Community College of Allegheny County
Student Comments About E. Wrigley's Java Course
Community College of Allegheny County
Student Comments About E. Wrigley's Java Course
CCAC offers two excellent Java Programming courses (CIT111 and CIT130 formerly CIS208). Topics include the Java Windowing Toolkit, Java-enabled browsing, applets, control structures, methods, arrays, strings, object-oriented programming concepts (objects, classes, inheritance), graphical user interface components, multimedia (sound, graphics, images and animation), error and exception handling, multithreading, and input/output streams.
In these courses, students are required to complete several java
programming assignments/projects. Some of these programming
projects have resulted in job offers for students and other projects have
been sited by Gamelan (www.gamelan.com)
for creating award-winning java applets. As always, I am very proud
of what my students have produced!!!
....Eileen Wrigley
Thanks! At first I was uncertain of taking a web course but this one was excellent. You are a great professor and I would recommend the class to anyone. Have a great holiday season and thanks again. M. Jones, December 2005I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your CIT 111 class. At the begining I wasn't sure that I could learn a programming language. Your book was so well written that it made it easy to learn. I feel more confident in my ability to learn programming languages. I may choose to take another Java course as one of my general electives in the future, of course with you! It was because of your teaching style that I signed up for CIT 140 with you next semester! R. Beer, December 2005
THANK YOU!! Thank you for everything and being so patient with me along the way. I definitely learned a lot from your course. I was a little worried at first because of the class being strictly online, but you have it designed so well that it is not a problem at all. C. Jones, July, 2005
I hope I am not treading into personal territory here, but you really need to know that you ARE a good teacher. One of the best I've ever had (and you now need to know that I actually have a Bachelor's from a highly-regarded university). I really felt I learned so much from your class, and I am thoroughly convinced that it is your teaching style that made it happen. You could write a book for teachers on your on-line methods. I felt your teaching presence on-line just as much as any teacher that I saw in person, which is saying a lot for an distance learning situation. I feel I learned a lot from you. You always seemed open to having people contact you if needed. You had chats on any subject that you felt the students weren't understanding well. You always made it clear what you needed from us but also gave us opportunities to ask. You have your hall of fame (which I never made it into, but still think is great) and your positive comments regarding our programs. Even when I did something the wrong way, you were polite and descriptive of the error instead of just docking points and giving little explanation. It made me feel I had a chance to learn and all I had to do was study and work hard and it would happen. I should also point out that when I first enrolled and was signing up for classes, the counselor pointed out your name and stated that you were a really good teacher and I would learn a lot in your class. (And he was right!) C. Mular, May, 2005
Professor Wrigley, thank you for this class (CIT111). It has been a wonderful experience, and I have enjoyed it greatly. Your thoroughness and attentiveness have renewed my belief in online learning as a vessel of education. Thank you very much. R. Graham, July, 2004
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! CIT 111 has been great fun and also a great learning experience! I would recommend your class to everyone in Pittsburgh AND Harrisburg! I just signed up for CIT 130 in the fall. Oh, I can hardly wait! R. Hoover, May, 2003
I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how much I enjoyed your class. It has been extremely beneficial to me here at work. I still can remember one of my first classes back in 1986 at CCAC we used a book that you had written. I was an accounting major then but something with that class caused me to change my major and have been in the computer field ever since. I can remember referring back to your book for years after taking the class. And I'm sure I will be referring back to the Java Lady Book for years to come. You are a great teacher -- and I'm saying this after receiving my report card -- and a true asset to CCAC! My employer paid for the Java class and I could have taken it at any college. I picked CCAC because of the consistent--quality education that I receive there. As I progress through classes for a masters degree, I know that I will have the foundation to be successful. A. Cotter, May, 2003
Each week we built on what we learned before. Each week the programs showed us something new. The Piano program showed us the Audioclip import. The JavaPaint showed us the mouseDragged method. I appreciated the way each line was explained in the programs. The programs were easy to understand. What impresses me the most is the amount of methods that are available to import into a program and how much they can do. I have had classes in other computer languages and have not done anything as useful and complicated as I have done in JAVA. I never thought I could do and understand a program that was animated and with sound! JAVA and Eileen Wrigley's style of teaching makes programming understandable and reachable (almost easy). These programs wet my appetite for more. J. Moenich, December, 2003
I thought the CIT130 course content was excellent - a few quizzes and heavy on programming assignments. Your text & CD I thought were exceptional. You saved me time by being able to copy/paste from existing files yet it was still up to me to learn this new and exciting technology, which I really did. D. Schendel, December, 2003
