Computer Sciences & Computer Engineering, Bendigo

Semester Two 2005

Programming Concepts [INT12PC]

Programming Concepts received very positive responses in the QA questionnaire. The major problem of the textbook being too late has been addressed. The bookshop manager was notified of the unacceptability of the situation, and the publisher assured me there was no need for not ordering ample books, since they accept all returns without penalty. Comments from current students, strongly emphasised the need for attending all tutorials, all lectures and purchasing the text book. These comments have been included in the unit hand-out for Semester 1, 2006.

IT Fundamentals [INT12ITF]

The unit received positive responses in relation to the aims, workload, assessments, support, textbook and teaching of the unit. The question that gave the most diversified answers is 'This unit is a useful part of my education' in which 50% agreed, 22.5% had no opinion and 27.5% disagreed. This is probably due to the fact that most students in second semester are Engineering or Business (Tourism & Hospitality) students, some of whom may be of the opinion that their career pathway does not necessarily require as much theory and applications as taught in this unit. Engineering students will no longer be taking IT Fundamentals from 2006. As for Business students, from 2006, they will be taking Management Information Systems (BUS11MIS) which is more relevant to the Business course.

Multimedia Authoring [INT22MA]

Multimedia Authoring was offered for the first time in 2005 semester 2. The subject generally received positive feedback from students and most indicated that they enjoyed the subject and felt it very useful. The unit received positive responses in relation to the aims, workload, assessments, support, and the quality of teaching of the unit. Approximately 80% of students either agreed somewhat or strongly that this unit was a useful part of their education. Also 80% responded that they would recommend this unit to other students. As the textbook didn't come into the bookshop until very late in semester two we had to abandon the use of a textbook and alter the way we taught the subject accordingly. Student's also indicated that the number of topics covered may have been too much. The text book and the number of topics covered in the subject are currently being investigated.

Data Communications [INT32DC]

Data Communications was favourably rated by 80% of students. Most were happy with the subject as it was presented. There were requests to lighten the workload a bit (both content and assignments). Some students requested more examples, more tutorial exercises and more "practical" content. Comments from some students, emphasised the need to attend all tutorials and lectures.

Information Systems Practice [INT32ISP]

Students were generally satisfied with the unit altough they recogise that the workload is reasonably heavy and needs steady application throughout the semester. The importance of understanding the work covered in IS Development (prerequisite) was recognised. The need to work in a good group of compatible students was also recognised, as was the need to complete required readings before class. All of these requirements are specified at the beginning of the unit and revisited throughout the semester.

Web Services [INT32WS]

Web Services had an enrolment of 34 students in Semester 2, 2005. The pass rate was approximately 90% with 16 students obtaining a "B" or better. A Quality Assurance survey of students returned 14 responses, somewhat less than half of the total enrolment. The qualitative results of the QA questionnaire returned overall results of approximately three (out of a possible five), which is lower than desirable indicating some dissatisfaction with the unit. The distribution of the results, however, was bimodal in many questions with roughly equal numbers expressing strong satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The qualitative responses to the QA questionnaire mainly centred around suggested reorganisation of the unit to incorporate more laboratory classes, and the need to keep up with the work during the semester.