Very easy teacher. Very helpful on assignments. One of the best.

One of the few good professors at SJSU

Great guy, great class, you'll learn a lot even if you take the online class like I did. He's very helpful.

He's a great person. I took the online course and loved it. Although a lot of reading and work, it was very enjoyable. Dr. Reed is so helpful and super nice. The online course is very clear and well laid out. He's one of the coolest teachers I ever had

At first I thought oceanography was an interesting subject. After I've taken this class I hate the ocean. You are expected to read gobs of information and listen to annoying real audio sound clips. This class is too much time for what it is worth.

This class has a lot of work! Took it over the summer and I spent all my time on the assignments. Thought it would be better cause it is an online course, but spent hours on the computer. Teacher is very helpful and always responses to emails.

I took the online course as well, it was a lot of work, but it was laid out and organized very nicely. He is very responsive to e-mails. Sure it took a lot of time, but after five weeks you're done. Pretty interesting subject!

I don't believe the professor is super difficult. The class requires a lot of work, and a fair amount of research for the final project, but it's not super difficult.

I don't even know where to begin to describe how much I hated how he taught this class. Both exams were extremely difficult and he's a hardass/stickler on every minute detail, no exceptions. The final exam is despicable. He provides little explanation on what topics work/don't work. He is terse and unfriendly in reply. Run far away from this class.

I cannot figure out what everyone's problem is! I almost didn't take the class because of everyone's comments, but I had 95% going into the final, a solid A, as did 28% of the class. It's not that hard, if you're willing to work. It's not that much work either, even summer Great class if you want to learn. If you wnt an easy A, forget it.

The people complaining are those who don't like to learn. No doubt his class was tough but is college supposed to be a free ride? If you don't like learning, you don't want to become aware about the worlds environment by all means skip his class. Most teachers at sjsu baby you- he will not (this is a good thing people)-

Class was very interesting, and I learned a lot. Instructor is very dedicated to the subject and is very knowledgeable. Assignments were not hard as long as you complete them. I received an A in the class and since then, he has taken some of the assignments away from the course so it shoulb be a bit easier!

I agree that this is a very hard class.. lot of work but the Professor is available all through to help. He is very clear in his lectures and tries to make it easy. This class is very interesting and just needs more time than other GE classes but if you can devote that time, it is a great learning and fun too.

If you're taking this class because you think the web-based instruction will be easier, you'll be sadly mistaken. The class requires A LOT of time and work. But, if you put the time into the class, you learn even more! The professor reads every email, responds quickly and makes the class as "fun" as he can. I definately recommend this class!

Don Reed is an excellent teacher, but his curriculum is not easy. Most assume that his online class will be easy, because it is online. Well it is not. You have to work just as hard as you would for a class that you'd attend on campus. You learn a GREAT amount of material through great audio and video clips online. I recommend his course!

I really enjoyed the class. There was a fair amount of work, and it requires some self-discipline to keep up, but there's really no more work than a normal class. Just don't expect that it's going to be a cakewalk simply because it's an online class. If you actually read the material and participate in the discussions, you'll do just fine, no prob.

Don's class, though incredibly challenging, was one of the most informative, and entertaining classes I've taken. Be prepared for the workload, but if you take good notes, ask questions, and participate, you'll do very well. It's only difficult to pass if you spend your time whining about the workload. This is college: do the work and graduate.

If you do poorly in this class, it's your own fault. Just keep up with the work, keep organized notes, and you'll ace the tests. The tests are online and are open note/open book...again, if you do bad, you only have yourself to blame. Prof. Reed gives great feedback and always responds to students quickly on WebCT. Take this class!!!

Be prepaired to work hard, but learn a lot! Don is a tough, but fair, grader and his expectations are high--this is college afterall. Stay on top of the weekly expedtitions and don't fall behind. If you need help, ask. Read the course outline carefully since all the useful class info is contained within.

I have never seen a professor put so much work into an online class. he is one of the last great professors. This is an upper division GE and there is alot of writing, but the grading is fair and the topics, interesting. This class is not easy but if you keep up with the work you will do well. I got an A and didn't put in all the time suggested.

