Cheryl Kautz | Portfolio | Student Evaluations

student evaluations

I walked into this class with no idea on how to develop websites, and now I am pursuing internships where website development is heavily based. She does a great job in teaching the essentials and making it entertaining,

Students | GVSU | CIS238 | Winter 2016

The Professor was very willing to help...hearing the instructor's connections to the real world and her years of experience in this field... I found the class to be my favorite of the semester even with a higher workload setting... I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I learned many concepts that extended beyond what i thought I would have. The course covered a lot.

Students | GVSU | CIS238 | Winter 2016

The in-class examples and real-world applications that the teacher used, along with lectures and in-class activities (contributed most to my learning) The class got me interested in designing for the web...the professor's enthusiasm kept me interested.

Student | GVSU | CIS238 | Fall 2015

Extremely clear on expectations. Utilized blackboard to the fullest extent. FAQs online, multiple ways to contact her, does blackboard instant messaging, and fast at answering emails. Classes are fun, enjoyable and relevant. In class activities were enjoyable and made me think. Current events were integrated into the course. Never belittled students and always encouraged people. Genuinely cares about teaching and doing it effectively. Created a professional mobile website for CIS150 students with additional (optional) information to learn more on our own. I wish she could teach all my classes.

Student | GVSU | CIS 150| Fall 2015

I cannot say enough good things about Prof. Kautz. She was extremely helpful and always around to answer questions that I had. She made the class exciting. Dates / times things were due were clear and immediately graded anything that was turned in. Use of Bb is very effective and I think she is a great professor...there was a TON of hands on activities during class which were very applicable to everyday life.

Student | GVSU | CIS 150| Fall 2015

...I really appreciate all the work and care you put into teaching. I was especially thankful for the organization, and the depth of content of the course work, and for all the work you put into providing ways to convey the lessons (videos, PDFs, extra resources). And also, I was thankful for how quickly you respond to emails! That is such a lifeline for any course, but especially online courses...you are such a dedicated, great teacher.

Student | GRCC | CO252 | Winter 2014

She makes sure every student understands and can follow the instructions. She knows what she is doing. She explains things clearly without being confusing.

Student | MCC | BUS180C | Fall 2013

By far the most tech-savvy and organized professor at GRCC. Despite not having met her face to face, her prompt responses to emails and video tutorials still makes her one of the most attentive and instructive teachers at the college. She understands the material well, and is capable of articulating her knowledge to students. The amount of work and effort shows, making it obvious that she dedicated to providing the best possible course.

Student | GRCC | CO 252 | Winter 2013

Very knowledgable on the topic, adds real-world skills that I can apply to work projects. Also includes time saving shortcuts that were learned from actually working in the field.

Student | GRCC | CO 252 | Fall 2012

Always, and I mean always, right on top of things / changes. Her turn around time is awesome. CO152 Photoshop: She provided tips, was on messenger to help at any time, very thorough on the material, had PDF files as well as book help, and was very into what she was doing! AWESOME INSTRUCTOR!

Student quote from 2011 nomination for Gold Star Award | GRCC | CO 152 | Fall 2011

Click or tap to see additional student reviews.

Winter 2014 - Grand Rapids Community College

Blackboard feedback forum: "...I also enjoyed having to come up with my own projects from scratch based on the Revealed book instructions. In previous classes I never felt I learned all that much just from following steps. I feel like I accomplished more on the first two projects this semester that I had to create from scratch than I did in the entirety of the rest of the class. So thanks for that. -- Sorry for the long comment!"

Fall 2013 - Grand Rapids Community College

Course surveys: "Fantastic professor! Very knowledgeable and always willing to help. I learned a LOT!"

Course surveys: "She is awesome. Loved her as a professor."

Course surveys: "This course helped me a lot. I highly recommend to all students."

Blackboard feedback forum: "I learned so much! Also, Cheryl is awesome... she is a rock star! She is execptionally responsive to requests for help, information, etc., she is on Blackboard IM a LOT and will do what it takes to get you the info or resources to do your assignment. On Blackboard she also does a great job with clarity and resources to accomplish your tasks, and many other things as well."

Blackboard feedback forum: "I truly enjoyed the midterm project, I have never recorded anything on the screen before and found the experience quite interesting. Grading our fellow classmates’ midterms was also a good experience and I found several of the presentations quite fascinating. I also really appreciate the final project being split between Print and Web Mockup, I think it is great that you tailored the last few lessons towards areas in which we are majoring."

Blackboard feedback forum: "I liked that we covered curves, mask, blending modes and the rest which was very useful. The extra information you provided to the class via your site and in the resource tabs was great too. Your home work tips helped with misunderstandings in the book…I achieved my photo shop goal of knowing more about the program and what I can use it for. And where my weaknesses are. Good class!"

Blackboard feedback forum: "I found that the chapters (modules) were rather easy to follow along with. I have had past classes where it's extremely difficult to know what to do, and when it's due. The chapters I feel also pushed my Photoshop ability and helped me learn many new tricks and features. I found this course to be extremely educational as far as photoshop goes."

Blackboard feedback forum: "I feel that I have become more comfortable starting from scratching and editing images versus editing something that already exists. This course definitely expanded what I had known in regards to photoshop as well as gave me more knowledge on tools that I had thought I already mastered. Tools such as the pen tool, since having taken CO120 and CO152; I had thought my ability with most basic tools was already mastered. This was definitely a fun course for myself, and I am disappointed it is already coming to and end. However, I feel that I can now take the skills I have learned any apply them to future projects and courses."

