Student Evaluations of instructor Mike Splane
Business 91-L, Spring 2005
Departmental Feedback Form
The first day. It was very welcoming and informative of what we were to learn.
His gracing presence the first day.
The first day of class.
The very first day of class when we all said a little something about
ourselves and it brought a sense of unity to the class. I thought it was great.
Introductions – always nice meeting new people.
Introduction and getting to know class. He explained the field of
computers.
I
remember the first day of class when everyone had to introduce themselves.
Introductions. Excel.
Excel.
My classmates.
Meeting
people in class is always nice.
Learning
you were a poker player – nice knowing someone else
who at least at one time played for a living.
The
story about how you dreamt of teaching Excel.
When
you made each of us share things about ourselves; it was unusual and refreshing
to see a professor take extra interest in the students.
Tic
Tac Toe cause it was funny. Looking at your webpage. I found the chess info amusing.
The
Tic Tac Toe because I’ve
never played in class.
Probably my interaction with the instructor when I needed help on the
assignment - he was more than willing to help. The
calmness and relaxed feeling to the class.
I
was in the computer lab. Work in groups.
Going online because I got distracted sometimes.
I
learned how to formulate a text box. I just learned how to do a slide show
presentation.
Excel
formulas, they’re so handy! Graphs and charts look real nice too!
Using
Excel and linking them to a graph.
Put
$ sign if I don’t want to change the cell #. Creating charts.
Draw picture in Word – I didn’t know how to do that.
All
the important things in Excel & Word I learned: Make graphs, Word Art. etc.
Going through Excel formulas because it is something new to me.
Experiencing formula frustration in Excel.
Learning
about Excel, how to write formulas and make charts. Learning
PowerPoint.
The
Excel and PowerPoint lectures. I knew how to use those the
least coming in.
Leaving early from class. Learning PowerPoint’s animation.
I
will remember the day we did PowerPoint, as it is one of my favorite programs.
I
liked learning about PowerPoint. I didn’t realize you could do so much with it.
I had a good time.
I
found the PowerPoint section interesting because I learned not only the basics
but also learned some of the special effects. The Excel was very educational.
I
will remember how to make a PowerPoint. How to incorporate
graphs and charts in my work. Also, I know how to put these charts &
graphs in my PowerPoint.
Creating
PowerPoint homework was fun.
PowerPoint and Word – very helpful.
I
will remember the first time we started using Excel because the program seems
to have an infinite number of uses.
Excel, very useful info!! J
The
lecture on Excel; I learned a lot that day. It saves me time to do inventory in
my dad’s business.
The Excel because it was the most challenging program out of all of
them.
Realizing
how easy it is to use Excel, knowing various shortcuts.
I
will remember how to use Excel & PowerPoint. I enjoyed learning how to use
it because I know it will be useful for me in the future.
Learning how to use Excel, PowerPoint and shortcuts for Word because it
will help me in the future.
That the instruction was very practical.
All the little tricks that I learned with the different programs
because they will be useful to me while doing reports.
Learning more about Excel because it will help me throughout my career.
When we learned about Excel, graphics, PowerPoint. It will be helpful in the
future for projects.
PowerPoint,
Excel equations, charts – most helpful but I already knew how to do almost
everything.
The PowerPoint lecture and Excel graphic exercise.
The
humor in the class, and all the tips I learned.
I
thought I knew everything about Word there was to know, but he taught me a
couple of things that I did not know.
Short cut keys for Word/Excel.
The keyboard shortcuts to change font size and spacing. I knew Word pretty well but
not all of the shortcuts.
Learning
how to use Excel and learning more keyboard shortcuts which can make things a
lot faster.
Learning how to use shortcuts in Excel.
Learning
shortcuts is always fun because it makes things move a lot faster.
I
will remember a lot of the shortcut keys. Adding and doing math in Excel.
Getting rid of the drawing square (hate that thing)
Use
Word Art to make a better presentation of graphs, pictures, text, etc.
Doing charts/graphs because it has nice visual appeal.
Learning
graphs on Excel and easy ways to copy formulas.
About how to use some specific function such as Excel and tool bar.
The
PowerPoint and the final exam are the events that I will remember the most
because I learned a lot from those experiences.
I
will remember the Excel worksheets, the exam, and the first homework.
