Very easily offended and will speak whats on his mind. I had trouble with programming in the past but he is good at what he does and teaches it well.

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Mr Drasner is a great teacher. Though he is a stickler he will insist that you learn a great deal about the subject. Anyone who rates him poorly clearly isn't bright enough to be in his class.

He is very strict teacher. He also comment in your grammar and your writing skill even though this is a computer class!! Don't dare to sleep in his class, he scold you right away. However, he give a very clear explanation.

Prof Drasner is extremely knowledgeable about what he teaches. He explains everything in full and makes sure you understand the topic before moving on. Some have said he is strict, which any prof should be. If you pay attention and complete the assignments how he explains them, you should get an A.

This guy is tough, but he is very good if you want to learn how to code. One of the best teachers I have ever had. He is a brasive so I can see why many have negative comments, but if you listen and do what he tells you, you will learn a lot. Do your homework or you will sink. Excellent Prof! A++

This guy knows what he is talking about, i like the way he teachs his class, but him as a person, he just likes to be an ass on purpose, he gives little smark remarks and if you ask him for help he will embarass you and yell your quiestion out to the class...

Great teacher. Takes things very seriously so if you're willing to pay attention then you can learn a lot. Doesn't end class early very much because he believes you paid for the time and why waste it, but if you finish all of your work on time then you can leave early. I would take him again in a second.

I'll admit a bias here. I was very enthusiastic about learning C++, so the workload this class entails did not phase me. If you're not interested in programming and not willing to put in the work required to keep up, you are going to fair poorly in his class. He's strict but fair. If you're there to learn, he's your professor.

here is the deal, if you want to really learn basics of programming but you're willing to work hard at it, TAKE THIS CLASS! he explains everything very well. You need problem solving skills and a lot of free time to do practice exercises. IT IS A HARD CLASS but if you're about learning, take this class! if ur not serious about it, take someone else

Look at it this way, If you want be proficient in office 2003 then u should take this class.The class is not hard it’s easy 1/2 of the class is lecture the other half is up to you. U can leave or use it to do your assignment.Outta H.S students didn’t do well in this class cus their lazy. very posible to get an A just take sum time to do the assigm

He is a good teacher. His explanations are clear and precise. He takes the first half to teach and the second is up to you to use it wisely. If you pay to attend, get your money worth and learn. Just attend class everyday and you will not be lost. Never listen to others, just try for yourself. He is good in his own ways. Easy A for me!

Tough material-software design. However Mr. Drasner is worth his weight as an instructor. He may seem kinda quirky but if take s/ware design you'll understand why. He is a problem solver, literal and logical - one of the keys to learning in general is asking questions - something this course has taught me.

Mr. Drasner is a very good teacher if you like computers and are committed to his class. He is very clear and thoroughly answers all your questions. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!! NOT EASY at all but he is a good teacher and you really can learn. He has a great memory, he wrote up a problem from last class that was about two whole chalkboards long.

You will pass... but bring a pillow.

GREAT PROFESSOR. Mr. Drasner knows what he is teaching. All you have to do is come to every class, pay attention, participate, do your work and you'll be ok(might be to much to ask from some people). He grades on a curve. An A might end up being an 80 or something else. Recommend this professor to any1 especially to ppl interested in programming

He does not grade on a curve (at least when I took the class). Even if you go to class daily it won't be enough (as one comment suggests). You can pay attention in the world and it doesn't matter. Blunt isn't the problem, he is arrogant and condescending to the students. Nobody should endure his comments that make you feel less than human.

This is a great teacher, half the people raiting him poorly have problems with his attitude or aren't interested in programming at all. I looked back a few pages and saw someone rate him poorly because he "told our class to stop looking bored" hey dumbass, if you are bored in a programming class programming isnt for you switch majors.

He is a GREAT teacher!! Even though the way he grades programs is a bit over the top, his feedback is beneficial to those who are truly interested in programming. The feedback I got from him has been beneficial to the "A" I got in my Java Class at George Mason University. Those that give him a bad rating, are the ones that don't get class help.

This is a very good class. Interesting, engaging and he knows his stuff. I would highly recommend!

This professor is definitely one of the best you'll ever get. Those people who complain alot about this professor are the ones who aren't concerned about their future. This guy spoonfeeds everything you have to know about the course and all you got to do is take advantage of it and get an easy A. I definitely recommend this professor!

I have no comments only that I was extremely satisfied because Mr. Drasner is one fo the few professors that actually cares if you learn. He gives you tons of practice work so you know your stuff come exam or graded homework time. I acutally learned a lot and I enjoyed this class. Very straight to the point, his feedback is very helpful.

