Thus, I will update this page with recent feedback as I complete every semester from now on, so back periodically and read the feedback as I try to implement suggestions and aim to serve students better.
Warning: There is no correction or edits made to student comments, so some of them might not be exactly grammatically correct or even spelled correctly.
Fall 2017 - Java I
| For any who is computer science major or any field related to computer i would highly recommend this class. Its just a little more work than other classes but its worth it |
| This COSC 1437 (Java) class is an important class for any computer science major. There were many things that did not work out in this class. To begin with, this specific class is a three hour class which is supposed to be split up in half with lecture with an hour and a half and the rest with the lab. But with a three hour lecture, the class became really hard to stay focused. The professor also does not help with any homework assignments which leaves room for confusion and frustration which then leads to just the mindset of somehow completing the assignments without learning its true content. I would suggest that the professor actually show the students how to do the assignments and then give the homework so the students will have some background or idea to do the questions instead of being blank on everything. |
| I thought the class was great. I enjoyed all of it. The final project was super fun to make even though it took up all my study time for my other classes. The assignment was up for a long time but I feel like you truly cant start it until you go through inheritance so you can plan out the program properly. It's something unavoidable but i just thought i'd bring it up. I think your emphasis on flowcharts, javadoc, and UML was super helpful. I find the conversation in class very enjoyable also. |
| he was really good. i recommend him. although his class heavy. however, you will know a lot about COSC after take his class |
| he is a hard teacher and he does not accept late home work everything else is goodif you want to learn he is the teacher |
| I really like how the teacher was straight to the point. I've always had teachers that ran around the point without actually getting there. The teacher was very humorous, i enjoyed that. The text book was good just wish it would of given more examples relevant to the examples in the end of chapters. I appreciated how Zoltan gave us real world examples for our future jobs and interviews, he also made us work for the grade i respect that. You will work hard in this class but it is worth it. I've never had such a great teacher who didn't sissy around and just pretty much give us a grade but actually practiced tough love. I pretty much enjoyed the class overall. |
| This course helps me learn a lot about java. I have been practiced most of time in class, so I can understand what I learn more quickly and easily. He also teaches me something new which does not have in the book. It is the good class. |
| The good things I like about this course was how helpful the book was to understanding more about Java. The bad and ugly were the assignments that sometimes difficult to do. |
| I feel that this was a great class for me because it was challenging and it required and helped me to sharpen my problem solving abilities. Java was an interesting language and now I know the basics and how objects work/OOP concept. One bad thing that I think about this class was how messy the flowchart looked for some of the assignments and and was confusing sometimes. |
| So far so good one thing i do not like the book is to much. |
| This was very good class. Mr Szabo has done very well in teaching Java. He's very knowledgeable. The only suggestion I would say is to review some assigments after due date.</p> <br> <p>Overall great class! <br> <br> |
| I really enjoyed this course. The assignments were relevant to the chapters, they highlights useful content in a way that helped me learn, and the professor answered any questions that I had throughout the course. I liked the chapter reviews, they were a great way to study for the tests. I wouldn't say that I particularly cared for the book, but at the same time I didn't dislike it. I would take this professor for another course in the future. |
| This course COSC 1437 (Java) was interesting and somehow a little tough. I liked the new version of the Java book with all its examples and good notes for a Java beginner who is willing to learn the basics and the fundamentals. I didn't like how this course was too much of a pressure especially when it comes to the assignments. Another thing was the lecture time that was about 3 hours straight with no break in between just straight out new information every minute that I felt was too much for me to handle in one day. It would have been better if things were moving a bit slowly and assignments were done with the professor afterwards to know what exactly went wrong. Sometimes lectures looked easy but when we get on the assignment it is way different and much more complicated. |
| I feel that the UML and flowchart requirements are a very good edition to the class. I am satisfied with the course. The only thing that I feel is lacking is exposure to syntax. The chapter source codes are readily available but an increase in smaller assignments may be beneficial in gaining an understanding of syntax. When an understanding of syntax is not strong, making a flowchart is slightly more difficult. |
| This class is fun because always learning the new programing how to make a games and more than just games. however, you will need to study and understand the book samples so you can do the homework. otherwise, you will not understand it very well. |
| The course was great, fulled with information and very helpful answer from the professor. |
| Actually, I really how the way of course is. Every chapters we will have a lab assignment to practice, that helps me a lot for studying. Beside that the lecture test is also helpful, it makes me study the material very easy. Chapter review is the part I like most. For that, i can practice as many times as I can, it makes me remember more. However, for the 4 month class, the course is go a little fast because I can't deeply understand about one problem, I have to change to another problems. |
| Professor Szabo is very friendly, and he is a very good teacher. I have learned a lot of things from this JAVA class. Computers are very good to work on |
| The assignments were really good at giving us a chance to practice what the chapter had taught us. I liked the class. |
| Professor Szabo is a very good professor who pushes his students. He is very blunt and gives it to you straight which is something I'd rather have than get babied. Class was not that difficult but the grade I got is what I earned because I was not very interested because I am not a Comp-Sci student. |
| It was fabulous. |
| I think this course is more challenging than the previous course. |
Summer 2017 - Java I
Yes, I believe it is better to have the big picture in flowchart then code whatever you want inside your flowchart.
