| Campus: | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Course: | ICS 311 - Algorithms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department: | Information& Computer Sciences | Crn (Section): | 81617 (001) |
1. Global appraisal: Overall how would you rate this INSTRUCTOR?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. The teaching assistant was available for consultation.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3. Reading assignments are relevant to what is presented in class.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4. The instructor communicates effectively.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5. The instructor is enthusiastic about teaching.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6. The instructor was clear with course requirements and grading expectations.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7. Considering everything, how would you rate this INSTRUCTOR?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8. Did the instructor present material effectively?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9. I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10. The instructor was able to explain concepts clearly and effectively.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11. The instructor was well organized and prepared for each session.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12. The course objectives were clear.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13. The instructor was effective in meeting the objectives of the course.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14. The course was a valuable contribution to my education.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15. The instructor was available for consultation with students.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16. I learned a lot in this course.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
17. What two or three single words best describe this instructor? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
he is very smart and kind
Passionate and Knowledgable
Tough
knowledgeable
Precise
knowledgeable, organized
Knowledgable
knowledgeable, strict but fair
knowledgeable, available
Honest. Intelligent.
Clear and direct
Intelligent, helpful
Knowledgeable but intimidating
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18. My general evaluation of the instructor's teaching effectiveness.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
19. The instructor treated students with respect.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of the course content.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
21. This course challenged me intellectually.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22. The instructor both sets high standards and helps students achieve them.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23. The instructor was available for consultation.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24. Considering everything, how would you rate this COURSE?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
25. The instructor appears to have a thorough knowledge of the subject.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
26. The instructor makes me feel free to ask questions.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
27. The instructional materials (e.g., texts, handouts, etc.) were relevant to course objectives.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
28. Additional Comments |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
nothing
Overall I learned a lot from this class even though it was extremely challenging and I would say if you can take this class offered by Professor Nodari, get
ready to learn because he really challenges you to understand the material well.
As the semester was interrupted by COVID-19, the transition from in-person to online was extremely difficult. While I was extremely grateful that he
stopped with the quizzes, I wish he was more accommodating and dropped either the lowest quiz or homework grade. The impacts of COVID-19 were
pretty harsh on me as I became one of the only ones in my family who still provided income. Trying to juggle my responsibilities while focusing on 311
was challenging. I felt that he was way too harsh on us as things went online -- I myself actually had a couple of anxiety attacks from his emails. My
mental health was already deteriorating and the material was just becoming harder and him being harsh just made learning so much more difficult. My
motivation, as a result, declined significantly and my grades show for it.
Nevertheless, before the transition online, I learned a lot and the teaching style was extremely effective. I would have rated Nodari a lot higher on my
evaluations if it weren't for COVID-19. I personally just felt that he wasn't too empathetic. In a normal semester with in-person lectures, he is probably
one of the best professors I've taken. Really harsh, but it forces you to learn.
This course would be better if it was lecture based rather than flipped classroom. I don't want to be paying for a course where I have
to teach myself the material and go to class to get graded on how well I taught myself.
Tough but interesting course. The instructor and TA's were very knowledgeable and helpful
I agree with you Professor Nodari on that algorithms would be better divided into 2 courses. It's so difficult to understand concepts fully given the short time spent on each.
I also think that if there were a way to ensure that ICS courses from all UH campuses are taught with the same difficulty, it would make ICS 311 much more manageable. Because I barely got a
foundation in discrete math from ICS 141 and 241, it really took a toll this semester. It was like trying to learn discrete math and algorithms at the same time, which made the course even more
difficult.
Honestly, asking questions sometimes made me more confused because there was so much prior knowledge I was missing. It was also hard to ask questions in general because I didn't know
what I didn't know. I could ask how should I approach a problem, but that didn't help oftentimes.
I can't say that I have a solid knowledge of algorithms now, but I can say this class was a humbling experience.
no additional comments
Highly recommend taking this class, instructor is very good and although the material is hard, it's very important to
learn/know all these concepts in computer science.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
29. The course is highly recommended if it were taught by this instructor
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
30. The teaching-learning strategies used in the course encouraged active class participation
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
31. What changes would you make in the lectures? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
nothing
I feel that Algorithm is such a hard topic for students to learn that feel it shouldn't be taught in a flipped classroom environment since it lacks the live element
of processing the information as we learn such as the ability to immediately ask and obtain a response whenever we have a question on the material.
