Mary Elaine Califf - Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Professor: Mary Elaine Califf

Department: Computer Science

College: Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: IT279
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I have no doubt that she genuinely wants me to come away from the class knowing the material, not just getting a grade. She is one of the few teachers I have anymore that doesn't look surprised by what comes up on her powerpoints, it's almost as if she prepares for class. I will say, the time requirement for 279 is a little unreasonable.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: IT279
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Condescending. Inflexible. Provides vague assignment specifications and then complains when you fill in the blanks with things she didn't intend. Don't try to be innovative in this class. You do things her way or you lose....

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: IT168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Califf knows what she's talking about, but is not good at teaching, especially introductory programming. Out of all the CS teachers I've had (after graduation), I can honestly say she was the worst. Her demands are high, her lessons are short, and her air of arrogance will become apparent within the first few classes.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ITK340
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very well educated, knows her stuff. Projects are very intense time-committments. Can be intimidating, as the instructor is not afraid to call you on laziness. However, as long as you attend class and keep up with the reading, you should do ok. The important thing is that you are expected to ask questions in class. That's the way to do well in here

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Passing this class is considered excellent for non CS majors. Worked 24/7 non-stop this entire semester. Had no time for any other hw but this class. Did really well until the finals. She re-grades some assignments after graders do and docks points. Ask questions. Start hw early!! Make sure you have at least 25+ hours/week for this class only.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

The most condescending teacher I've ever had. Math majors required to take this class: Take 177 instead. She would be an excellent teacher if I were in the major and wanted a tough teacher, but she's no good for those of us who just need a basic understanding of programming; she is simply a bad fit for non-CS majors, and for any entry level class

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ITK279
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

One word: CONDESCENDING. Not a bad class, but the teach...no thanks. A lot of book homework, 5 total programs, 2 papers, and multiple exams. Pay attention in class, don't get angry because of the teacher, and do the homework and you'll have yourself an easy B or better.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She expects people to work in this class, so don't take it for an easy A. If you start your programs early and ask questions you will do fine in the class. Reading the book helps for the in class quizzes. Also, if you show that you don't care about the class she is less willing to help you.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class has a snowball effect so be careful. She seems to hate explaining things and appears angry when you don't understand something. She loads you with work and expects you to instantly follow everything.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very time intensive course. If you put in the hours she will like you and therefore be more willing to help her. If you're a girl pretend to be really interesting in picking up the CS minor/major she'll love you

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ITK279
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She is very nice and explains things well. She also gives out a lot of homework.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

supper hard professor. she expects every student like a professional computer engineer, very strict.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

call her MARY, i dare anyone.. avoid this teacher at all costs.. find someone who has already taken the class.. tests are nearly identical every year

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

worst teacher ever. never helps anyone.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This woman could quite possibly be the ****iest teacher I've ever had. Every time you would ask for help, she would look down on you and try and make you feel as worthless as possible. I don't know how many times I saw or heard the word NO in 1 semester.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ITK368
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

You would be better off spending a night with hungry lions then sit in a class with her...She is a self proclaimed genius, out with sole purpose to make life miserable for people

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Piece of case class. I just go so I don't miss the quiz. No notes = 104%

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ITK169
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Likes to play favorites. Of course you will like her if you're on her good side. I went to her office many times at the beginning and she refused to give me even a hint. On the other hand I have caught her handing out big programming secrets to the suck up students. Teaches off of emotion.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ITK168
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Worst teacher I have ever had. Could not have been a bigger ****. Avoid at all costs.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: 279327
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Awesome teacher, very helpful, a little too into God, and the AI can drag.