COMM 427 Feedback Summary
STRENGTHS:
Interesting subject matter.
The class is very applicable to the real world. I've learned a lot about things I wanted to know but wouldn't have taken the time to learn on my own. The lectures are great because they really help with the development of the project.
I really like the semester project format. It looks to be great for building web design skills as well as interpersonal skills in dealing with clients.
Content relates to real-world. Most pertinent to consulting projects and system development.
Clear and informative. YOu make the material easy to understand. Generally in a good mood. Double-plus good.
Lectures very applicable to project. You try to give us lots of examples and try to tie our experiences into the class. Therefore, the class material is very relevant.
Book is easy to read and understand.
The class is lively.
Instructor is always available.
WEAKNESSES:
More time to learn HTML stuff (Java, etc.).
Not enough instruction is given for the project, especially, the technical parts. The scope of the project is not very large, but a lot of time is needed to learn how to use FrontPage, Image Composer, Java.. on our own. Some people have the advantage of learning all these things from their internship, but many don't. Standard for grading and expectation are not very clear.
My current knowledge is not sufficient for the project. I need to know more about what I CAN do for my client, and HOW to do it.
Too much self-study on coding languages.
the fact that this one class is expected to take up all of our free hours. this is our last year for social/college/fun stuff, as well as juggling a full other class load and a hectic interview schedule.
Please be understanding if we are not always caught up on the reading of the text for class.
Sometimes class moves slowly.
Feedback of our participation or grades would be nice.
Picking on random students is a little intimidating.
SUGGESTIONS:
Do more fun activities, such as the bridge building exercise. The whole class enjoys and learns more when we get involved with hands-on learning.
Get rid of all of the lifecycle and RAD stuff at the beginning of the semester, and teach us some web stuff that will be more obviously useful on our project. Once we get the basic skills so that we can start our project, the other stuff will make more sense and be more useful. I am enjoying the class, I just get frustrated some times.
More direction needed on assignments/project.
Have a time when we can come see you for questions about our projects so we don't waste other people's time in class.
More hands on with frontpage. There are many functions that I don't understand.
Would like some more guidance as to how to go about spicing up our websites. How do you create animated pictures? How would you make a shockwave presentation, etc...
I would like to see other students projects demonstrated in class periodically.
More class involvement.