Flowchart and pseudo code helps me understand the design of the program I am working on. It helps me understand where to solve the problem. First I try to solve problem using simple pseudo code, most of the time it helps me understand what to code. Flow chart I mostly use when I am stuck and there is an error to try to figure out logical error of source code.</p> <p>
Previously, I had only used flowcharts as a way to visualize a problem when my code would run but give incorrect data. Now, when using them as a first step after sketching, coding takes less time and the code is easier to debug. With the added advantage of programs like Raptor, the design process really appeals to my artistic nature, to balance out the strict rules of computers.
I do think that making the UML charts help write the code easier, it just took a long time in order for me to do it properly. I would've liked more feedback regarding mistakes in UML or pseudo code.
Writing pseudo code helps a lot with any program. Putting an idea in a code that will lead you to know how to write the program is really helpful. the problem of writing code is always the syntax. You know the steps by writing the pseudocode and flowChart but know the correct way to write the methods,functions and values , its more challenging.
It is a great method to to write the classes and then the objects and then all the attributes and methods
Spring 2016 - Java I
All is good, i would like more visual learning i.e. more examples of code other than what is provided in text book
The good stuff in this class were more than the bad stuff. in fact, there is no bad stuff in this class. The lectures, the assignments, the tests, and the chapter reviews and the videos, and the way our professor explains the lectures are all amazing. The ugly stuff is that I sometimes missed some of those beautiful lectures. Overall it has been fun and very helpful and we learn a lot of stuff.
This class was great and I learned a lot from it and it was a good experience to me. I learned may new stuff with a great professor
good: a lot of reading. bad: a lot of reading. ugly: a lot of reading.
this class was great i learned a lot about how computer programmers use software to make our every-day electronic devices work.it was very interesting and fun and look forward to taking more courses with professorSzabo.
I had fun in class. Learning about java is more fun than C++. Wish we used greenfoot more.
This class was easy and I really enjoyed this class. He is a great prof and passionate about the subjects he teaches. He is a very fair marker, open to debating. One the first day of class he lets you know what he expects in terms of assignments and gives ample time for consultation and he is willing to help students develop their ideas. He is fantastic and a prof for students.
Overall I thought the class was good. I would like to have seen more examples worked during the lecture and stepped through, more time spent with the debugger would have also been nice. Lastly, access to the programs that were would have been good. For example, a submitted program was demonstrated in class to show what right looked like. If those programs could be accessed on the course page, minus names, etc..., it would help in making future corrections and aid in learning from other's examples.
The diagram tree constructed for this course path was the corrected one , but I think outside elements from this course such as other classes(heavy courses(Math ,Physics)) could have an impact of how deep one can get into the understanding of the language ,I feel like I got lost a bit into the last chapters and I don't completely understand fully the concepts of some , is True that the Java helps , but one needs to do a lot of self coding in order to click the concept of the chapter were on , the lectures itself were of great help , sometimes I would not understand some things, but after doing some outside work with the source codes you provided it , it clicked sometimes , but I suggest that there should be some sort of TIP like , if your taking a course that will introduce to something important regarding your major choice perhaps (CS , SE , ME , even ECON) , not to take more than 1 heavy load courses(Only for the basics , then if you feel like, go on and take as much heavy classes as you want , etc.) , since learning the fundamentals and basics of any course is the main key(most important) in order to keep moving(while understanding what your doing) .