Blackboard feedback forum: "I enjoyed the variety of projects that we worked on throughout the semester. I feel we touched on a little bit of everything, which is what I was hoping for this semester."

Blackboard feedback forum: "I really enjoyed the midterm video project. That was something ive never done before, and I also had a lot of fun doing the final project and using the skills I learned this semester.I feel pretty confident in my photoshop skills and I learned some good tricks that I didnt know before. very pleased. Thank you."

Fall 2013 - Muskegon Community College

"Always happy and accessible online."

"Love going through step-by-step and watching how she does it. Extra help available on course web site. I learned things I thought I knew."

"Loved the class and how it was set up."'

"Very approachable and knowledgable."

"She is understanding and takes her time with each lesson. She answers questions and makes sure we all get it before we go."

"She is fun, very friendly and upbeat."

Winter 2013 - Grand Rapids Community College

"I have had Mrs. Kautz for three classes and would recommend her to any and all future students, she does a wonderful job of laying out the class objectives and teaching the material."

Fall 2012 - Muskegon Community College

"The greatest strengths of the teacher is her personality and knowledge. You can tell she knows shat she is talking about. Also, she has a good vibe."

"She talks clearly so we understand and is approachable when help is needed."

"Very approachable, easy to reach, explains procedures very well."

"She really knows what she is talking about and enjoy the extra ways of doing something, not just what the book shows."

Fall 2012 - Grand Rapids Community College

"The best class I've taken at GRCC."

Winter 2012 - GRCC

"The workload was challenging, yet doable. I LOVE THE VIDEO LECTURES! Was that loud enough? I wish all classes had that. I can't imagine how much time our wonderful instructor put in to video lectures, printed lesson helps, and online availability to help when needed. Two thumps up!"

"I have to say, this is the most organized course I have taken at GRCC. It was well put together, I can tell she put a lot of work into it! The additional "help" files and other support given makes this class very valuable. Furthermore, I felt the work load was just right. I learned alot this semester. I would highly recommend this course to others. My favorite project was probably project 4 - utilitzing curves and adjustments. The things I learned that week can be carried out in nearly every project."

"It is by far the most organized and helpful class I've taken onine and you've done a great job of setting it up. Thanks for your help!"

"This course is very well put together. I can tell the instructor has put a lot of time into it's creation. Each lesson is clearly laid out as to what we will be learning, due date, and what exact files need to be submitted. The lessons include a video lecture, pdf file containing specific instructions on how to do the assignment and a pdf help file that addresses common mistakes made and tough spots in the lesson. The video lectures are clear and of high quality. I especially like how the video zooms in when speaking of certain features. There are links to extensive resources and help available. Also, it is very nice that the instructor includes a link to her website which allows me to pick up extra knowledge that may not be taught in the class. The Blackboard IM is a nice feature that allows me to interact a little more like a traditional classroom. The teacher's extra attentiveness makes the online experience much more enjoyable."

"Prof Kautz did a wonderful job. Loved the structure of teaching and the homework assignments! Thanks so much."

"Mrs. Kautz rocks!"

Fall 2011 - GRCC

"She knows what she is doing and you learn. Does videos to explain the concepts."

"Very informative instructor! Would like to see more classes with this instructor."

"Very great instructor. She makes sure you know what you're doing before leaving class."

"Love this class - been using Photoshop since about 1992 - 1993, but learning so much and so many tricks, as well as new features. Cheryl does a great job explaining everything. Hope to have classes with her in the future."

"Definitely the best professor I had at GRCC. GRCC is lucky to have her."

Student emails:
"Thank you for staying around late last night and for explaining the step I was having problems with so I could understand it. I really appreciate your time and patience. You're a very good instructor and go above and beyond so that we can learn. I feel we are truly getting our money's worth with this class."

"Nice to have finally met you, felt like I knew you already with all the 'You are gonna really like the advanced class, Cheryl is such a great instructor' comments I received from countless other classmates that had classes with you. I learned more in the first half hour that we spent on just the beginning of the "revealed" book with masks than I think I ever learned. You really know your stuff and I love keyboard shorcuts, so bring 'em on."

2010 and before - GRCC

"Prof Kautz is awesome. She is very helpful & goes out of her way to create charts & examples that help us understand the chapter even better than the book does sometimes."

"Seriously, best prepared and most knowledgable teacher I've had."

"Excellent instructor."

"Cheryl is an awesome teacher. She makes class fun. I learn so much and she makes it easy to learn and remember topics discussed. She is by far one of my favorite teachers."

"Cheryl is an excellent instructor. She goes out of her way to make sure we understand and can complete assignments.' She's an A++++++ instructor!"

"My instructor is very knowledgable about course work, and always very helpful when I have questions, or need guidance. She makes course work interesting, fun, and enjoyable to learn. She's an excellent instructor. She gets an A+ from me!"

"Nice job. Very patient teaching style."

"Instructor is very helpful, knowledgable, of the course. Very happy to have this class with her. I am looking to see what other classes she is teaching. Learning a great deal with her."

"You do a great job of teaching!"

"Very good instructor in teaching this course. I would be glad to have her again as my teacher."

"Awesome teacher: very easy to follow and she stops to let slowpokes (me) catch up."

"Awesome class!"

"I've taken lots of classes over the years; your passion for education and enthusiasm for teaching is contagious. I'm happy to know you as my teacher. Thank you!"