Nothing, the lectures were actually pretty informative. If anything, I would have liked more examples because it was the best way I learned. Though, I
suppose that is what in-class exercises were for (which unfortunately for me, stopped with COVID19 so my grade suffered).
While the reading materials/screencasts are relevant, they are a bit lacking. I would think it is better to be presented as an in-person
lecture rather than online notes that are skeleton bare bones as it is practically transcribed from the screencasts, which of itself are
also a bit lacking, the screencasts are helpful in someways however it is very minimal.
Maybe having notes count for a small percentage of extra credit, so at least you feel
rewarded for taking them.
Would prefer both lectures and group work
none
I would change the classroom structure back to being a regular one where the professor teaches the material.
personally I prefer traditional classrooms
While I wouldn't make any structural changes to the lectures, something that I think might be helpful to improve the
experience for in-class exercises, would be to maybe provide practice in-class exercises (if possible) for students to
practice before coming to class. Upon reading the lecture material, I would often feel overwhelmed by all the new concepts I
was learning and sometimes wouldn't know exactly what to focus on. While the in-class exercises would often help me
better understand the material, I think that having extra exercises to practice before coming to class would help better
solidify my understanding in general (so that the practice exercises help with getting initial understanding of the topic and
then the in-class exercises/homework help with solidifying understanding).
Update the notes to better explain the textbook. Visual learners tend to have a difficulty learning if all we are reading is text on top of text.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
32. Which aspects of the course were most valuable? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
his teaching style is very nice
The understanding of how to modify pre-existing algorithms to fit the needs of other problems.
In-class exercises. Although the quizzes stressed me out, they were helpful. Required notes forced me to read before class (I spent a lot of time on
them to make sure I actually understood the material).
The group work, being able to collaborate on finding solutions to solving the problems given during class.
I think the note-taking was good because I could refer back to my notes and jog my memory
if I forgot a certain topic.
The course material and concepts seem extremely important for a career in the field
The in class problems and going over the homework solutions. These both helped in my understanding of the material and the in class problems
helped me to stay on track with studying and practicing what we were learning
The in-class exercises and being allowed to collaborate on homeworks.
The office hours were pretty helpful as well.
I also enjoyed the idea of recitation, but it would be better if they were a little longer and if the TAs were more prepared to go through their answers.
homeworks
The in-class exercises were the most valuable because it gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I learned from
the lecture notes/textbook reading/video lectures, in a setting where I had access to the instructor/teaching assistant in case
I had any questions or needed help with a particular concept. The homework was also a very important aspect of the
course, as it really deepened my understanding of the concepts we were covering in class - it really makes you think about
how to apply what you've learned instead of just regurgitating what you read in the textbook/watched in the lectures.
This course challenges you intellectually and group work was helpful. When you work with others collaboratively, it is easier to break complicated
things down on the same level as your peers and in a perspective different from the professor's.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
33. Which aspects of the course were least valuable? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
nothing
I would say that everything in this class was really valuable.
Not having the opportunity to have the quizzes back to study. The questions on the quiz would have helped me review for the midterm.
- The formatting of how the course is taught. Flipped classrooms may be deemed as an effective instructional strategy, however
algorithms is not a subject suitable for the flipped classroom structure. The material is difficult to comprehend and the students are
expected to teach themselves and be thoroughly prepared to get quizzed and solve problems on it.
- The notes that get grades but has no weight in students final grade. Not only is the note taking time consuming, it also may not be
as helpful as note taking varies in effectiveness from one student to another. I took notes but understood minimally of what I wrote
down.
- The screencasts and online lecture notes are not that helpful neither, repetitive rereads does not equate to understanding the
material. Sometimes the material presented may give examples how to apply the concepts but the problems are not as in-depth as
the ones given during group works and homework.
- The quizzes, as it graded me on how well I taught myself rather than if I had learned and can apply the concepts.
