STUDENT LEARNING: Analysis of Lab #0 MP CATs

Analysis of Electronic Minute Paper Lab CAT responses to assess impact of revisions to Lab #0. Does it give students' a better idea of what programming and java are about? Are indications of frustration decreased?

Orignial Lab #0
Fall 05 Revised Lab #0
Spring 06

Goals * Become familiar with the computing environment and the rules for the computer lab in Memorial #102.
* Learn how to log in to the lab machines and navigate the drives and directories.
* Learn how to use your files on the department's server (shemp.cs.plu.edu).
* Become familiar with the MultiEd editor.
* Learn how to print files in the lab.
Students worked independently, trying DOS commands, navigating the file system and using the editor to write a short biography page.
* Become familiar with the computing environment and the rules for the computer lab in Morken #210.
* Learn how to log in to the lab machines and navigate the drives and directories.
* Learn how to use your files on the department's server (shemp.cs.plu.edu).
* Become familiar with the MultiEd editor.
* Learn how to compile and run Java programs and print files in the lab.
Lab conducted as a tutorial. "Busy work" questions about DOS and Windows removed from assignment.

MP Question 1: What is the most important thing you learned in lab today? Many responses focused on using DOS to which some students expressed negative reactions or uncertainty why we would want to:

I had never used DOS before, my brother showed me but said to never touch it!!!!

I am still confused on why I would use Dos, or how I can use it to do more advanced appllications. (response to Q2)

What is the advantage of using the text command window? (Q2)

A few reactions were positive:

I got introduce the Multi ED which is very interesting and useful program

Students' focus was naturally more on Java and programming. Reactions were more positive:

I learned a lot of new stuff about java that I never knew...this is a new language to me.

How to use simple commands when writing java.

It gave me a good overview of the process and a few prompts. It peaked my interest.

The most important thing I learned today was how to start using java and edit it and also to start getting familiar with the programs we will use during the course.

I learned how to compile, edit, and run java programs. I also learned many commands for dos and unix.

I learned all of the commands that will help me run and change a java program. I also learned how to navigate around java.

I learned how to work in DOS, and I learned how to enter Java into MultiEd. I have never done this before, and I think I have a good start.

MP Question 2: What questions remain uppermost in your mind? Some students expressed frustration:

Will this class get easier???

Are instructions always going to be so loose? Will they be more precise or is that just part of the fun?

Some indicated they were unclear about what to expect from the class:

What is to happen next?

Are we going to use DOS most of the time?

How MultiED help us in programing Java?

It still overwhelms me to think I might be using this information to make a program later. I don't see how it is going to happen, but I am excited.

How similar is Java commands to the DOS commands?

To be honest, I want to learn more about UNIX (commands and tools) and what problems we will be solving. I'm basically excited for the class.

Will we be using dos frequently?

Far fewer students had questions on this lab, probably b/c of the "tutorial" format:

command prompt still fuzzy with commands and such. i think we'll go over that in detail more, alot of info for one lab but i think it was an overview. also what to put on header for instructor and instructions

How to connect to the serve from a home PC or laptop?

Questions I still have is compiling. And why we do it.

I am a little confused about the commands mean from DOS and Unix. But I think these will become more clear through practice in labs and assignments.

All the procedures are still a little hazy for me. I'm still not to clear on how to access all programs and which programs I have to keep referring to and what their specific role are. Such programs are: SSH, MultiEd, etc.

it was very confusing finding what mistake we make.

	Orignial Lab #0 Fall 05	Revised Lab #0 Spring 06
Goals	* Become familiar with the computing environment and the rules for the computer lab in Memorial #102. * Learn how to log in to the lab machines and navigate the drives and directories. * Learn how to use your files on the department's server (shemp.cs.plu.edu). * Become familiar with the MultiEd editor. * Learn how to print files in the lab. Students worked independently, trying DOS commands, navigating the file system and using the editor to write a short biography page.	* Become familiar with the computing environment and the rules for the computer lab in Morken #210. * Learn how to log in to the lab machines and navigate the drives and directories. * Learn how to use your files on the department's server (shemp.cs.plu.edu). * Become familiar with the MultiEd editor. * Learn how to compile and run Java programs and print files in the lab. Lab conducted as a tutorial. "Busy work" questions about DOS and Windows removed from assignment.
MP Question 1: What is the most important thing you learned in lab today?	Many responses focused on using DOS to which some students expressed negative reactions or uncertainty why we would want to: I had never used DOS before, my brother showed me but said to never touch it!!!! I am still confused on why I would use Dos, or how I can use it to do more advanced appllications. (response to Q2) What is the advantage of using the text command window? (Q2) A few reactions were positive: I got introduce the Multi ED which is very interesting and useful program	Students' focus was naturally more on Java and programming. Reactions were more positive: I learned a lot of new stuff about java that I never knew...this is a new language to me. How to use simple commands when writing java. It gave me a good overview of the process and a few prompts. It peaked my interest. The most important thing I learned today was how to start using java and edit it and also to start getting familiar with the programs we will use during the course. I learned how to compile, edit, and run java programs. I also learned many commands for dos and unix. I learned all of the commands that will help me run and change a java program. I also learned how to navigate around java. I learned how to work in DOS, and I learned how to enter Java into MultiEd. I have never done this before, and I think I have a good start.
MP Question 2: What questions remain uppermost in your mind?	Some students expressed frustration: Will this class get easier??? Are instructions always going to be so loose? Will they be more precise or is that just part of the fun? Some indicated they were unclear about what to expect from the class: What is to happen next? Are we going to use DOS most of the time? How MultiED help us in programing Java? It still overwhelms me to think I might be using this information to make a program later. I don't see how it is going to happen, but I am excited. How similar is Java commands to the DOS commands? To be honest, I want to learn more about UNIX (commands and tools) and what problems we will be solving. I'm basically excited for the class. Will we be using dos frequently?	Far fewer students had questions on this lab, probably b/c of the "tutorial" format: command prompt still fuzzy with commands and such. i think we'll go over that in detail more, alot of info for one lab but i think it was an overview. also what to put on header for instructor and instructions How to connect to the serve from a home PC or laptop? Questions I still have is compiling. And why we do it. I am a little confused about the commands mean from DOS and Unix. But I think these will become more clear through practice in labs and assignments. All the procedures are still a little hazy for me. I'm still not to clear on how to access all programs and which programs I have to keep referring to and what their specific role are. Such programs are: SSH, MultiEd, etc. it was very confusing finding what mistake we make.

Last Modified: 2/10/2006