Thank you! Before I took 111, I was a little concerned about taking an online course; however, after taking these two courses with you (111 and 130), I would take all my classes online if I knew they would be done as well as these were. The combination of the book material, the quizzes with the explanations for the wrong answer, the emails (when necessary), and the rest of the info on the Blackboard site really made these courses complete. I actually feel like I got more out of these classes than I did in some of my classroom classes! I do think it would have been great to have the opportunity to have you in the classroom setting, but I am glad I chose these courses. P. Kelly, December 2002
Thank you for helping me to learn more about Java. I just want to say that the text book for the class was the most easy to read and understand programming book I have ever read. I have another Java book from a previous class and reading through it is pure torture. The book you wrote is so easy to read that I found myself reading through it all the time. I read it completely twice. This book should be standard to anyone wanting to learn Java. J. Eggert, December 2002
I have to admit that I was extremely apprehensive about taking an internet course. I have over the past 10 years taken a multitude of classes and had to adapt to every instructors teaching methods, but never have I experienced such a well thought out class structure than I did with yours. The instructional material that you provided online was more informative than books I have spent $100's of dollars on. Not only did you thoroughly explain the material in each chapter but your examples provided an even more in depth look into the chapters material. I strongly recommend this course to anyone that is serious in their pursuit of learning the Java programming language. The other benefit of this course is the availability of the instructor. There were several occasions on a weekend or late at night that I was programming and needed help so I sent an email of the problem to the instructor. I received responses back immediately which many of you know very rarely happens especially when you need it. This was one of the best classes I have taken at CCAC in years. Brian Gorny, December 2000
I am currently attending a local university and they would not accept my programming credits from CCAC so I am taking Java again. I am happy to say that I am so far ahead thanks to your wonderful online Java lessons. In fact, the material we will cover does not even approach what you were able to teach us. When the other students ask how I know so much about Java, I say CCAC!!.... contributed by J.Y., 2002
"Thanks" for a great class. I really enjoyed it and the book and hands-on exercises made it easier than I expected (and fun!) J. Weldon, December 2002
Finishing this final project, I would have to say that I enjoyed your course greatly. At the beginning, I didn't know what to really expect from an Internet course, as I had never taken one before. I know now that the material presented in this course and the multitude of projects and exercises has allowed me to get a great deal out of the Java language. Further stating, I really enjoyed the assignments that you issued us as they allowed me to express a great deal of my creativity in my programming. I enjoyed the card game the most as I can play with it and continue to build onto it if I want to. Dan Kaplan, December 2000
....you are a TEACHER, not only by profession, but as a person. Many professors are not teachers. They go through the motions of a Monday thru Friday 9 to 5 job. You truly care about your students and it shows. You are a rare find in this world of the quest for the easy way to the all mighty dollar in the teaching industry. You obviously love your work, if you did not, I would not of learned as I did, or done well enough to deserve the praises you have given me. The day you retire, is a day your future students will dread without ever knowing what they have missed out on, because they will not have you as their TEACHER. .....Thank you, It does make me feel good that you both work with us so much as well as reward us not just with grades, but with the Hall of Fame. I enjoy your classes immensely, and your extra effort does not go un-noticed. Eric Hegerle, December 2001
This course has been valuable to me for two reasons. Firstly, I will have to teach Java I and II at some point in the next year. Secondly, I am starting the Masters of Software Engineering in January (virtual classroom), and needed to get acquainted to the discipline needed to undertake a web-based program. Your course was very good for me for both needs. It is obvious that you spent very much time developing your lesson material. It flows smoothly, is concise, but has the details we need to learn the language. The way the handson exercises evolve through different ways of performing tasks is especially helpful for learning not only what we should do, but why. As an instructor, particularly teaching programming languages, I appreciate the effort that went into those lessons. John Allmon, December, 2000
This class has been an absolute pleasure to take. I was very hesitant about taking an online course, especially in programming. But it has been the most informative and fun class I have taken yet in my 25 years. I am feeling very confident now about programming, thanks to Eileen who is a wonderful teacher. The way that the online book is laid out makes it very understandable and easy to comprehend much on a weekly basis, without becoming overwhelmed. Eileen, don't change a thing about the way you teach this class next semester, and I believe everyone will be as pleased as I have been. Amy Marchetta, December 2000
This was my first ever internet course, and I was unsure if the lack of communication in a classroom would be good for me. After all is said and done, I think it is one of the best classes that I have ever taken. Including my classes at Robert Morris for my degree. I felt that your material was well organized, and easy to understand. Your use of examples and excercises helped me to understand almost everything. Your availability was better than a classroom. No impossible office hours. I would certainly not change a thing, other than try to convince CCAC to lengthen the semester for this class. I would like to know so much more. Steve Zupick , December 2000
I've enjoyed this course and learned a lot. I think your book is very well written and easy to understand. Thank you for all your help and knowledge throughout this course.