The
final exam was a great learning experience. I like the fact that you didn’t
make us buy the textbooks – THANKS!
The
final was fun because I felt I knew what I was doing, and if I didn’t know I
would keep trying.
The
Word exercise and Excel exercise.
In class exercises to practice the assignments.
In
class assignments and presentations help to build understanding.
All the helpful tips.
All of it. J
How to save files on a floppy disk, because during the test I did not
know how… which makes me feel pretty ignorant.
How to use Excel just like pros. As a matter of fact I felt like I’ve known how
to use the Excel ever since I took the class.
Learning how to use Excel and PowerPoint. I had never used these
programs before, and now I feel comfortable using them.
How to use Excel. J
Being
able to have everything I need to work ahead so I can ask questions. Also,
never having to care if I am asking a stupid question (cuz
there is none J )
Being unafraid to ask questions. Comfortable
atmosphere/learning environment.
Professor
showing us each step on the overhead because it was really helpful! Going around answering questions.
Overhead
did not work.
When
designing a PowerPoint and using Excel charts. It was fun and I enjoyed
learning to do so.
Learn
so much on Excel and PowerPoint. It was a fun class & many helpful hints on
Word.
I
learned countless tools from this class. Not only have the tools been helpful
for me personally, I am able to use the material at work. This class is well
worth taking. The web site will be a future tool as well.
Every
class I learned something new about Word or Excel because I never knew there
was so much to learn.
I
will know how to make my reports look more exciting. This is the most helpful
teacher I have ever had.
Mr.
Splane was very hands-on and willing to help out even when the most mundane
questions came up.
His willingness to answer questions.
Always
willing to go back and answer questions.
The
way he answered every question and showed us step by step how everything is
done.
He
was very patient and didn’t mind doing things more than once.
Was
helpful and answered all the questions the class asked.
He
is willing to help students. Nice. Slow so that everyone on the same page
(repeat) Good!
Willing to help. Explained things in great detail.
Willingness to help students.
Very
helpful and answers every question.
Willingness to help the students. Methods of teaching is
just right.
Willing to teach.
Taking the time to thoroughly explain the material.
Kindness and respect.
Nice, helpful, patient.
He
is the nicest professor I have had. His easygoingness really helps when
learning with computers.
Very friendly, warm personality. Very clear and precise
lectures. Upbeat and always willing to help out.
He
urged us to ask questions. He was very easy to approach – he didn’t look at all
intimidating. Teaching methods were easy to follow. Always
available to students.
He
was willing to take the time and help students that did not understand, and was
understanding of their schedules and worked around it.
Very
flexible! J
The
instructor was very encouraging, so that students with little or no experience
were not intimidated. The instruction was very useful, practical, and to the
point.
Very open and helpful. He works with you if you need something or have a
problem.
Very
cool guy. Kept class interesting.
He
added humor to his topics and also used explanations/demonstrations in class
that related to the students.
He
made sure everyone was caught up and knew what they were doing. Extremely nice and a great sense of humor.
For
Excel the Ctrl + ~ method and the absolute cell reference.
Good
knowledge of Excel.
I
learned many things I didn’t know.
Showing every detail in the programs.
Showed how to teach the class about both Word & Excel.
The
use of $ and some of the shortcuts were very useful.
Keyboard shortcuts.
It
would have to be all the shortcuts.
Formatting cells and 3-D effects.
Kept
it simple and focused on most important things.
Very helpful. Patient. Knowledgeable.
Relevant choice of material.
I
liked that he tried to make things simple. Only taught us what we needed.
The
fact that this class was centered around useful things
that apply to real life.
Most
of them were useful to me.
What
I learned about the software is very useful in my everyday practice.
I
will use All that I learned in classes that
need presentations and papers due.
Show
it step by step so make it easy to understand. Patient w/ the
students.
His slow pace.
Slow
and conforming to class needs.
His
lectures were easy to understand and he was very helpful. He made sure you
understood everything.
He
made sure everything was understood and was helpful in answering questions.
I
was able to move at my own speed (which helps a lot in understanding the material).
Also allowing me to fix mistakes in homework.
Trial and error.
Good
repetitive directions. Giving all the students good
directions on all the programs.
He
makes sure that everyone understands.
Knew
what he was talking about. Made sure that everyone could do what he was going
over.
