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1. what are aspects of the course so far that are positive and should be sustained?The course has exposed me to an area of computer science that is not a traditional field, but is perhaps more important than many of the traditional fields with respect to the future interactions between humans, computers, and society. This type of course benefits from a teaching style different from a typical large lecture, and I think it has worked pretty well so far. 2. what do you think about the following parts of the course?2.1. LecturesI like the lecture format. It is very useful to discuss opinions about different topics or readings we may have done for one portion of the lecture period, then expose some new material via slides in another portion of the lecture period. I think the format is a great balance between discussion and presenting new material directly. 2.2. Guest LecturesThe guest lectures so far have been excellent. The presenters have been well prepared, and particularly since they were lecturing on their research areas, had good, concise, interesting information to present (I am considering the lecture by Hal a guest lecture as well). It is sometimes nice to have a different perspective, and the guest lectures help with this. 2.3. "practical sessions" (EDC, PitaBoard, Role Playing)These pratical sessions are very important as well, because they give a hands-on exposure to the technology. This gives students an understanding that they could not get any other way. 2.4. small assignmentsThe small assignments are useful as well. They motivate students to read the papers, and give the instructor and other students the opportunity to review their ideas. 2.5. efforts of getting course participants involved in the coursePerhaps I could bounce this back ... if the leaders of the course are happy with the students' involvement, that is a good sign. For me, the involvement of myself and others meets my needs and expectations. 2.6. use of the Swiki in the courseThe Swiki is an interesting element, in that it provides a medium for collaboration outside of the classroom. I like it as an assignment submission medium as well, and the open-ness of it fosters a trust among members of the course. 2.7. peer-to-peer learning (e.g., to which extent did it happen in your case)I would say I have learned the most through the course directly, including from peers in discussion in the course. I have felt that I have learned a lot through this primary learning structure, and am satisfied with the results. 2.8. independent research activitiesPerhaps more frequent status updates should be required in the swiki for this and the course project, to motivate groups to continue their work on track. 2.9. course projectsThe course projects seem very promising, I am hoping to work on an implementation project that could be very exciting for me. 3. which improvements would you like to see for the course?I have been satisfied with the course overall. 4. self-assessment – please let us know how well YOU think you have done in the course Think about this in terms of your performances in:4.1. please give an honest answer about how much time and effort you have put into your work so far (work hard <--> last-minute effort <--> minimum effort to get by)4.2. participation (including class participation; attendance, ...);I have worked hard on participation. I have attended every lecture and tried to participate an appropriate amount (I am more likely to participate too much than too little). 4.3. small assignments,I make sure that I have enough time to work hard on the small assignments, and express all of the ideas that I have. 4.4. your effort thus far in the independent research activitiesThis has been a bit difficult, since I have changed groups. I have contributed many ideas to my original group, but I have decided to work with a new group since their research matches much more closely my interests. I have been reading several books for the new project. In short, I am more organized on this now that things are settled, and I expect to be working hard in investigation of our goals. 4.5. your effort thus far in your projectI have decided that I would like to work on the project Hal presented in the last class, and I have emailed him regarding this, but have not heard back yet. Once I talk with Hal about the pitaboard metadesign project and perhaps get the proper code/access, I expect to be able to start work in earnest. 5. What do you hope to learn from this course?5.1. originally before the course started?I hoped to learn more about how people can work together to tackle complex tasks, which often require learning on the job and collaborative designs. 5.2. now (close to the end of February?)I still have pretty much the same goals. The lecture material has given me a good background on these topics, and I hope that my independent research in particular can extend the coverage to my specific interest areas. I am also excited about the semester project, as it is likely to expose me to new (to me) concepts in computer science, directly. 6. anything else you would like us to know?I think that's all. Thanks for caring to do a survey! |