JPad: $20Linda Gold, December 2001
Book: $50
Course: $272
Getting into Professor Wrigley's Hall of Fame: Priceless!
When I began this course I looked at some of the hall of fame winners and wondered how anybody could ever do that ! ...I never imagined that one day even "one" of my projects would be displayed there...(I think I will have 4 in there now!)...now that the course is over, I feel compelled to once again compliment you on your work and tell you again how much I appreciate it....see you next semester :) Robert Kuhn, May, 2000
I really enjoyed this class and I can't believe how much I got out of an undergraduate "100-level" course. I will definitely be recommending this to the Duquesne University graduate advisors to spread the word if someone needs an on-line intro programming course. Eric Burd, December, 2001
I did learn LOTS of JAVA, and actually did have some fun!!! This was my first CCAC Internet course, and it was better than most of the on-campus lessons I've had, with the exception of Bob Russo's management class and George Fitzpatrick's Biz Law. You're a great instructor - the class format was well organized, the instructions were clear, concise and complete, and your e-mail answers were outstandinging timely! Arthur Barbus, May, 2001
I really enjoyed your online rendering of CIT 111! So much so that I have registered for CIT 130 and CIT 140 in the coming semester. I had reservations at first, but no more! I actually felt that I had better and quicker access to you via the Internet than I would have if we had a structured meeting time each week! I thank you for the time I know you invested in keeping up with all the e-mail and assignments! I learned alot and had fun doing it! Karen Campano , December 2000
Thanks for your help and quick responses all semester long. I really enjoyed this class. I have taken several on-line classes at CCAC now and by far yours is structured and presented the best. Ian C. Greenaway, May 2001
I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful experience of taking your Java class. I can't remember having such a good time with any course (and I'm one of those strange people who actually enjoys school.) I have recommended your courses to anyone who is interested in Java. J. Bondira, May, 2001
Thank you very much for the class. I learned a lot from you this semester. I enjoyed your course very much. This is the best class I've taken. The assignments that you gave to us let me increase my knowledge of Java. I also liked the hands-on exercises. You are one of the best teachers I've had. You are very patient with my questions. Whatever the question, you always answer promptly. I will strongly recommend your class to my friends. Thank you again. Renhua Zhang, May 2001
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your classes these last two semesters. While I didnt do well with having things done on time, I did learn. I believe I have a strong understanding in not only Java, but the paradigm of OOP. Im sure the lessons I have learned from you will be useful in all future programming classes I take. I intended to continue learning Java on my own, and search for a career as a java developer. I truly appreciate all you have taught. I have recommended your classes to others at CCAC. You really have a great Internet Course! Thanks Again!! Jeff Yot, May 2001
Mrs Wrigley, Thank you so much for CIT 130. You really know how to make JAVA fun! ...I was actually dreading this required course. I came in stressed and apprehensive and now I am leaving more confident and with a different attitude about programming....JAVA is actually fun! I've had so many different colleges courses, I can honestly say, Mrs. Wrigley, that you are by far one of the best professors I've ever had! Your style of teaching is superb. I really appreciate your concern that the students understand the concepts; rather then just having us memorize a bunch of terms. This is evident by the late nights you spent in the computer lab helping me and some of my classmates understand our projects! Your tests are straight forward and fair. You don't try to trip us up with tricky questions. You thoroughly answer our questions; even the silly ones! I wanted to thank you for your online book, also. What a tremendous amount of work you must have put into it! It was SO user friendly; even for a "stressed" student like me! The examples you used were very good and emphasized the concepts extremely well. The projects were actually FUN and a great way to learn how to use the principles of programming in JAVA. ...I'm actually sad to see the class end! If you do publish your book; (which I think you should!!) I wish you much success. I'm sure it would go down in JAVA history as the most comprehensive user-friendly JAVA reference ever! I will definitely be recommending you as a professor to any student that asks me! Thanks for everything! Dianne Burkhart , May 2000
Thank you so much for all your help this semester. I really enjoyed doing the work in this class. When you get things to work, it's a great feeling. Thanks again, hope I get you as an instructor in the future. Take Care. Eileen Martinez, May 2001
Thank you very much! I did learn a lot from you and also I really enjoyed being your student, you are a wonderful teacher!!! Thanks again!!! I wish I could have chance to learn from you later. T. Li, May, 2001
What a GREAT class! I was not even required to take CIT130 but after aking CIT110 with Professor Wrigley, I decided to take it for fun. That's exactly what it was--FUN. My only regret is that Professor Wrigley doesn't teach a more advanced Java class, maybe to prepare you for certification. Thanks for all your help and encouragement. Mike Freeman, May 2000
This is the best class I have ever had. Eileen, you are the best! Mrs. Wrigley is truly a special and very gifted teacher. I learned more in that class than any other class that I have ever taken to date. I was amazed at the things I could do after I took her Java class. (It was as if she plugged me directly into her knowledge bank; I almost instantly understood everything she tried to teach me.) I cannot credit her enough for the wonderful experience I had in her class. You are THE "Java Lady" and Ya can't be touched! Thanx for everything. T. Hartnett, May 2000
"I really enjoyed the class. I have a B.S and and MS in Mechanical Engineering and so I must have taken over 120 courses after high school, but yours was the BEST class and the most practical/productive one I took." Sai Uppuluri, May 1999.