Wanted
to make sure everyone understood what he was talking about. Very
nice.
I
learned how to use the programs better and faster. I got a better understanding
of it all.
Give
instruction to most of the method.
Going over actual examples that could pertain to real life experiences.
Just
being over-prepared for class was great.
He
checks his email often, so he is always there to help if you have trouble with
the assignments.
The
homework and in class assignments help a lot.
In
class demonstration and practice problem. Notes are very helpful.
Lots of handouts.
Loved the handouts.
He
went over everything thoroughly and always asked if anyone needed any help. The
notes were also helpful.
Detailed
description of notes with hints and tips and organized structure of the Bus
91-L web page.
I
love the website. All the information is on there so the class can easily
follow the lectures. Keeping the class hands-on has also been helpful.
The
hands on, since we used the program the whole time.
The hands on learning with actually using a computer for examples.
The in-class applications use.
He
gave lots of practice work, hands-on – really helped me.
He
created helpful hints and guides to help us with our assignments.
How
you showed us how to do it on the overhead.
The
overhead projector so we could see.
The
way he set up the screen for everyone to see what he was doing.
Visual learning. Showing the class how to use the programs step by
step.
Presentations
were effective.
He
is a fun teacher.
He
should keep teaching the way he does. He was approachable, friendly, and you
could tell, passionate about the class. Keep up the awesome teaching method.
Keep
doing what you’re doing!
His eagerness to teach.
Our
class was 3 hours long. It would be hard to keep anyone’s attention that long.
The
class is too long, even though it meets just once a week.
Tell
students it’s important to warm up, stretch, take
frequent breaks to prevent carpal tunnel or repetitive strain injuries. Good idea - Mike
I
wish the class was more than a month.
I
thought the class was good the way it was, and for the amount of time given.
This
class already was really effective.
It
is easy to fall asleep in class, maybe have more interesting examples.
Give
us more projects in class, for example create a funny picture. The picture is a good idea .Since class time
is limited I added a graphics homework for more practice. - Mike
I
think he did an excellent job. I enjoy this stuff so I loved the class.
Overall very effective learning environment. No change needed.
He
does a good job already. I can’t think of any suggestions.
To just slow down when teaching.
Explain
things slowly.
Slow
down a little bit.
You
teach on a fast pace, so sometimes easy to get lost.
Moves a little fast. Lots of info in 5 weeks.
Use
overhead not board. Slow down.
To
make sure that students are following the classes lectures. I stress that students need to tell me if they get lost. I often ask
if there are any questions. Not sure what else I can do -.Mike
This
class is fairly easy. It would be an excellent beginner class, but a little
tedious for those that know the programs (But I guess that is what the test is
for.)
Become
more lively, more interactive, so students don’t get
bored and start surfing the internet. Make the class more fun to get people’s
attention. The lectures and step by step
methods can be boring if you are already good at this stuff, but many students
seem to like that approach. I try to choose topics and activities that will be
of interest to students. As long as some students are bored and others say I’m
moving too fast, I may actually be moving at the optimum pace. - Mike
I
thought it was great how it was.
I
think he did a great job!
He
is very effective, no changes necessary.
I
think the instructor does a great job teaching and walking students through the
assignments in class.
Great website. Very helpful cause it’s always being updated.
Teaching
style and knowledge is good.
He
did a good job.
He
did a fine job.
Good
enough.
Nothing. Did everything perfectly fine.
Good
teaching style. It’s taught in a way that I could understand everything. Enough
time to do homework.
I
like the way professor Splane teaches, he’s helpful & he always ready to
help the students.
He
is great; really tries to influence students by using topics they can relate
to.
Not
much. He is an excellent and efficient instructor. The goal of teaching is not
so much to lecture as to learn. I felt Mr. Splane satisfied this
criteria.
The
instructor is great. He teaches to all levels and is patient with beginners.
Could be a little louder in class at times but he’s always willing to repeat
himself.
Speak
a little louder. It’s a large room.
He
should speak louder.
Just
speak a little louder for the back of the room.
Nothing,
keep up the good work! I wish all classes and teachers were like this. I would
recommend this instructor to anybody.
It
is fine how the instructor is teaching right now.
Keep
doing what you’re doing.
Keep
doing the same thing.
He’s
doing a great job at every aspect.
Nothing really. Great instructor.
