and makes the effort to cater to their best interests and needs.
He is a great communicator. He demonstrates a wealth of knowledge and is an overall nice guy. There is little more I could ask for in a professor.
Philip Johnson has a clear enthusiasm for this course, and wants students to develop the correct way of approaching the material and the course work. Though the course is sometimes difficult, he makes sure that students know this from the beginning.

25.   Assignments are relevant to what is presented in class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.9 29 0.31   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 3(10%) 26(90%)
26.   The instructional materials (e.g., texts, handouts, etc.) were relevant to course objectives.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.59 29 0.57   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 10(34%) 18(62%)
27.   Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.79 29 0.41   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 6(21%) 23(79%)

28.   My overall evaluation of this course is...
while it is a required course, it is an extremely valuable course. I have learned essential software engineering principles, as well as tools that will be of great assistance in my career.
This class is an important course that not only helps us get an experience of how programming can be in the real world (e.g. cooperate in groups instead of working on one), but also helps us in writing reports with the focus for the world not the teacher.
It's been said before but every ICS student should take this course at some point.
The course work is heavy at times and you must be able to put in the time needed for the assignments, but you can get a lot out of the course if you put the effort into the work and assignments.
This course was very interesting! I enjoyed learning about some of the tools used in the real world of software engineering. I feel I have become a better programmer due to effectively tackling common mistakes that programmers make and building from that.
great. really disappointed that software engineering II isn't being offered next semester. very disappointed.
Great course and a definite must-take for ICS majors who want to learn more about software engineering.
Software Engineering should be a required course in any ICS curriculum. The tools and skills learned in this class will carry on with any developer into their careers.
This is a very useful course, and you will get a lot out of it if you dedicate the time and effort.
Good. A lot of work, but that is to be expected. I just wish we had time to go over Wicket!
A very good class that I would recommend all ICS majors take, even if it is just for one semester. The material presented will definitely make your life a whole lot easier when doing future large scale programming assignments. It definitely is not an "easy" class as there is a pretty good amount of work, but it definitely teaches you to use your time wisely and how to use the tools provided to make life a little easier.
very good. learned a lot. one of my favorite ICS classes
a must take for any developer
very valuable.
Great class that teaches real world knowledge and gets one prepared for the real world and the Job market. I feel that thought the language and tools used may be old and different from the things seen in currently. It does give one a general understanding of the things needed. It also give one some general background in some of the thing needed as well.
Good. A nice course to take if you want to actually learn something useful. Very time consuming. If you slack off for a week you might as well drop the class already.
Everyone should take this software engineering class. You would come out from this class loving programming.
useful in the sense of giving some practical application to potential work related problems
Good class, stays true to the topic
it provides experience developing software with useful tools and practice working with a team.
A++++++++++ would take again.
I wouldn't trade this course for anything. I will make it an effort on my part to use build tools and automated quality assurance in my projects.
This course is great! Although it is a lot of constant work, the skills and tools that are gained through this course are indispensable, and will greatly help in the professional field.
I think every ICS student should take this class if they can. The content and the professor are both great.
This course is challenging, but as an introduction to a little of what software engineering is really like, it needs to be. Since it is now one of the ICS core courses, it should be just challenging enough to help students decide if they can handle a more formal software design process, and if not, if they are willing to make the necessary changes.


29.   Other comments:
ICS 314 taught by Professor Johnson will have a lot of coding and writing on our blog, but the skills that you will learn is much more than the other courses. It will a benefit to your skills for future courses and even in your career.
Learned a lot of practical things, which is sometimes hard to come by in academia.
Awesome.
good work with the course.
No extra comments.
why is there no software engineering 2 next semester? :(
Thank you!
Rien.
I recommend this course to students who are planning on becoming software engineers in the future. You learn a lot of tools that can be used anywhere, and really make projects a lot better. It's a lot of constant work (sometimes a bit overwhelming), but if you push through it, you'll be glad you did.
No other comments.