"All in all, out of all my CS and engineering classes, this has been my favorite and most beneficial." Chris Schultz, May 2000
"Thanks for all your help and I really enjoyed your class. I learned more in your class than any of the other programming classes I've had so far. The information presented was very useful and in depth." Roseanne Belli, May 1999
"I've given only rave revues to other CIT students about the course. It is extremely well thought out, organized, and very thorough. Explanations are clear and to the point. They build logically without missing any steps. I also appreciated your instructions and demonstrations of how users are effected by the right or the wrong kind of programming (ie sound loops). The lessons learned in this course serve a very practical purpose. Many things about Java have been clarified for me. You've even managed to put a little fun into a rather difficult subject. The upbeat attitude that comes across in your course material and other communications is refreshing. " Bonnie Proie, May 2000
"This class is the closest thing to real world that I have seen. I like the part where we can copy and paste existing programs as a start - saves a lot of typing. I have been programming for years and many times I have taken existing programs as a base and modified them to complete projects. The explanations you give to the various sections of the code help make sense of things also. The class materials are excellent. They will provide good subject reference for the future." James Mezynski, May 2000
"The course focuses on exactly what we need to know in order to write programs that we can use in the real world. You have undertaken a monumental task of creating your own course material, and I am extremely impressed with the information you present, how it is presented, and the practicality of the exercises." Marion Wyckoff, May 2000
"I am very impressed with this course. Your teaching style allows for stress-free learning. This is my third distance ed. course, and you provide a lot of information instead of leaving the burden of learning on the student as some other courses do, which would have made this class impossible for someone like me. Keep the class just as it is!" Camille Jones, May 2000
"The class is easy to understand well organized. I especially like the examples and hands on exercises." Jillian Jones, May 2000
"Very easy to follow, questions always answered promptly and in an understandable fashion. One of the best programming courses I've had!" Gary Smith, May 2000
"This is an excellent course and I will recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Java. Seriously, please consider offering a sequal to this course if that fits into our professor's schedule and is fine with CCAC." Elaine Mak, May 2000
Thanks for everything, it was a really good course and I learned alot. Let me know if there is an instructor review or evaluation you want me to fill out... You 'll get glowing points but I'm recommending you dump that blasted UNIX server !!! I look forward to doing more internet courses in the future... Mike Aylward, May 2001
An Open letter to future Java students,My first Java course was extremely frustrating! I passed the course with a very good grade, but learned very little Java. In the end, I was able to draw a stick figure and make the stick man’s arm move up to a second fixed position. I was very disappointed and thought to myself that I was just not capable. This Java stuff is way over my head. A few semesters later, I decided to give it one more try, but this time with a different teacher. I even decided to avoid the classroom and try an Internet course for the first time ever. If I could not learn basic Java after 2 attempts, then I will know that I do not have the mind for programming. I wrote to Professor Wrigley and she advised me not to take her CIT111 Internet course, because I had already taken most of what she would cover. I decided to take her course anyhow. WOW, What a huge difference! Professor Wrigley’s course is so well-written and understandable. I believe that anybody that wants to learn Java, can. Don’t misunderstand, it’s not easy. It is challenging, but it is great fun too. You will get soooo much out of her courses if you are willing to put a little work into them. Professor Wrigley displays her dedication to teaching and helping every student. When I asked for help on assignments, I knew that she would respond quickly and I found her always willing to take as much time as needed to help. If you want to learn Java, there is not better way. Professor Wrigley will not let you fail. I have taken CIT111 and am almost finished with CIT130. She has guided me from struggling with a stick man graphic, to her Great Hall of Fame! My only regret is that there is not a 3rd Java course by Professor Wrigley. Robert Kuhn, December 2001
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I am sincerely interested in your comments and suggestions. Send me email at ewrigley@ccac.edu. |