You
are more informative than other teachers! J
Not
much. Easy to learn from.
It
is good. I have no bad comments.
Get
different students background experience.
I do this with an opening day survey and introductions. - Mike
That
it takes a lot of practice to use the programs if you are computer illiterate or
if you are a beginner. Good point. I
added another home work assignment.- Mike
Some
material needs to be covered twice. i.e. graphs.
He
does a great job and very helpful.
The
course was taught in the most effective way possible.
I don’t
have any suggestions. The class is perfect how it is.
More assignments. I added
another home work assignment.- Mike
The
visual examples help a lot.
Overhead method. Going around to answer questions.
Make
it easier to see overhead in back of the class.
Hard to see all the way in the back.
More
visual, it’s hard when the visual display isn’t working.
That
sometimes it is hard to see and hear in the back.
Great
job!
Course
is very valuable! I didn’t realize how many students didn’t know how to use
Word/Excel/PowerPoint. Keep up the good work! J
Keep
doing what you are doing!
Don’t
change a thing.
Just
stay the way you are.
I
would not change anything.
Not
sure. You can’t really change the value of a 1 unit CR/NC class.
The
course should be divided amongst advanced students and novices.
Shorter
class period, teach twice a week.
The
course may need to be longer.
Make
it longer and worth more units.
Make
the course longer to allow for more time to get into more complex functions,
but that doesn’t seem to be the course focus.
This
covers a good amount of necessary tools for these programs.
Maybe
less required HW and more required class work to keep people coming.
Since
it’s easy to forget, I want you to review the stuff for 5 minutes before new
lectures. I ask if people have questions before starting a new lectures, and
rarely get a response. I’ll think about this suggestion. - Mike
Have
in class assignments that help with the homework! I rewrote some homework instructions to provide more help in learning skills
- Mike
Make
notes more clear. I identified the ten
problems students were having most often and rewrote my notes for those - Mike
More
time on homework. That’s it!! J
Homework
was a little repetitive on certain assignments, like making the charts on Excel,
but overall I thought it was great!
As
tough as this is to say – I think a little more homework would have been
helpful. The final three assignments in particular were significantly
beneficial to me learning. Perhaps one or two more assignments would add to the
value of the course. I added another home
work assignment.- Mike
I
need to practice more to keep my skills sharp. Take more notes.
Make
assignments due at different times. Done
- Mike
I
think the handouts are great. We work off your internet page. Everything is
great. No need for improvement.
Speaking
louder & that’s it.
More
depth to PowerPoint and what can make it even more professional. I added a handout with tips on making
effective PowerPoint Presentations - Mike
More
time on PowerPoint, since it was covered very little.
More PowerPoint work. More Excel practice.
More assignments. More use of Excel. I added another home work assignment.- Mike
More
focus on Excel – seems the most complicated.
Maybe more of a focus on how to use Excel.
Technology
advances (make sure all computers work)
Make
sure the computer system is working.
Make
sure all computers are working at all times.
Have
working computers and more explaining of work. I added log-on instructions to the syllabus - Mike
Only
thing is it’s sometimes hard to see the board, due to very low chairs.
[Fix]
the overhead, and the time period.
Go
into the class more. More advanced things.
Add
programs like Adobe Photoshop to the course.
Slow
down on teaching.
Go
slower.
I
liked the class.
I
liked the class how it was. Very informative. I
learned a lot of new things.
I
can think of nothing to improve its value. Everything’s perfect.
I
really think it was the best it could have been.
I
don’t see any and I could say this with complete confidence and without any
coaching of anyone.
Not
much. Mike Splane is a great teacher. In only 4 or 5 sessions I learned so much
info that I really needed. THANK YOU!
The
course is just fine and VERY useful and helpful. I think everyone should
take this course who has to deal with a computer at
any point of their lives, especially in the work force.
None. Excellent course, albeit quite short.
None that I can think of.
None. I enjoyed it.
None. Keep it up J
Good
as is. None.
None. Great course.
None.
Nothing!
Very effective and useful. Splane is great for this
course. I would recommend him to other students.
Nothing. It was a great experience.
Nothing much. It was good.
Nothing at all.
Nothing really.
Nothing.
I
can’t think of any. Keep up the good work Prof. Splane!
Thanks for all
the great idea and comments! – Mike Back to 91L Page