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Survey Results



Course Survey Results


Philip   Johnson   ICS314, Spring 2017

Campus: University of Hawaii at Manoa Course: ICS 314 - Software Engineering I
Department:   Information& Computer Sciences Crn (Section):   85283 (002)    


1.   Class Level (pick one) - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Freshman (1)  Sophomore (2)  Junior (3)  Senior (4)  Grad (5)  Other (6) 
3.43 30 0.73   0(0%) 1(3%) 17(57%) 11(37%) 0(0%) 1(3%)
2.   Course - please note that by answering this question you could potentially jeopardize your anonymity

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Elective (1)  Required (2) 
1.9 30 0.31   3(10%) 27(90%)
3.   The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.73 30 0.45   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 8(27%) 22(73%)
4.   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) 
4.57 30 0.68   0(0%) 1(3%) 0(0%) 10(33%) 19(63%)
5.   The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.57 30 0.73   0(0%) 1(3%) 1(3%) 8(27%) 20(67%)
6.   The instructor was consistently well-prepared and organized for class.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.67 30 0.55   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 8(27%) 21(70%)
7.   The instructor was accessible to students.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.63 30 0.49   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 11(37%) 19(63%)
8.   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) 
4.47 30 0.73   0(0%) 1(3%) 1(3%) 11(37%) 17(57%)
9.   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) 
4.57 30 0.73   0(0%) 0(0%) 4(13%) 5(17%) 21(70%)

10.   Which aspects of the course were most valuable?
The practice WODs and FreeCodeCamp
Setting up a professional portfolio and using every topic we learned throughout the course in a group project setting.
The WODs were the most valuable aspects of the course, because it allows you to be better at problem solving.
Getting to learn the process of building website from scratch :)
-JavaScript. This came in clutch during my IBM Extreme Blue interview. Really teaches you how to be comfortable with the language. -UI Design with Semantic UI. Pretty good for those who want lightning fast buttons and layouts without the hassle of plain old HTML and CSS. -WODs. Lots of good practice with a diverse set of problems. I WISH Johnson could teach a class like this geared towards teaching students how to perform well on CS technical interviews involving Java/C++ data structures. I think he is the only one that can do something like this.
doing exercises in class and watching the screen cast
The slack channel and all the practice WODS.
The WODS
The ability to create a website from scratch.
the final project got me to think more about being selfless when working for the team.
I think the homework assignments were what helped me the most. Because there were step by step guides and video solutions, I was well prepared to do the final project.
The personal techfolio is really useful since it allows me to showcase my projects. I liked learning about web frameworks since I had experience with just HTML and JS, but not with using a framework. Using Git in a collaborative setting was really useful too. I've used Git before but with repos where I was the only contributor. Now I have a better understanding of how to develop with branches and merging with master.
I really enjoyed the wide variety of topics that we were exposed to in this course. His inverted classroom style wasn't my favorite, however; it lead me to be more independent and responsible for my own learning. I really enjoyed his passion and his desire to teach us the skills that we need to succeed in the industry. Also working in a team setting was something that I really got exposed to. Working on code as a team and using version control via Git and GitHub.
Learning to use project managing resources such as Github.
How the class was handled/structured (programming centered)
The WODs, the project portion, using the knowledge we learned in practice
The professional portfolio is the most valuable out of all. With this course, I am able to build a nice shape of "myself" and prepare for the future.
Learning the tools to make working websites make this class more meaningful after graduation.
Final project and WODs
The screencasts, morea site, and slack channel.
the clarity and organization
The WODs and screencast were valuable aspects of this course.
The WODs
Learning Meteor, JavaScript, and Underscore
Programming, programming, and more programming.
Having the practice assignments to work on the material we learned.


11.   Which aspects of the course were least valuable?
Signing up for all those websites in the beginning of the semester
Technical essays
N/A
WODs
Nothing
-Techhui. Probably will never touch that forum again.
Everything was valuable.
The essays
Nothing.
honestly some and i just say some of the WODS were the least valuable and some of the other WODS were valuable.
I didn't like the WODs because I personally don't work well under pressure and there were times when I only did one line wrong, and I got a 0/100 because there was no partial credit. It really affected my overall grade.
I think we could've spent less time on functional programming and Semantic-UI to make more time to learn about Meteor.
If I had to choose one thing to say was the least valuable was learning the Underscore library. In a sense it felt like it was almost "cheating" and abstracted away the true mechanics of what was going on "under the hood". Don't get me wrong, this is nit picky and I see the value in the Underscore Library. I am happy that I got exposed to this though.
Using prebuilt templates for app development.
Personal to me, but I don't really care for the whole 'learning underscore' portion
The home lectures, which I can understand due to a lack of time but I felt I was missing a lot of the material I actually watched
The schedule page on the site is messy, sometime hard to find assignment and etc.
None, all material built upon each other and helped advanced the course. Although, I did not really go through all the screen cast videos, but I'm sure some people appreciate them.
In-class activities (other than the WODs, those were good)
nothing
The experience essays were the least valuable.
The GitHub module, mainly cause I have been using long before this class
Writing technical essays were cumbersome. Especially when we were reflecting on something we spent very little time doing. For me, this resulted in me elaborating very hard, adding fluff.
None