Prof. Reed's class was interesting and thought provoking. What seemed like a lot of busy work at the beginning set up a base of knowledge to be able to fully appreciate oceanography in the end. The field trips were fun and worhwhile. Total homework time for the online course was 2-3 hours per week, significantly lighter during exam time.

This class was an easy A for me. I took the online class so the tests were open notes. Even though the class was online Dr. Reed was always availiable to help out with any questions I had. The field trip on the bay was really cool - I got to touch a leapord shark!

Dr. Reed is an excellent, fair, and dedicated teacher. His online class, although a lot of work, is easy enough. As long as you try and complete the assignements it makes an easy A. Any negative comments should be disregarded. His online class was excellent; i would recommend it to anyone. He is an excellent professor who takes pride in his class.

This is an engaging and relevant class. You will learn about topics that are very current, like global warming. The teacher is fair minded and grades easy--you only have to put in the time. He is on your side and approachable. People who don't like this class, probably resent taking any GE class. Great teacher, great class!

This class is the best! I have taken other online classes before, and this one far exceeds the others in originality, content, website set up, etc. The class was engaging, thought provoking, interesting, and exciting! The professor was kind, responsive, honest, fair, and forthright.

General Oceanography online is a great course with a great instructor. Dr. Reed's knowledge, committment to seeing his students do well and availability to assist students when questions arise place this course among the most interesting and fun I've taken while at SJSU hands down. I would recommended this course to ANYONE! (and have!!)

This class was an interesting and relatively easy online summer class. The teacher was helpful and very clear in his instructions. As long as you know how to read the directions for yourself and do an assignment on time, this class is a piece of cake.

I find it very difficult to believe that the person(s) behind the Spring '06 semester postings took Dr. Reed's online Oceanography course. This course is one of the best courses I've taken while at SJSU and is in no way any more or less difficult than the other upper GE courses we're required to take. Don't listen to one or two lazy students!!

This is one of the best online classes I have ever taken. At first, it was a bit overwhelming because all the information came at once, but that was because there was no textbook! We have a supplimental book to read, but other materials are explained through the professor's website. A great class and a great communication to the end! Loved it!

This class was one of the most fascinating offered at SJSU. The material was layed out in an easy to follow manner, the course-load was no more than average, 2 field-trips were a great supplement to the material and super fun, and Don's response to emailed questions went well beyond his office hours; he was there for you when you needed him. A+

Prof. Reed has done a great job with this class. I read the students' comments that were not positive about this class. They were wrong! It was so interesting to learn everything and if you put effort into studying you will get a good grade. Prof. Reed really enjoys what he does and that is what makes him a great teacher. Take this class!

I went into Geol 105 knowing that the course is challenging. Yet I ignored the warning and took the online course anyways, and you know what, I have no regrets. Prof. Don does a great job collecting relevant info to help students learn. It has definitely be the best course I've taken thus far at SJSU. Great work and great learning!!!!

Online class, tough at the start (learning the ropes) but very predictable, and consistent -- don't fall behind! Lots of information, take notes absorb all you can. Definitely a professor to consider, and ask a lot of questions if you don't know what the hell you're doing -- he replies rapidly. Very Fair professor.

If you had a hard time with this class then you dont know what difficult coursework really is. Dr. Reed's course is designed to get you interested in a significant and essential part of your environment. He does an excellent job, and he is always available to answer questions. If you end up with less than an A, then you didn't work hard enough.

This class was easy, fun, and interesting. I can't believe people said this was a hard class--what are they, arts and crafts majors? Don is an excellent, fair, and considerate instructor.

The online course material for this class is excellent. It is interactive, and even though I did not really know much about Oceanography, I became interested in this subject through the course. Dr. Reed answers questions by email usually by next day. He is willing to help students. I recommend this class very highly.

I took the online class and enjoyed it quite a bit. There is a good amount of work to complete but the instructor makes it clear and easy to understand. The biggest mistake is to neglect the material or fall behind. If you start early and stay on top of it, you can get an A. You will also enjoy the class much more. The field trip is a blast!