For me, everything in the class worked out fine. For any improvements, however, I don't believe that Eclipse should be used and that Blue J should be the main IDE. Eclipse gives a lot of hints and basically does everything for you so, Blue J seems to be the best choice to learn from.
Honestly, everything in the class was as close to perfect as I think possible. A good mix of needed information and teaching with bouts of lighthearted conversation (sometimes existential) still relating to computers. All the bad and ugly was on my end when I slipped pretty bad on a test and missed out on a homework assignment. There were no goofy 'trick' difficult surprises in this class and everything was given that was needed to succeed properly!
This was a very good class. It provided lots of tools to help the students but i would have would have liked to do more coding examples i class.
I enjoyed how you explained things and compared the examples to real world applications. I wish we had more Examples of you making us go through sections with you. The videos were also interesting.
I think you are a great professor !
Professor does excellent job of explaining things. Would gladly take him again.
I liked the peripheral information like and algorithms.
I liked this class a lot. Structure is very good, but maybe help more by practicing other programming challenges from the book in class.
The class was designed well. The number of assignments as well as the amount of time to complete them kept me busy, but not overwhelmed. Zoltan is a skilled lecturer and I learned important information by attending class. I believe that the last chapter of our book deserved more attention. Chapter 10 has many new concepts that could have been covered more throughly. Otherwise, I could not have asked for more. Simply an amazing semester, thank you Zoltan!
It is very good class. professor is nice and kind. for suggestions, maybe we need more bonus points or can we drop one lowest lab grade? that would be very good!
The good: Battlefield 1 will be released this October. The Professor's humour is my type, awesome. Some lectures were shorter than the class time, so I could leave early. The neutral: The lecture can get lengthy and dull sometimes, which is understandable for a programming class.The bad: Some of the few talkative people should speak less and let the Professor lecture. I pay to be taught new knowledge, not to sit impatiently listening to some random students' day or thoughts that add absolutely zero value to the lecture. Also, smelly neckbeards, thanks Trump I did not have to sit anywhere near them.The ugly: On the final exam, I got a question asking what symbol is used to enclose a block of code. I chose bracket, and I got it wrong, even though later when I googled it, bracket and braces both showed up as {}. I lost 0.6 point unfairly.What worked: The assignments, some of them were fairly tough, especially the Final, but they really helped improving my programming experience. What did not: verbose classmates that keep trying to crack banal jokes that no one laugh.
I really appreciate the fact that you try to teach us the simple as possible
Fall 2015 - Java I
I personally liked the class, he made it fun
I really enjoyed this class, although it was a 8 am class I was still able to make it to almost every class meeting. I've learned that you should not wait last minute to submit an assignment because sometimes their could be a connection error, or computer problem and you wouldn't be able to submit the assignment on time resulting in a 0.
The instructor was very knowledgeable about the subject and I learned alot this semester.
The explanations were very good. The presentation also very good. I really love the blog and youtube videos. One of the best teachers Ever!!!!!!!!
Good thing; I learnt more about programming by using sources codes for any writing codes for college level programming. I learnt the utility of UML. Those tow thinks worked perfectly for me since it wasn't taught deeply in my class of C++. Now' after learning all these stuffs I was able to do my assignments writing my codes alone without any helps this made me feel confident and proud of myself when I saw my assignment grades and the comments.
This class is great! If there is more help with the projects or coding that would be beneficial. Thank you I enjoyed learning from your class!
I liked the course gave lots on information about how to use dos and how computers work on top of learning Java. I would have liked to spend a little more time on the arrays section of the course. Not the basic what an array is but building them and using them more. I think arrays are one of the hardest parts to understand and use. Like I said. I do understand what an array is and basic building of one but for the programs we build I feel like there is a difference of knowing how to create a basic array and actually using one in a real program. I did enjoy the class a lot. I learned plenty. Overall great course.
