Student Comments

"I learned so much taking this class, I even made new friends, which I'm real excited about. We reflect on assignments and we continue to help each other and just continue to learn more. Thank you for your patience and encouragement. I will highly recommend your class." (TR)

"I just want to let you know that taking this class has changed my opinion of online classes. I've taken one other online class and felt like I was all alone. I like the way you correspond with us and have us correspond with each other. It makes it feel like I'm in a real classroom and have a teacher who really cares for her students. Thanks for the support." (GM)

"I am really enjoying this class. I am learning alot. I enjoy the interaction with the other students. I like how we all help each other when someone has a question. I like the input by the whole class. I am liking this better than I thought." (DC)

"I am finding the computer a lot less intimidating. Everyone works together. I believe we learn from each other by helping. I feel more excited each day so I would say what went well for me this week is sharing and learning as a team." (MC)

"I just want to say thank you to you because of your help your are making it possible for me to learn. I am still nervous but not that much as i was before starting this class." (AK)

"I have really enjoyed taking this class. Never would I have thought that it could be so much fun, but there's just something about it (I haven't been able to put my finger on it yet)." (KM)

"All I would like to say is that I am very impressed by how organized this online class is. I didn't expect this class to flow as smoothly has it has. Thank you!!" (TM)

"Even though 'the survey says' I shouldn't take online classes I think I am going to take at least one to see for myself that I won't like it or can't do it. Just the taking classes via satelite. I'll never take another one again - I didn't like it. The personal touch was missing. With this Online class I feel that personal touch, I think it just depends on the teacher." (RR)

"It's ridiculous how much I've learned these last two weeks! You are a great teacher: intelligent, thoughtful and quick to respond. I am learning as much about teaching an online class from how you teach this one as I am learning from the actual course material. Thanks. And though I feel completely overwhelmed adding this class to my life, I am going to continue on with it because I am just learning too much to stop." (SS - CVC Exemplary Online Courses)

"This instructor is fantastic in this field of study. She is extremely tolerant of students with a bad attitude about having to take a remedial course of study when the student has already obtained the knowledge through experience." (CSCI101, F2F, Fa04)

"Friendly, easy going, and always a smile." (CSCI101, F2F, Fa04)

"When I had a problem with my system the second week of class, Debby was very understanding of my situation and was very patient with me as far as getting my homework submitted. She is a great asset to the college and I would take another class with her in the future." (CSCI101, online, Fa04)

"I would definitely take all of her classes, if possible. She has helped me in many ways to learn. She is great and always there when you have questions. She always gives an honest answer and never makes you feel stupid for asking questions. I would recommend her to anyone." (CSCI101, online, FA04)

"I am really enjoying taking this online class. This experience has made me want to learn more about computers and also integrate computers into other parts of my life. It has also made me want to take more of my classes online." (CSCI101, online, FA04)

"Very nice. Good person. Easy to deal with. Very courteous." (MA115, online, FA04)

"Thanks for being a great teacher,this is my first time back at school except for Fire department classes and they were not real as far as academics go. I may be taking some stuff from you next semester if it's in the program. You have inspired me to try and get an A.S." (GL, MA101 Sp05)

"I definitely feel that the class chats helped my learning experience, and yes it is something that I would like to participate in for other classes. For one, I had never even used Instant Messenging before, so just getting it set up on my computer was a learning experience. On the contrary to being distracted from the class experience, I think it helped to engage everyone even more in the class." (CY - CSCI 101, Sp05)

"I had a great experience with the class chats.  I think that it helped my with my learning experience.  I don't think that it distracted me from the learning experience, it really helped.  I would like to participate in my other classes that I take. I think that more teachers should use IM in their classes.  I think that it would help cut down on response time when someone had a problem or question.  Instead of posting to a class discussion page and waiting for a response you could just sign in to the IM and find out who is out there and IM them.  Your response time will definitely be cut down to mere seconds." (MQ - CSCI101 Sp05)

"I think the use of an "instant messaging" software for an online class is essential.  The chat sessions allow students to interact as if there were in a LIVE class environment.  It gives the students a chance to communicate with each other as well as with the instructor.  I feel that the scheduled chat sessions should have occured more frequently. It would have been a fun and engaging way to participate in online activities if we were scheduled weekly chat sessions." (TB, CSCI101 Sp05)

"I just want to thank you for always being there I know I didn't use your help as much as I should have, but I really appreciate the time that you gave me. This class has helped me in many different ways. I use my e-mail at work all the time,  I send attachments almost every day and they work each time.  I am helping other people at my work regarding the computer. Thank you for taking the time to teach this class to us." (GW, CSCI101 Sp05)