I came into this class thinking that it was going to be dreadful, but I was suprised to find out that the (majority of) work was just long, not difficult. HONEST CRITIQUE: (1) a few typos in the expeditions, but still understandable (2) midterms are fairly easy IF you study + honestly do the expeditions; Tip: check out www.oceansjsu.com

This is a fantastic class where you have a chance to REALLY learn a lot in a fun way -- IF you're willing to put in some effort! It's not a cakewalk class, but it also isn't the toughest class you'll ever have, and the activities are fun. Don is amazingly helpful if you really want to learn, not just looking for a shortcut.

This class epitomizes the college experience.Enlightening students to the workings of nature,exercises and expands the mind forever enriching the lives of those seekn' such things.It’s obvious by quality work put into the production of his course material that Don Reed is extremely dedicated to teaching.Plus he’s a Tom Waits fan, so he’s cool too

The summer class is fast paced but manageable. Mr. Reed is very helpful and generous with points. Class trip to SF bay was very enjoyable. There is a lot to learn but you just have to keep up with the online material and you can get an A in the class. This is along more enjoyable than other SJSU upper div classes.

Excellent instructor. Online materials are amazing! Like all GE courses, a certain amount of work is expected. Just follow the instructions, do the work on time and you'll be fine. Tests are completely fair, no surprises. Field trips are fun and easy points by just showing up. Dr. Reed is a good guy, very approachable and helpful. Take this course!

I signed up for class & read negative comments on this site. Thought of dropping class but didn't - got an A+. Class was interesting & not hard. Good amount of work, but you're not attending class - it balances out. Advice for A: KEEP UP with work, know formulas for test, check spelling & grammar for written assignments, go over expeditions twice.

professor reed is passionate about teaching oceanagraphy. the web-based course is truely unique and innovative. 3-d simulations, interactive sections, creative web exercises, and self-paced modules make this course truly engaging. be clear tho...it's a demanding course, and the old axiom, you get out of it what you put in is absolutely true!

I took this as an online class. The work itself is of a moderate level; it's not too easy, but it's not incredibly hard. I took this class online while taking a full load of normal classes - I really don't recommend doing this. It's very very easy to get behind and it can get out of control before you know it. Don is really helpful and nice.

This class was an on-line class. Everything is clearly spelled out and easy to follow. The class is somewhat challenging, but if you don't know anything about oceanography, you will learn a lot. He gives great feedback on written assignments. Field trip was fun. Is very responsive to student questions. I would recommend this class.

I took the online class and it is definitely a lot of work. Make time for at least 4 hours per week going through the expeditions and filling out the workbook (that dosen't include reading the required reading). You really do get a lot out of the class. Prof. Reed is very helpful and responds to your questions. Take it if you have the time.

Very good online class/professor. Expeditions take time, but they're more interesting than reading a textbook. Teacher is very clear and helpful. Best online class I've had, but you really need to devote time to it. Definitely NOT a "filler" class. Text reading is important for the paper, but not much for the rest of the class. Field trip was fun.

This class is taken online and its not easy as one might think. You need a lot of time to devote into these expeditions and in the summer its just more time. The subject is very interesting and fun. The textbook is really only useful for the paper other than that its not much useful for the tests. Take this class if you got the time. It's fun.

Summer online class - interesting and valuable subject material. Professor Reed is organized, gives timely feedback, and is very responsive to questions. I spent 15-20 hrs a week on the online tutorials and reading - so be prepared to put the time in. Probably more manageable during a regular semester but either way a terrific class!

I took his online class. Very hard course, since you have to spend a lot of time going through 20+ expeditions which take on an average 1.5 hours to complete. He expects a lot of details on the midterms and takes off points for grammatical mistakes and even not not indenting!!

Boy, Don was on top of it and he really loves his work! Not only was the class insightful, EVERYTHING was readily available online. He is very clear about expectations, and although it was a lot of work during the Winter 2-week, this class was well worth it. If you have the chance to take this class, take it with Don you'll enjoy and learn well.