12.   The instructor gives clear explanations.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.57 30 0.57   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 11(37%) 18(60%)
13.   The instructor seems to enjoy teaching.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.8 30 0.41   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 6(20%) 24(80%)
14.   The instructor seems knowledgeable in many areas.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.77 30 0.43   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(23%) 23(77%)
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) 
4.67 30 0.48   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 10(33%) 20(67%)
16.   The instructor was enthusiastic about the course material.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.83 30 0.38   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 5(17%) 25(83%)
17.   The instructor acknowledges all questions insofar as possible.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.5 30 0.82   0(0%) 1(3%) 3(10%) 6(20%) 20(67%)
18.   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) 
4.5 30 0.73   0(0%) 0(0%) 4(13%) 7(23%) 19(63%)
19.   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) 
4.43 30 0.82   0(0%) 1(3%) 3(10%) 8(27%) 18(60%)
20.   The instructor was professional.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.73 30 0.52   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 6(20%) 23(77%)
21.   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) 
4.7 30 0.53   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 7(23%) 22(73%)
22.   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) 
4.45 29 0.74   0(0%) 0(0%) 4(14%) 8(28%) 17(59%)
23.   In general, the course was well organized.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.57 30 0.63   0(0%) 0(0%) 2(7%) 9(30%) 19(63%)
24.   The instructor makes the course difficult enough to be stimulating.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.53 30 0.57   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 12(40%) 17(57%)

25.   My overall evaluation of this instructor is....
Interesting character with an innovative approach to teaching his class
A professor who is very enthusiastic about the subject matter, organized, and is willing to help students to succeed beyond this class.
professor Johnson seem to really enjoy teaching the class and the teaching style he used for the class really helped me learn the material.
very enthusiastic to teach and is willing to help.
He is awesome! I can say he is one of my favorite professors, who I learned the most from.
Best professor in ICS so far. Wish he could teach ICS 414. I definitely think that I learned a lot. I think that he should in the future consider teaching a course that is just WODs all day with an emphasis on Data Structure-like problems that can be seen in technical interviews (based on the problems seen in the Cracking the Coding Interview book). Next to Gerald Lau, Professor Johnson is the heart of the UH ICS program. He is passionate, driven, and invested in seeing UH ICS students succeed. I have never seen anyone in the UH ICS program that put his heart and soul in this program as much as Professor Johnson has.
awesome prof!
Awesome and funny professor ~~
Prof. Johnson Is very approachable and helpful. When I needed help with code or with my computer in general, he explained everything very thoroughly and in a way that made it easy for Me to understand .
A very good Professor who made software engineering a blast.
He's a very enthusiastic professor who wants all of his students to learn. However, if you face a problem that he's never seen before, he's not really helpful. For example, my code wouldn't deploy to Galaxy, and though I reached out to him that it wasn't working, he stopped responding. However, it should be said that he does try to fix your problems so maybe it was because he assumed I figured it out on my own.
Enthusiastic professor. Makes class super interesting.
He is a passionate professor and he really cares about what he is teaching. I really appreciate how much time and effort that he puts into the class when making his webcasts and putting the modules together.
Neutral.
he's good at what he does and makes interesting projects
Great! I would definitely take another class from him.
He is an awesome professor.
Great teacher, has a sense of humor. He does make us ask the class through slack if we have any problems only to make sure everyone else is comfortable with the material I suppose.
Very positive. One of the better teachers at UH in my opinion.
Good.
amazing professor
Johnson takes a lot of time and effort in creating a course with the success of the student in mind. He is able to put himself in the shoes of incoming students and create a course full of resources that a student can easily refer back to.
Dr. Johnson may very well be the most amazing professor I've had throughout my time as a student in college. I was skeptical about taking his course at first, since other students warned that it would be difficult; however, I feel that I have learned a lot from it, even though it was quite demanding. I enjoyed it enough that I am strongly considering taking his ICS 491 course in the upcoming semester.
Good, although some of the deathlines were a bit too close to each other
Very good professor overall.
Really good professor and very knowledgeable about the material. Always available to help.

26.   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) 
4.77 30 0.43   0(0%) 0(0%) 0(0%) 7(23%) 23(77%)
27.   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) 
4.53 30 0.57   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 12(40%) 17(57%)
28.   Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean N-Size Std Dev   Strongly Disagree (1)  Disagree (2)  Neutral (3)  Agree (4)  Strongly Agree (5) 
4.7 30 0.53   0(0%) 0(0%) 1(3%) 7(23%) 22(73%)