"I wanted to tell you that I have recommended your class on Dreamweaver to several people.  I found your class to be challenging and an excellent class for learning webpage design.  I'm hoping to take another computer class online in the near future because this class was such a good experience."  (MR, MA101 SP05)

"I was preparing myself to give up again and I don’t want to. This is the last week of classes for me. I am grading term papers (because of letting my students exceed the deadline) and preparing finals for next week. I am feeling overwhelmed and with little time to spend on this class that I so much have wanted to take. I will keep trying, thanks to your message." (GS, Blackboard SP05)

"Thank you very much. I do appreciate the flexibility since I was rushing to get things done yesterday and wasn’t able to complete all the assignments for Module 2. I have learned so much and I find your class fascinating! Thanks for the opportunity." (HK, Blackboard SP05)

"I love the moodle classroom and the way you have the class set up, sorry for so many questions but I'm new to the moodle thing! Your class and the text book and everything is great, all the other online classes are not anywhere near as nice as this one." (JZ, CSCI181 Sum05)

"Sometimes I tend to focus on my own problems when we all need to pull together to understand a situation. I think that is a big part of the class; working together to solve a problem.The one thing that I find that is very consistant (in your class) is the theme of you have to get your hands dirty by taking the code appart to understand how it works. Dreamweaver was hokus pokus and whala a web page, this class is Some Where over the Rainbow and the little man behind the curtain making the wizard come to life." (GL, CSCI181 Fall05)

"Thank you the update. Your explanation has alleviated my concerns and I appreciate that. And it really made me think about necessary contingency plans for online classes. Since my husband is a computer whiz, I've come to expect technology to magically work all the time. Who knew your class would start teaching us without having even started yet!" (DS, Blackboard Fall05)

"I think you’re a great on-line teacher, really like your class structure on the web site, and your availability.  I will look forward to being in your class next semester." (TW, CSCI181, Fall05)

"I appreciate the time you've taken to give us a detailed information of the goings on." (VA, Blackboard, Fall05)

"If I have any questions, it makes me feel good that if you’re online I can just open a chat and discuss it! This is something that I strongly believe all online profs should adopt, if only for a few hours a week. It totally changes my overall feeling of involvement with the class." (ER, CSCI181, Fall05)

"I have really enjoyed Computer Science 101 and when ever there is a question asked there is a very quick response... I enjoy the class and the way both Tom and Debby are accessible, easy to communicate, and with patience are willing to go that extra step to help." (AS, CSCI101, Fall05)

"She knows a lot about the subject matter and is enthusiastic about it. She is able to get us excited about it too. I feel that is essential in a good teacher." (CSCI 101, Fall05)

"Great instructor, very attentive to our "fear" of computers!!" (CSCI 101, Fall05)

"I find Debby very friendly and out-going; willing to help students. She has a range of students in this class, from those who know an extreme amount of computer skills to those like myself, who know (or knew) vitually nothing. She has treated us all with respect and has been a help and encourager to me." (SG, CSCI 101, Fall05)

"Thank you for a great class. I really appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement you gave. I am fortunate to work for a very technologically advanced company, so I was not “afraid” of the online medium. What apprehensions that I had, your style and passion put me at ease." (LK, INST 262, Sp06)

"I wanted to Thank you for your encouraging words yesterday of 'keep me informed' or something to that nature, instead of 'too bad'. That really gave me the energy and will to sit at the computer and get the project finished on time ... Again, thanks for your encouragement, I really appreciate it." (SJ, CSCI 101, Sp06)

"You teach by example! It was my pleasure to learn from you." (RDT, INST 262, Sp06)

"Debby, thank you for this class. You organized the information well and the assignments were helpful without being overwhelming." (EA, INST 262, Sp06)

"At this time I believe the way you have conducted your class instruction is well done (Kudos Debby!!!), allowing everyone the lattitude to expand on whatever particuliar, strikes their interest, without leaving those of us that are still at the elemental stages behind." (EG, CSCI 181, Sp06)

"First I want to say I love your class. I'm having fun and learning alot. I seem to be catching on real well. When I started, I only knew basics about computers. Now I know alot more details about the computer and how it works." (CC, CSCI 101, Fall06)

"I don't really have anything to discuss with the instructor in this journal, as the most truely beautiful thing about taking one of your classes is your 24/7 availability to answer questions. I have always admired your dedication to your students, and that, in my opinion, makes you one of the greats." (DJ, CSCI 101, Fall06)