Oh my gosh. I enjoyed learning the material, but toward the end of the semester, I started to get really tired and bored of this class and all the work. There's a lot of work and he can be a tough grader. He has a few errors during his videos and audios (which can be entertaining). Overall, there's waaaaay too much work, especially toward the end.

Easy class, but lots of work. Teacher is pretty uptight about grammar on essays. I took it during the summer so we had to do expeditions nearly everyday. They were all really easy though. I managed to get an A in the class.

A rating for the General Oceanography class for my Area R. Don Reed is a competent teacher. He also feels very passionately about Oceanography. However, if you are taking this just for Area R and you're not a Geo Major, Skip this class. Online Class doesn't mean easy. The class takes at least 6 hrs weekly. I'm a hardworking student but I hated it.

Be prepared to devote tons of time to this class! The expeditions seem easy, then he slams you with crazy hard exams. Overall the class was ok, but it was a huge time commitment!

This teacher is insane. I had no life while taking his 5week online summer class. The work is very easy, but the quantity is out of control, like 3hours for one assignment. He has so many rules and guidelines that you have to be sure to read EVERYTHING. There are much better options for Area R. Do not take this class.

Crazy amount of work assigned. It is not difficult but very tedious. He basically re-writes essays when grading them. I got a 94% but then he went line by line and changed my writing. What a waste of HIS time. This is an Area R class, not 100W. Weird! Hours and hours of work each week.

WINTER ONLINE SESSION-Good Points:the course uses various forms of multimedia, fairly easy but tedious, the professor responds quickly to questions, Negative Point:too much work for 3 weeks (22 exped.(1.5 hours avg each), quiz,2 exams,final,5 350 discussions,essay,reading, thick course packet.IF YOU WANT A LIFE, DON'T TAKE THIS DURING THE WINTER

Ok although you might be thinking...ooo oceanography that sounds interesting...WRONG. This class was so overwhelming. 3 weeks is not enough time for the amount of work Professor Reed expects you to do. You can't even enjoy break because you're stressed out by this class. 22 expeditions and an obscene amount of reading on top of that!

Summer 2014 - yes, there is a lot of work to be done but it is a condensed course so there is going to be lots of work. Provides great feedback, clear directions for assignments, and reviews for tests. Weekly tests instead of midterm or final. Very passionate about what he teaches and really intrigued me to study this subject further!

Expect homework (plenty), discussions (plenty), participation (MUST), quiz (3), and exam (2), final (1). He is very clear and concise regarding his grading and expectation of how he wants his assignments completed. JUST FOLLOW HIS EXACT INSTRUCTIONS and you will pass his class with an "A". He is the EASIEST Professor, I LOVE HIS CLASS!

I don't recommend this class for international students because he deducts points on every single grammar-error. He cares about writing quality VERY MUCH! (160 points paper: 40 points for writing quality) You have two discussions every week, 3 online exams, and 2 papers. If you mess up one exam, you won't pass. He is willing to help though.

Weekly assignment: Create and answer 2 multiple choice questions based on the readings, videos or lecture. Lectures and power points are clear and concise. Exams are created from the weekly assignments. Long study guides so join a study group! Big penalties for late work so do not fall behind. Overall, its a well organized and fair class.

Stay away from this class if you have a life. I took this class online during summer and he expects so much from you. so much reading, watching boring videos and so much homework. take him if you're free literally all the time.

Not sure why people are so mean. Took his online course in summer with 3 other classes & it went fine. Yes, theres lots of work to be done, but not impossible. Not an easy A class, but do your work you'll be fine. Had an assignment due at 11:59pm and I asked a question at 9pm, he responded by 10pm with video! What other teacher replies at 10pm?

This class completely took over my winter break. You have to do a lot of work. If you have a busy schedule and cant set time aside for this, you wont do well. My life was in shambles for three weeks because of this class, but I didnt give up. This is a great option for those graduating seniors who want to lessen their last semester workload.