Course Description
CS 246: Object-Oriented Software Development
Introduction to object-oriented programming and to tools and techniques for software development. Designing, coding, debugging, testing, and documenting medium-sized programs: reading specifications and designing software to implement them; selecting appropriate data structures and control structures; writing reusable code; reusing existing code; basic performance issues; debuggers; test suites.
Student Feedback
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Ross is unequivocally the best ISA I have ever met.
Over the course of the term, due to the timezone difference between where I currently reside and Canada, I scheduled weekly office hours with Ross so that I could ask him questions regarding the weekly course material. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable about the course material, Ross also explained the concepts with soundness, patience, and clarity. In terms of the questions I had regarding the assignments, Ross would always clarify any confusion I had, and put me on the right track without giving away the answers. For example, for assignment 03, I had a lot of difficulty understanding how I would code the move assignment operator and move constructor. To clear up any confusions I had, Ross patiently went through the course content’s example on the linked-lists’ move assignment operator and move constructor by drawing diagrams to support his explanation. The visual presentation along with his explanation of what the move assignment operator and move constructor did step-by-step cleared up all my confusions, and I was able to complete both methods afterwards. In past terms, I felt that many ISAs tried to answer as many questions during office hours as possible, and thus their explanations were perplexing and often unhelpful, or that they would resort to indirectly giving me the solutions. On the other hand, Ross was extremely helpful, challenged me to learn by leading me in the correct direction, and presented his visual/verbal explanations in a succinct manner.
On a macro level, Ross helped build my confidence in Computer Science. In previous Computer Science courses, I struggled immensely with the course content as well as the assignments. As a result, I disliked whenever new assignments came out, and dreaded doing them. Coming into CS 246 and knowing that it is a demanding course, I was worried if I was going to succeed. Ross constantly reminded me that I had to believe in myself, and along with his explanations throughout the course, I developed a liking for programming.
Overall, Ross commitment and dedication towards helping has made all the difference for me. Thank you Ross.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
He was absolutely brilliant over the course of this term. His dedication to assisting students with their assignments remains unparalleled. He regularly starts his office hours early and finishes after everyone in the queue gets their questions answered. I feel this term most of my learning happened through ISAs as they were always there to help me with the material. I was always pushed in the right direction during office hours and I have always come out more than satisfied with their service.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Whenever I had office hours, or an individual appointment with Ross, he was always super helpful and provided really good feedback/guidance. One thing I really liked about the way in which he helped was that he would never leave me feeling confused, or just give me the answer straight up – he would ask me guiding questions to guide me to figure out whatever problem I was dealing with in my code/the assignment. I really found this helpful because not only did he help solve whatever problem I would be dealing with, but this method also helped me to refine my knowledge and confidence in the content we were learning in class, and also in my ability to program in C++.
Overall, Ross was immensely helpful and made me enjoy the course even more by helping me solidify my understanding of the course content!
10/10 Ross was my favorite ISA! (even though I haven’t had too many interactions with the other ISAs)
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
The best! He’s very knowledgable and very approachable. He answers all the questions nicely. When I still don’t understand things, he’ll explain it one by one patiently. He uses diagrams to explain too, which was very very helpful. His presentation helped me understand the course material better and helped me to do my assignment as well. He’s always punctual with his office hours and even when his office hour time has come to an end, he’s still willing to help the people that are still waiting.
If there’s some feedback, it would probably be not to speak very very quick…
Overall, he’s a very very good ISA, one of the best ISAs I’ve ever meet!
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Extremely helpful when it came to clearing up confusion about course content, is active on Piazza to answer questions, and takes the time to make sure you actually understand what he is explaining. Ross has on occasion even stuck around after the scheduled office hour time to answer questions/reach out to students that didn’t get to talk with him. I also enjoyed the extra videos he put together and the fun little quips on Piazza. Ross conducts himself in a professional manner.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
I have been to almost all of Ross’s office hours, and he has always been extremely helpful and thorough with any questions I have. I am not afraid to ask him anything as he clearly explains any question I have in a very kind manner. I think he is by far the best ISA I have ever interacted with, and that is why I have ranked him as outstanding.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Was the IA/ISA knowledgeable about the course material?
- Very much.
Was the IA/ISA approachable?
- Very much. Ross has a 1-second response rate on Piazza & very friendly as well.
Was the IA/ISA helpful?
- Very much. Ross is very knowledge in C++ and thus he is very helpful when it comes to assignments or simple questions about C++ in general.
Did the IA/ISA challenge you to learn?
- Yes (if I understood the question correctly)
Was the IA/ISA punctual?
- Not sure about this, but he is very quick on Piazza and I can tell he cares about the students.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Really nice and approachable person. I only went to his office hours once to take a look at some failed test suites I missed out on during the assignments, and he was extremely helpful. I also noticed that generally on Piazza, he tries to connect with students and really help them with questions.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
A fantastic ISA! I went to his office hours once and he really was extremely helpful! Even though I was struggling in the course he took his time explaining the concepts very well and I feel like I learned so much just by going to office hours! He was extremely knowledgeable about the course material and was able to answer all of my questions very well! At the same time, he also challenged me to learn by prompting me to review my own code after explaining the underlying concepts. Ross went above and beyond even extending beyond his normal office hours time to help me!
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
The Anime video might have been one of the best highlights of the semester. Thank you for being so engaging with the class!
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Ross was very helpful, approachable, and made time to meet outside of regular office hours.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Ross is an awesome ISA! He goes above and beyond to help with debugging issues, hosting virtual meetings outside of office hours if you couldn’t make office hours, and his answers on piazza are always so informative. He really wants you to understand the content and is very pleasant/easy to approach.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Knowledgeable about course material. Good sense of humor + made the course more fun. Helpful and responded timely.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Friendly, funny, smart, always goes overtime to help us.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Ross provided content above and beyond my expectations of an ISA. He truly assisted in my understanding and made the online experience better.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Ross Evans gave constructive answers to my questions on Piazza.
Rank: 4/4 Outstanding
Amazing.