"What's going well for me in class? Well everything, the class moves at a comfortable pace me and I am learning quite a bit in a fun setting. I am still a little confused by some terms and performing some tasks on the computer, but seriously less confussion than before I started this class. The class, as i see it at this point, needs no improvment. the instrutor slows where necessary and covers the material in a way that is easy to follow ... I was apprehensive of taking a computer class but the instructor's approuch has given me a little confidence and some knowledge to overcome my fear of the machine. (yet I think I'll keep the disk for future referencing even after the class)" (DW, CSCI 101, Fall06)

"I also feel that both instructors have made themselves extremely attainable via email concerning any issues that may arise for the student. The format of the class is well thought out and easy to understand and the moodle program is simple and easy to use as well." (MB, CSCI 101, Fall06)

"I also appreciate your feedback when we do have questions and such for you. It is different taking an online course as opposed to being face-to-face with an instructor, we can kind of GET LOST IN THE CROWD otherwise. It is nice to know that is not the case here." (MP, CSCI 101, Fall06)

"Nothing can be improved in this class. I find both of the instructors to be very helpful and quick to assist with any problem. You guys are great! I have had many different online classes and a lot of different computer classes. You guys are always so helpful, while other teachers seem to not have the time for my little computer problems." (AM, CSCI 101, Fall06)

"I was very pleased and after this short introduction to robotics "Via lego no less". I think I am hooked. I will definitely be pursuing more knowledge in this area, Thank you one and all for introducing me to this form of robotic experimentation, programming and design. The Light bulb has been turned on." (Robert, CSCI 101 FA06)

"All in all, this project has been a great learning experience for me. I can take what (my teammates) have shown me about mechanics into a lot of things I may do in the future and working with the programming aspect- even though only minorly successful- has really gotten me curious about programming in general... and I really want to play with an NXT now!!" (Rachel, CSCI 101, FA06)

“Teamwork is everywhere in science, but I feel like I’ve really gotten a grasp on it here. I’ve worked in interdependent environments before, but not in so much of a technical frame.” (Dominick, Robotics I, FA06)

“Being able to do things hands-on makes it easier to learn.” (Caleb, Robotics I, FA06)

“My major is criminal justice, but now I am thinking of switching to computer science. This is a really great course. I would recommend it to anyone.” (Joey M., Robotics I, FA06)

"This project applies to other areas in life. This helps you to think out side of the box, to not only think by yourself but pulling other ideas from other." (Michelle, CSCI 101/Robotics, FA06)

"You had encouraged me when I was having problems standing in front of the class and talking even though you knew that I had a hard time with that and I wanted to thank you for all that you had done for me." (Liz, CSCI 101, FA06)

"Just wanted to say it was a pleasure being in your class. I have learned a lot of things...Although it was a challenging class, I did get through it and I feel good about myself and how I did in the class. You are a very good teacher and I wish I could take your robotics class...Thanks alot for all you have done to futher my education." (Sandy S., CSCI 101, FA06)

"I just wanted to say thanks for all I have learned in this class. You really made me think. I had so much fun in your class and I'm gonna miss you." (Cris, CSCI 101, FA06)

"I would like to say that your class and style of teaching the subject of computers was wonderful. I got a lot more out of the class than I anticipated. And you made it fun to learn a subject I was rather apprehensive of in the beginning. So I would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge with me." (Duane, CSCI 101, FA06)

"I have wanted to tell that my first impression of the class was that I was not really going to learn anything and even if I was going to learn something it was not going to ba something that I would use or even understand. I was taking to the class so I could learn all the programs that you need to know now days to get a good job, but not only am I learning about that. I am also learning how it works in a way that I understand it and I could explain to someone else and it is made interesting not boring. I have learned so much in this class about how computers work and why they work the way that they do. This has been a very interesting class so far. I learn something new everyday and I understand to the point that I can comment on it and have ideas." (Shannon, CSCI 101, SP07)

"I like the fact you are extremely knowledgable in computers. It also helps that you are enthusiastic while you teach. You don't talk down to us or lecture at us. You live and breathe computers but are not expecting any of us to be the same way as you. Thankfully you treat us like adults with a mind or our own." (Judy, CSCI 101, SP07)

"haha believe it or not that class was alot of fun so i decided to take a computer programming class next year!" (Zach, KRV Robotics, SP07)