Professor Zoltan is the best professor.1. creates a sense of community and belonging in the classroom. respects students.warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring. has his own love of learning 5. skilled professor
The professor is great, this was my second class with him and i appreciate the way he teaches and paces the course. He is very knowledgeable and answers every question completely. I wish he also taught Java 2, I would've definitely registered for it.The instructor does a great job uploading videos, class lectures and assignments on blackboard, making it very convenient for students. He also has a Facebook group that is helpful. The course and material are very well organized on ecampus.The course is great, it feels like everything is online almost like an online course. In the middle of the semester we were given some in-class assignments that had to be turned in the same day, even though they were rather basic, they were challenging in a different way requiring me to know exactly how to start the program without help from the compiler/previous assignments. Basically more in class assignments would, in m opinion better prepare us.
Actually this is of of the best courses I ever had in Richland College, I feel that I learned a lot of knowledge that will help me out in my future life. I used to have bad experience in programming, but I think it changed after this semester specially when I took the two programming courses with Zoltan Szabo. I know now how to make a program any program with all of these basics I learned this semester. There are no bad no ugly at all this semester. I enjoyed a lot with all the assignments challenge. I am so glad to meet Zoltan in this semester, one of the few instructor that know how to teach
Well this class did not go good. It was my fault and weakness. I should have done seriously, know each stuff well. Hmm, I guess It was good
Overall, I think this was a well structured course with fair assignments that properly tested the knowledge and skills learned throughout the semester. Professor Szabo is one of the best professors I have ever had and I only wish he could teach more of the courses I am required to take for my degree plan.
Perfect teaching, Professor, you need to emphasis teaching more through visual, i mean show more video of coding.
the bad thing was the review test, i have to retake each test and each time it was a different question, wish it was all of them together like C++ and that would make things easier. as for the good the teacher is really good at explaining things
To begin with, I believe in a null shell I liked Professor Zoltan's class a lot because of how concerned he always about our success in life. Talk of announcements about opportunities, encouragement and helpfulness, advice and his involvement in everything we did, made me feel more comfortable being in his class. Talk of ups and downs, I can't really point out even a few. The only thing was giving us breaks, which his scheduled time was not followed, but we never really paid attention to it. His assignments and tests were straightforward. He was a very hilarious professor also. I think he is one of the best professors I had ever taken.
This class was very informative for me. I love the way that the material was broken down and explained step by step. It was not just thrown out there and left to us to figure out what to do with it. There was supplemental material that followed each chapter in order to help cement the information into your mind. I do not have any bad things to report about this class, nor the professor.Thank you very much for caring about our learning process.
The good was the instructor understood our knowledge we had before coming into the class so it seem he was very fair when it came to assigning lab problems and levels of difficulty. i wish it was more hands on and less slideshows and videos i feel i learned more when he had the ide on the screen and we made little fixes in class because when i encounter the problems at home the book doesnt explain well how to make fixes.
I liked how I was taught things that would benefit me as a comp sci major and not just fundamental java 101 intro to what you need to know about java. I felt that I learned things that will help me with more than just how to code in java, such as being more design oriented. One thing I might suggest is allocating some time in class to work on assignments, as it would be nice to ask for help. Sometimes the class felt like it would drag on a bit and I think having a break to allow the lecture to soak in would also be beneficial. Also I'd suggest making questions asked to the class, during lectures, to possibly be more simpler as that might compel students to respond more often; the “introverted”; tension during the lectures, to me at least, could be improved, but it may have just been this particular class that was awkward. Overall I feel like this class's impact was a lot more meaningful than c++.
This class was really detailed in teaching students about programming in java. Prof. Szabo is very knowledgeable about this course and is willing to assist students in becoming successful. The only problem is that there is no extra credit given in this class.
Some assignments were too difficult and time consuming and would need more time spent on that subject like the tokenizer chapter.
I really liked how you got us focused on trying to design the code first before jumping into it. Other people told me that none of their programming teachers ever made them do the flow charts but could really see the benefit behind it. I started to really get the hang of it using blue jay, that is a great tool, glad you introduced us to it. I could really see the object oriented side of programming with it. I do wish we could have had a little more time learning about how to go about starting out a design for our flow charts. Where do I even begin, how do I design a flow chart that will code like it. How often do you plan your flowchart then have to completely change about everything on it? I know practice will make it better though over time. I understand coding so much more then I did when I got to your class, and I am leaving wanting to learn more. Thanks for good semester. Hope you have a wonderful break.