29.   My overall evaluation of this course is...
It was fun.
The workload for this course is heavy from the very beginning. However, the topics covered were interesting enough for this to be my favorite ICS class I have taken so far. I enjoyed learning about the different aspects of software engineering and believe I can use what I have learned in this course in a practical way. Creating a professional portfolio was probably one of the most useful things done in this class. I also like how the final project is a real-life application that can be used by the UH community. It's also something to add to the portfolio! The 'flipped' classroom style was effective and the lecture videos were informative and helpful. I also thought the WODs were great for developing efficient programming skills. Overall, I enjoyed this class. You get what you put into it. If you put in the effort, it can be highly rewarding.
The course was helpful in my software engineering ability and problem solving skills.
Good other than the WODs.
time consuming but doable if you stay on task and are willing to learn on your own time.
If you are interested in web development but you know nothing about it, TAKE THIS COURSE! :)
You really learn a lot in terms of professional development and in Software Development in this course-- which some may take for granted at first. While Meteor is an alright framework, I would like to see Johnson teach React or AngularJS in the future seeing as they are in more demand nowadays. The learning curve for React and Angular is bigger than Meteor however, so perhaps this could be something that could be expanded on further for ICS 414 if Johnson ever teaches it again. To me, this course is a 9/10 :)
fun class, learn a lot!
You will learn a lot if you put in the time into learning the material and helps you get started on a professional profile.
The course quickly became one of my favorite ICS courses I've taken so far. I've learned so much from this course And although the work is not always easy, I ended up learning skills that I feel are valuable as a computer scientist/ software engineer
Overall, the class has a lot of work and WODs that may either help you or not help you throughout this semester. The class also focuses on your personal persona, which I personally don't understand how it connects to this class, but it fulfills the writing intensive.
The most engaging course I've ever taken. I learned a lot of practical skills that will be useful in future years. That being said, the course is a lot of work and it's easy to get confused and fall behind. Although, Dr. Johnson did emphasize the time commitment early on so students knew what they were getting themselves into.
I took this as an elective so perhaps my attitude towards this class is a little different than if it were required. However, I felt like I took in a lot and learning a lot. I wanted to take the course to learn as much as I could and I am satisfied with the amount of content that I learned.
Neutral.
that this is probably one of my favorite classes (next to how 111 and 211 were structured) because I enjoyed how focused onthe programming it was
Great! (:
Great course expect the WOD is dense and stress. The all or nothing grading policy for the first couple week pissed me off a little. But overall, good.
This class actually teaches you something useful and practical unlike learning theorems and algorithms which are important in a different way.
Honestly it's hard for me to say whether or not I have a better understanding of software engineering. In fact, for the first half of the semester I questioned whether this was a software engineering course at all. I learned how to code in Javascript, make basic web pages, and faff about with a web framework. It was only when we got to the final project that it felt like we were learning anything about software engineering (and actually learned said web framework for real). Here the first half of the course came to make sense as buildup towards actual software engineering in the form of the final project. I think the final project was the best part of the course. I strongly believe that the best way to learn something is by actually doing it. And that's why I think there should have been more emphasis on actually doing it. I think there was too much buildup, with too much time spent on making sure everyone was "on the same page". And even then allowances were made. Too many times we had to take something on faith, as in "you'll understand why it's this way later". While it's not like I'm purposely skeptical (no reason to be), I do wish the "buildup" was presented in a way that was more hands-on, such that "you'll understand why it's this way later" could become "you'll understand why it's this way sooner". By this I mean mini-projects of sorts, like the time when we had to choose a webpage and copy it: where we were actually building stuff and figuring things out.
Good.
highly recommended
Great course for students to get into web development and the philosophy of software engineering. Even though we learn a lot of things in the class. I still feel like we didn't learn enough. Instead of taking two weeks to go though the Digits experience, I wish we spent time making a web application similar to bowfolios. Bowfolios was more complex and would be a more useful application to refer to in the future.
Overall, I'm very glad that I took this course. It was quite difficult and pretty time consuming, but it was definitely well worth my time. I learned a lot more from it than I expected to. What I learned was not limited to knowledge related to programming, but practical skills needed in the professional world as well.
It'sâ?? a worthwhile course to take
Good course that helped me learn a lot about HTML/CSS, Javascript, and meteor application.


30.   Other comments:
None
He does not announce homework due dates, so it is up to the students to check the schedule very often. Some kinda of warning for the weeks assignment would be helpful in making sure students do their work ahead of time rather learning about it the day its due.
Course work is overall pretty organized but there are times where the material and assignments are all over the place. Johnson should give out warnings to when an assignment is coming up and how long it may take to give students a heads up since it is very easy to accidentally miss an assignment.
Please teach ICS 414 next semester.
This class is g fam.
Overall great professor and great class.
Definitely would recommend.
N/A
n/a
The jump from Digits to Bowfolios is rather big. There are things in Bowfolios that I feel should have been eased into before going into the Group Project. Digits helps sure, but that just gives the mindset of working with Digits as a template rather than giving us time to absorb Bowfolios.
When I went to interview for a summer internship, I ended up mentioning this course and the response was basically "(puzzled) Who teaches software engineering in Javascript?" I just thought that was funny. I got the internship.
none
Dr. Johnson's ICS 314 class is a requirement for many things, but depending on one's program, and if it is not, I would highly recommend this course to other ICS students. Any student who may consider taking this course should be aware that they should balance their classes wisely since this course is pretty time intensive; that is, if they want to do well.