"I am learning a lot…that may sound funny but in most of my classes (especially summer classes) I memorize then dump and unfortunately don’t learn a lot. This class is one of the first classes that I have taken where I can apply something that I learned the very same day. I feel more comfortable with the class page and I know exactly where to go to find stuff. I am ready to dig in and knock out the second half." (Andrew, CSCI 101, SU07)

"I have enjoyed this class I think the most out of any I have took in a while, and I have looked forward to each new thing I have been taught. It is funny, because before the classes started, I was looking forward to my Personal Finance class, which pertains directly to my Business Degree. Now I find myself rushing through it so I can get back to my computer homework. The class has not been easy; some of the things we did were intensive. But it was always interesting and I felt a sense of accomplishment when I did them." (Heather, CSCI 101, SU07)

Debby Rocks!! She's a great instructor! (anon. student, faculty evaluations, CSCI 101, FA07)

Very good instructor, each class is always fun to be in and I never felt that any of my questions or comments are stupid. I always feel that if I don't understand a concept I am welcome to ask about it. (anon. student, faculty evaluations, CSCI 101, FA07)

Debby is frikken awesome. She helps us when ever she can to the best of her ability and she brings us candy sometimes. (anon. student, faculty evaluations, CSCI 101, FA07)

She is so personable and easy to talk to. She makes herself available in many ways if someone needs to talk to her. I like how she is laid back. (anon. student, faculty evaluations, CSCI 101, FA07)

Debby is a great teacher who makes learning fun and is a great master student as well. (anon. student, faculty evaluations, CSCI 101, FA07)

This semester has been my first experience taking classes online. Her site is the best designed and should be a model for the other classes. I feel like she has put some effort into my learning. Her encouragement of interaction outside of class and online makes me feel like I am part of a classroom. I don't get that from the other courses I am taking. Debby has been the only instructor out of four that responds in a timely and respectful manner. I hope to have many more instructors at Cerro Coso like Debby. (anon. student, faculty evaluations, CSCI 101, FA07)

When I signed up for this class I was told that “this class is an easy “A”. All you have to do is sign in once or twice a week; read a couple of things; send an e-mail attachment, and that’s it.” Boy was I surprised, I have learned far more than I ever expected to. I am very thankful for all that you have taught me. I am also glad that you didn’t candy coat this class, you are preparing your students to take college level online classes, not basket weaving 101 (Susan, spring 08 - INST 051)

I’m having a bitter sweet feeling lately. I’m kind of glad that the class is almost over, but I know that I’m going to miss logging in every day to find out what the next class is. I have enjoyed this class more that I thought I would. Thank you. (Michael, spring 08 - INST 051)

Again nothing really surprised me.You have it so well planned and organized. I admire you for that you are such a great teacher. (Angela, spring 2008 - INST 051)

There are times when I'm trying something that's new, like running Disk Cleanup, and I get so excited that I'm actually successful at it that I want to email you with the news! Maybe it's the fact that I'm almost 50 and have given up on learning new things. When I find that doing something new can be exciting and NOT scary, well, that feels pretty darned good!
(Cynthia, spring 2008 - INST 101 online)

This book along with a movie seems to break up the technological learning into bite-size pieces that don’t seem overwhelming. I really enjoyed the variety of learning experiences in this course and would applaud you in combining these into a very demanding subject. It has been a wonderful experience and a very enjoyable way of taking in a vast amount of knowledge in a short amount of time. (Marianne - CSCI 101, Spring 08)

I think you are a very good online teacher. You were very nice and answered all of my questions and emails quickly. And what i heard from my classmates you answered all of theirs too. So thank you for being a good teacher. (Christina, spring 2008 - INST 051)

I've enjoyed this journey and I really am excited about taking another class online. (Genevieve, spring 2008 - INST 051)

I would just like you to know I really enjoyed taking your course. I feel you are my best instructor I have had. Everything was so organized,planned, laid out, and even had such great resources to go with it. One word AWESOME!!! Thank you so much. (Angela, spring 2008 - INST 051)

I just want to say thank you for teaching this course and making it as easy to find information as possible for an online class. The website is set up great, and makes a huge difference for finding stuff verse other online classes, that I struggle in to find disscusion, quizes, homework, help. Thank you! (Brianna, spring 2008 - INST 101 online)

As far as an online class is concerned, I believe that this class is top notch. The experience has been pleasant. (John, spring 2008 - INST 101 online)

"I have to tell you that I'm VERY impressed with you as an instructor. You are very available to us as students and because of that, my confidence in class has increased. Thank you!!" (Cynthia, spring 2008 - INST 101 online)

 

*INST 051 - Successful Online Student
*CSCI 101 - Introduction to Computer Information Systems