Good: All the assignments we did in class was fun and class overall was fun.Bad: I could never get used to Bluejay.Ugly: Nothing Suggestions: Give more exercises on how to do a UML, how to use Dia Portable, and how to use Java Docs on all our assignments and steps so we can do the assignments right.
Fall 2016 - Intro to C++
The good part is how the professor teaches, especially when we are in the lab. He shows us how the programming fundamental (c++) is a very important part of developing our talent in learning programming language. Also, he shows us how c++ is being used in the technology world. The ugly part is when we have to use both pseudo code and flowchart for our programming design. Though it's a good thing because the professor wants the best for us.
Overall, I think Professor Zoltan Szabo is a very good professor on many levels. He is fair, he challenges students to their problem solving muscles to learn C++ beyond basic syntax, he teaches things that are relevant to the industry that aren't found in text books, he taught this intro class in a way so that people who have never programmed before can truly succeed, and perhaps most importantly, the man has a sense of humor.
I started liking programming as I was learning more about it. It was interesting to me on how and the way it was taught. I really don't have any suggestions on what can be improved on because I jut seem to like everything about it.
The course is good to learn and in fast track class section. I believed it was not that hard , but you just need to read the book and pay attention to the class, then you will be success.
Fall 2015 - Value of UML/Flowchart/Pseudo code in programming
I think flowcharts help a lot. I like to visualize the problem and flowchart help me do that. I'm not a fan of pseudo code.
Personally, flowcharts and pseudo were very helpful. Flowcharts allowed me to understand the logic and the flow of the code I was going to program. Pseudo was helpful to me when it came to actually coding it. It was a way to draft my code before coding it. UML was awesome for Java. I think a lot of students (including me) were tempted to just "sling" code, and it helped for the first couple of assignments, but DEFINITELY LEARN TO USE THESE TOOLS.
UML and Flowcharts are very helpful in my experience. I know how it is to code without them because that's what I used to do, but after starting to use UMLs and Flowcharts, I saw how quicker I wrote the code compared to without them. They help you see where your work is going as well as what you are trying to do. As for pseudo code, I have not used it very much, except here and there. Obviously, it's very useful for the application because if gives you the basic outline of your code but it's personal preference.
I wrote my first program in the 7th grade using notebook paper and 3 pages of crappy code to do almost nothing. It took forever and this is how I learned to program. It took me 20 years to understand I was doing it backwards and the hard way. Flowcharts help so much to understand the basic thought and put it in a picture. After a good flow chart the program is easy! Not using a flowchart is like writing a book with no outline. It becomes harder and harder the bigger the book.
I think flowcharts, pseudo code, and UML are great ways to organize your thoughts. Sometimes an idea can be very vague in my head, but with a clearly stated version through pseudo or whatever, I can fine tune the rough spots better. It might be redundant to do sometimes, but it's always helpful to have the recipe written down instead of keeping a vague mess and winging it.
Fall 2016
As a student that I have never ever had any experience in programing I have to confess that creating flowchart along with writing pseudo code was actually interesting and useful for me. Brain storming in creating flowchart provoke my mind to progress my learning and understanding about programing. There is always a way to back and start again with different options. It is just like a real life with new opportunities. With out flowchart I never could understand the mean of pseudo code .
Flow chart and pseudo code help me equally.If I did not get it in flow chart then pseudo code help me to figure out the problem.While if I have to choose one then I will got for flow chart.At beginning of the course I have a hard time to make a flow chart,but now I have more idea do write a flow chart.
I believed that using flowchart and pseudo code helped me a lot during my programming , It helped me with my logic and how to solve the problem from the beginning until I finished the code.
pseudo code and flowchart really helps in understanding the problem, but its just that some people are ok with diagram representation and some are not with it. And the same applies to pseudo code. I think the professor should introduce flow chart and pseudo code to the student and after the first few assignment the professor should allow the student to choose the best that works for them.
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