Dave Tompkins :: Teaching :: 2002 Fall :: EECE 467

Dave Tompkins :: Teaching :: 2002 Fall :: EECE 467 - 101

Course Description:

EECE 467: Real-Time Implementation of DSP Algorithms

DSP systems overview; DSP architectures; programming DSPs in 'C' and Assembly, I/O issues; real-time operating systems; host interfaces; code mapping and optimization; testing; DSP solutions in speech, audio, radar, telecommunications and control.

Dave's Comments:

This was a tough semester for me. I was originally told that I would not be teaching, and I only found out I would be teaching a few weeks before classes were to begin. The original plan was to upgrade the PCs in the lab and use the old C3x DSP boards and software for one more year -- but when this became infeasible new C6x boards had to be ordered -- and the lab wasn't ready for use until October. I had to adjust the lecture material and re-design the labs for 'C' and the C6x. Unfortunately, many of the lab designs were completed at the last minute which caused some problems and annoyed many students. Given the circumstances, I think the course went well, but it could have been a lot better.

Teaching Evaluations:

Number of Respondents: 16 / 21 (76%)

The Instructor:

The instructor is habitually well prepared for class.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
		8	8
		50%	50%

The instructor speaks clearly and audibly.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
		3	13
		19%	81%

The instructor's blackboard and screen presentations are clear and visible.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
		2	14
		12%	88%

The instructor appears to be interested in teaching.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
		2	14
		12%	88%

I rate the instructor's overall effectiveness high.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
1	1	2	12
6%	6%	12%	75%

The Course:

In comparison to other courses of equal credit the assigned workload for this course is heavy.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
	3	8	5
	19%	50%	31%

In comparison to other courses I am taking the level of the material for this course is rather advanced.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
1	5	7	3
6%	31%	44%	19%

The course material seems relevant to my professional needs.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
		6	10
		38%	62%

The course material is interesting.
Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
		9	7
		56%	44%

Comments:

Note: This is a complete list of comments I received, listed alphabetically to avoid bias

Comment on what the instructor has done especially well in teaching the course and what he/she might do to improve teaching it.

Could be more efficient in class time usage.
Dave is genuinely interested in improving as a teacher, and is always looking for new ways to explain concepts. He will go on to be a great educator.
Dave makes lectures interesting & fun.
Dave's humour may be a bit over-rated. Or, perhaps he's just tired in the mornings. Where are the juices & boxes of fun !?
Even with all the lab delays and/or extensions, I felt the course ran smoothly, mainly due to Dave's flexibility and willingness to help out his students. 8 am lectures were actually worth getting up for! Dave was a great instructor, very very interesting. Should teach more courses!
Explains everything clearly and thoroughly. Always endeavouring to make the course fun and interesting.
Great atmosphere in class. Interesting, entertaining presentation of material.
He's fat, fast & funny. More examples on the theory would help. He's interesting and you won't fall asleep in his class. I think it would be better if he could break down the marking in points form. I don't know what I did wrong in the questions (the subjective ones).
He's very interesting and funny. Should give some background on labs in class.
Material was presented well and seemed very relevant to industry
Should put up what the lab would be like earlier.
Sometimes have trouble explaining stuff. Seems like a good guy.
Testing is not related to course materials as presented. Lab preparation time is minimized by posting required materials eight hours before the morning lab commences. Lab requirements not covered in lecture time.
Very keen; Great sense of humour. Often does not have extensive knowledge of slide/lecture material; vague responses to questions.

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