2017 Spring IT Network Systems Administrator Student SLO Assessmwnt Survey
IT Network Systems Admin Spring 2017 Student SLO Report Spring 2017 - IT Network Systems Administration July 28th 2017, 9:44 am MDT Q3 - What did you like about this program? I think the strongest aspect of this program is the instructors that teach it. The three core instructors (XXXXX XXXXX, XXXXX XXXXX and XXXXX XXXXX) have valuable work experience, and most importantly, care about their students. They deliver a well laid out class experience that is inclusive and fosters learning. Another aspect I liked was the open-ended nature of the last semester. I was given choices on practical projects which introduced me to a lot of new concepts. This kind of individual work is a good transition into a real administration job. It was nice to have a learning experience where I didn't have to rely on a book. There was guidance, but the answers weren't given. There was the necessity to do research. lots of labs We do a lot of labs. The labs are very different from each others. This program wasn't enjoyable at all, but that was because of my lack of understanding the material. Favorite instructor was XXXXX. Least favorite was XXXXX. XXXXX was right in between. The professors where great. They were knowledgeable about the specific topics they taught. The flexibility around doing the labs. Was not rushed to do labs I had no experiences with. I very much enjoyed the freedom we were given, as far as resources and time goes. I think the variety of operating systems and technologies proves beneficial as we are exposed to many things we may encounter in the field. I like the lab-based work, as it encourages us to solve problems by ourselves as well as where to look for help (RTM, forums, etc). The Cisco NetAcademy alone is very comprehensive, hands on, and resourceful. And how could I forget VMware. With VMware, the capabilities are virtually endless (no pun intended). The program provides in depth knowledge of IT administration. The instructors are well versed in the subjects they teach and provide excellent instruction for students seeking IT careers. When I came into the program I felt fairly unaware of what was going on in class, but not long after being in the program I felt that I was at around the same level of knowledge as my classmates. I felt it was a good program to be in. Q4 - What would you change about this program? Some of the changes I would make to the program have already been implemented for the next semester. This included changing the Database Concepts class to something a Network Administrator would see on a day-to-day basis (now students take Database Administration). One change I would like to see implemented would be a larger focus on programming/scripting. There is a Scripting/Automation class already, but it's only a brief overview of an aspect of administration that, on a national scope, appears to be trending more towards automating everyday work. I think adding at least another class of scripting would be very beneficial to students. While PowerShell and CMD were quickly covered, I think adding more time with Linux Shell scripting would make students more comfortable as a follow-up to Linux Administration 1. I don't think that there is anything that I would change. more linux and database class needs to be more network focused not how to use access Everything is great about this program. I think there should be options for different learning styles. For example, if you like figuring things out on your own, assignments and projects should reflect this. If you learn better by repetition and guidance, there should be those options as well. Rework they courses up a bit. I feel all the project base classes should be together and power point oriented classes should be in the same semester. Nothing at he moment. I think small quizzes in each class would make it so that students retain knowledge better, rather than just googling the answer when necessary or asking someone else. Doing this I think would embed this knowledge into our minds better, making us that much "snappier" and effective. I would also encourage instructors to maybe have more slideshows/presentations on certain topics, with graphics and definitions, all while talking aloud to students and allowing students to chime in or call on students. I think it would improve the student's likeliness of finding jobs if we were to create a certification path, and to follow through with that path. Starting first term, determine what interests the student (networking, security, hardware, programming, etc), then have the student write up a two-year plan with goals at each semester or every 6 months. Obviously WTC cannot advertise certifications for other companies, but if the student finds and decides upon a certification themselves, then maybe WTC can implement an incentive program if the student follows through with their goals. Lastly, having the teacher work on the overhead while the students work could be a great learning experience, as it is a firsthand experience happening right in front of the students. And in doing this, it would encourage students to attend class and really familiarize themselves with different interfaces, commands, etc. I might also recommend instructors taking snapshots in VMware periodically or by class period, to avoid complications and to help students that are faced with difficult technical complications. The program is very geared toward administrative IT. It is very hard to land an administrator job without work experience. In the last semester, I feel that it should be a full on lab experience to enhance what we learned, and virtualization felt like a 2nd semester or 1st semester class. Q6 - As a result of this program: I have learned effective communication skills. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 30.00% 3 4 Agree 30.00% 3 5 Strongly Agree 40.00% 4 Total 100% 10 Q7 - Provide any comments you have on effective communication skills you learned. A lot of the coursework involves being put into random groups and working with others. I think this helped me in my communication skills, and along with several classes that involved giving speeches, I feel more confident in my ability to speak in front of others. I've learned through life lessons. I learned that soft skills are just as important or more important than other skills when it comes to finding a job. I've learned a lot about communicating about how things work, and how to possibly interpret them to someone who may not be tech-savvy. Also in group projects, it is necessary sometimes to ask your peers questions, and in turn answer or solve any questions that they may have. Most of my communication skills were learned before the program. The Technical Reporting and other English classes required were more a burden than anything else. Q8 - As a result of this program: I am able to apply mathematical concepts. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 20.00% 2 4 Agree 50.00% 5 5 Strongly Agree 30.00% 3 Total 100% 10 Q9 - Provide any comments you have on mathematical concepts you learned. I haven't been in high school for about 8 years now and the mathematical course was more of a great refresher for me. Not much mathematical concepts in this program, besides subnets and their masks, and maybe parity/striping concepts... Math with Business Apps was unnecessary. It seemed like the course was geared toward freshman high school students or below. Q10 - As a result of this program: I learned how to transfer social and natural science theories into practical applications. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 50.00% 5 4 Agree 40.00% 4 5 Strongly Agree 10.00% 1 Total 100% 10 Q11 - Provide any comments you have on transferring social and natural science theories into practical applications. n/a Q12 - As a result of this program: I learned critical thinking skills. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 0.00% 0 4 Agree 40.00% 4 5 Strongly Agree 60.00% 6 Total 100% 10 Q13 - Provide any comments you have on critical thinking skills you learned. This program was an absolute gauntlet of critical-thinking. I have learned how to sequentially troubleshoot something (if not this, then this), browse forums of people having similar problems and to apply their knowledge to one's own scenario. Specifically, the later projects in the last two semesters were more or less just assigned without specific or step-by-step instructions. Which in turn made us ride the IT bike without training wheels. This is a necessity to the program. Q14 - As a result of this program: I have learned to use technology effectively. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 0.00% 0 4 Agree 10.00% 1 5 Strongly Agree 90.00% 9 Total 100% 10 Q15 - Provide any comments you have on what you learned about using technology effectively. The IT Hardware/Software course and the following courses have made me very comfortable with using technology. I really did not have the resources financially to work with technology like I do here at Western. So being able to tinker with and configure hardware components have been a huge staple of my knowledge from this program. Q16 - As a result of this program: I have learned to value myself and work ethically with others in a diverse population. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 10.00% 1 4 Agree 30.00% 3 5 Strongly Agree 60.00% 6 Total 100% 10 Q17 - Provide any comments you have on what you learned about valuing yourself and working ethically with others in a diverse population. I already had these skills "With great power comes great responsibility..." This sums it up pretty well. In IT, you are exposed to potentially very personal documents which may be financial, social, or emotional assets to the end user. As an IT professional, I have learned how these powers can be taken advantage of, and adversely how vulnerable I may be to outside viewers. It is with these bits of information that I pride myself on the responsibilities I may carry at a given point. In my current job, I have keylogging abilities to every end user and computer on our network, which I could use maliciously. But I do not, for it is utterly and completely wrong, not to mention illegal too. Q18 - As a result of this program: I am able to make decisions that incorporate the importance of sustainability. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 20.00% 2 4 Agree 20.00% 2 5 Strongly Agree 60.00% 6 Total 100% 10 Q19 - Provide any comments you have on what you learned about incorporating the importance of sustainability in decisions you make. Q21 - As a result of this program, I learned to: configure and administer network operating systems. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 10.00% 1 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 0.00% 0 4 Agree 20.00% 2 5 Strongly Agree 70.00% 7 Total 100% 10 Q22 - Provide any comments you have about learning this program outcome. I wouldn't know what to do if I was given a project to demonstrate this. Q23 - As a result of this program, I learned to: design and administer network infrastructure. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 10.00% 1 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 10.00% 1 4 Agree 30.00% 3 5 Strongly Agree 50.00% 5 Total 100% 10 Q24 - Provide any comments you have about learning this program outcome. See previous answer Q25 - As a result of this program, I learned to: protect network and system against intrusion. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 10.00% 1 4 Agree 50.00% 5 5 Strongly Agree 40.00% 4 Total 100% 10 Q26 - Provide any comments you have about learning this program outcome. I learned some concepts, but would probably need to do research if I were to implement anything. Q27 - As a result of this program, I learned to: support and train end users regarding hardware and software issues. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 10.00% 1 4 Agree 50.00% 5 5 Strongly Agree 40.00% 4 Total 100% 10 Q28 - Provide any comments you have about learning this program outcome. This is probably as comfortable as I can say I learned about the program Q29 - As a result of this program, I learned to: develop and maintain system documentation, baseline data, and business continuity plans. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 10.00% 1 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 0.00% 0 4 Agree 50.00% 5 5 Strongly Agree 40.00% 4 Total 100% 10 Q30 - Provide any comments you have about learning this program outcome. I'm trying to figure out what all that means... Q31 - As a result of this program, I learned to: coordinate and manage IT projects and assets in a business environment. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 10.00% 1 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 0.00% 0 4 Agree 50.00% 5 5 Strongly Agree 40.00% 4 Total 100% 10 Q32 - Provide any comments you have about learning this program outcome. Would not be comfortable anywhere near those tasks. Q33 - As a result of this program, I learned to: demonstrate a strong work ethic, utilize time management skills, display initiative and work cooperatively as part of an effective team. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neither Agree nor Disagree 0.00% 0 4 Agree 40.00% 4 5 Strongly Agree 60.00% 6 Total 100% 10 Q34 - Provide any comments you have about learning this program outcome. This I definitely got better at. Q35 - CONCLUSION Please use this space to share any other feedback, comments, or suggestions about your experience at Western Technical College. I think this is one of the best programs at Western. I have personally seen the success that its graduates have earned, and I am very happy with my choice of Network System Administration The instructors and courses help me to get what I should know. Overall a good experience. I feel like I picked the wrong program for myself, my first degree was more enjoyable. I enjoyed my time I spent at WTC. The staff is friendly and the schedule for classes were manageable. I would recommend WTC to everyone. My experience here overall has been fantastic. The only thing I may consider is to better monitor the staff regarding their efforts to the class they are teaching. I've noticed more than a few times instructors simply showing up and not putting in much of an effort at all. "Read the chapter, do the questions, do the book labs..." is not an acceptable form of teaching if we are paying thousands of dollars to attend. I can do all of those things at home, and giving assignments does NOT require much effort. With that being said, if a teacher is to just assign book assignments, they should follow-up on what is SPECIFICALLY being learned in the material, instead of reciting a study guide. Scot and Cory are awesome instructors and made the program fun and interesting. I felt like some of the cans of the tea in the Union Market were over priced.