I feel when going through the transition from in-person to online for group exercises we did
not have any official lectures (zoom sessions) to sit down and discuss. For me, it did not
really encourage me to do them. Granted this full online transition was out of everyone's
control, I believe it would have been better to have the class exercise through zoom as if they
were in-person required. The only thing we had were recitations that just went over
homework solutions.
The readings from the textbook and notes were difficult to go through on my own. Some of the material really seems to be best conveyed
through lecture, where one can see the step by step process and ask questions as needed.
none
Being graded on note-taking and that not being factored into our actual grade. For the time and hard work I put into taking notes, I would have liked to receive some sort of grade boost.
The flipped classroom. It made it harder for me to learn personally, but that might be due to never experiencing one.
the quizzes
I would say that there was no part of the course that was the least valuable - all aspects of the course were valuable, taking
notes/reading textbook/video lectures help gain initial understanding of the topic, quizzes/in-class exercises/homework help
to make sure you really understand the material.
Everything in this class was valuable, i.e., the material, the lesson plan and the answer keys, but it is just extremely difficult if you don't have the
math foundation from calculus and base knowledge from discrete math. Also, the notes were recycled from previous lectures and perhaps never
updated. You need to dedicate a lot of time trying to understand the material, and it is definitely hard when the notes are very cluttered and wordy.
I think the notes should be there to help you understand the textbook, but sometimes I couldn't comprehend with either. Also, the time we are
given to master the material, take cornell notes (which are graded), and take quizzes the next class can be overwhelming, especially if you don't
pick up concepts within a day or so.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
34. What advice would you give to students, who might be taking this course in the future? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
they have no options anyway
I would say to brush up on the Discrete Mathematics Textbook, especially in terms of proofs and graph theory. Also, I don' t think a student should be taking
this class with more than 15 credits since you really need to spend a lot of time in this class(Around 2-3 hours every day).
As it is a flipped class, be prepared to dedicate a lot of time. Algorithms is a hard enough concept, Nodari being a strict instructor makes it so much
more difficult. To put things in perspective, this was how my schedule was like before everything went online (please note this only takes 311 into
account and not my other courses or work) :
Sunday: Spend 3-4 taking notes, study for the quiz.
Monday: Usually up till 2-3 AM trying to finish HW. Take the quiz in class.
Tuesday: If I didn't finish the HW, I'd be working on them from 12 PM - 2:30 pm. After ending, class/work, I'd spend 3-4 hours taking notes. Study for
the quiz.
Wednesday: Take the Quiz.
Friday: Go to PANDAS (club focused on algorithms)
Thursday and Saturday were occupied by work and other courses. If time permits, I'd try and work on HW.
Start your HW early, the problems are really hard. I recall once I spent over 5 hours on a single problem ): Go to office hours when possible AFTER
reviewing the HW and ask for clarifications.
The exams are really hard, but the curve helps. Don't put your guard down because there is a cheat-sheet. I looked at it maybe twice over the course
of the exam to remember the specifics of an algorithm. Go over the homework problems to study, and if you have time, go to PANDAS.
The course is rigorous, for sure, in that you have to teach yourself the material rather than be taught during class.
Be sure to do the readings, start looking at the material early to digest it, don't be afraid to ask questions, watch the screencasts and additional
material. You need to be prepared to devote a lot of time to the course if you want to succeed.
Start early on every assignment and study the material.
Know your discrete math and get a head start on studying algorithms before the course even begins. If I had been told this earlier and followed through with it, I would not be struggling as much
as I did.
Follow the advice that you should keep your schedule light while taking ICS 311. I was taking physics lecture lab and ICS 314 at the same time, and it was hard to manage everything along
with a job.
start homeworks early, try and finish it before the day it's due
I would recommend to start early on everything, from looking at the lecture notes/reading the textbook, to especially doing
the homework. Starting on homework early gives you the chance to get help during office hours if you find something
confusing or need clarification on something. In addition, it makes doing homework a lot less stressful, since you can work
on one homework problem per day - which is very helpful because sometimes you need to just sit on a problem for a little
bit and work on it later. It's a hard class, but you learn a lot.
Review material from previous discrete math classes to get the foundations before coming into the class and don't attempt to solve the problems
blindly without understanding the notes and exercises. You also need a lot of time for this class. Even if you have a small course load, this class
may take twice as much time needed for your other classes.
|