This isn't an easy A ITE115 class, which is exactly why more than half of the class dropped by final. He's really clear on what he wants, and everything he grades on (7-8 assignments and 2 tests) come straight from lectures, so you better not miss classes. (I've only missed one) His stories are significant to what he's trying to teach you in class

Just like his ITE115 class, attendances aren't required, but I'm telling you now that if you miss just ONE class.. you will be doomed. The class is tough because the material is hard. You are to learn how to write programs in ENGLISH, and it involves a lot of logical thinking. Grades are 10% hw 15% test (4 tests and 4 graded hw) grades on overall

CONTINUED. class performance. an A could end up being a 80%. (I got a B) TONS of practice work, n he encourages you to do them and get feedbacks from him. That's how you learn. Always replies his emails. Don't know how he compares to Randy Langston, but I really had a pleasant time with him. He's retiring in 2 years, so take him while you still can

He is very clear of his expectations up front. Just listen and take notes...he doesn't make anything a mystery. He is very strict about how he runs class and in his grading but I learned a whole lot. He is very available is we needed help. I would highly recommend him. Don't buy the big book you only need the Microsoft office one.

HARD, but his grading scale varies. Anyway, teaches extremely well but is hard as sin. Definitely take him to learn the material: I walked into his class without knowing ANYTHING and I learned a LOT. He's a wonderful teacher and always checks to make sure a concept is understood before moving on. TL;DR: knows how to teach but is hard. Scale varies.

He could have failed me and I'd still love him. Awesome professor! (Keep the phones off, though! ;) Not the easiest grader, but you definitely learn more because of it - you really GET it. He's extremely friendly and personable, and he's always available to help you and/or answers questions. I wish I could have him for all my IT classes!

I will just say that if you really want to learn, take him. He is very helpful and is always there to help you. I took his ITP 100 on Spring 09 and now I am doing excellent in my ITP 120 class. Take him if you really want to learn!!

excellent professor. great at explaining. four tests and four graded homework assignments. he is very helpful if you ask for it. i will definitely take him again!

He is a really good teacher if you want to learn something. You shouldn't miss his class because his lecture is extremely important.

Well he is a good professor if u really wanted to leard and also doesnt really cares about the attendence but its good if u go to class on time ,....i didnt use text book at all so if u are someone who doesnt like reading text book dont buy it

Very helpful and clear professor. He really knows his stuff. If you have no experience with programming this will be a difficult class as there is a lot of homework to do and concepts to understand. However the professor is really good.

Great guy, awesome teacher. Never let your cell phone go off in class, do not ever walk in front of him to get to a seat when you're late, and do not interrupt him with BS chit chat with your friend next to you. Listen well and do your work and you'll be fine. Also, if you copy someone's work, you split the grade (Grade/number of cheaters).

Not knowing much about databases this class was a little hard for me but he taught in an easy to follow way and was always there to answer questions I had. Come to every class, study well for the tests and put some effort in and it should go smoothly. I recommend him.

Learning Java for the first time was challenging but he was clear and always there to answer questions or help with projects. He is a tough grader but usually adds a nice curve. The class is hard and a lot of effort must be put in to learn but he offers help if you go to him. I highly recommend him if you want to learn and understand Java.

WOW I took ITP 100 and I have been in the computer field for 9 years and I got a B. I do not think anyone in our class got an A.

A great professor I have ever known. He is very helpfull to students, and gives facts that are realistic in education. He says that taking a class to get an A is a very great thing. Though passing with no knowledge of what you have learnt cannot be beneficial to ones career. Hence, if you want to excel in life, Dr. Drasner Steven is the best IT Pr.

I've taken 4 classes with him (ITE115, ITD256, ITP100, ITP120) and I've had a great time in all of them. I know him very well. If you want to do well, make sure you NEVER miss a class. NOT a teacher you want to take if you just want an easy A. He's a programmer and is extremely clear. Take him for ITP100 & ITP120; hard but you'll learn SO much more

The Best Professor, sometimes explain things with story, which is really nice.. One of the best prof i've taken..

This guy is such a picky grader. I mean i know that is his job as a teacher but geez he grades so crazy. He takes points off for things that do not make sense. If u take him just do things exactly and i mean exactly as he did them that is the only way u will get an A. Plus his tests are not fill in the blanks they are paragraph question and answer.

This professor was alright. He is very particular with assignments, make sure you follow his directions closely. His exams are all writing, like paragraphs. He tells some cool stories near the end of the class. But overall he's a nice person.

He is without a doubt the BEST professor I have ever had. He's tough but fair and always available when you need help. I took him for several classes and I learned so much from him. A word to the wise: you absolutely cannot bs anything you submit to him, he will crucify your grade(s) if you attempt it. Do the work & study hard.

I can't vouch for him for anything but ITP-100 but for that class he was a very good teacher. He is extremely anal and takes some getting used to but he knows what he is talking about and he teaches it well. Make sure you do the practice problems for homework or you will not do well on the tests. Get as much feedback from him as you can.

Beware. GPA killer. Takes up to 10% off of programs for using tools he has not taught us, even if they were in the chapter he was teaching, takes points off for not including "and then press ENTER" in your prompt messages. Knows the language inside and out, but has no respect for the fact that most students have a life outside of his class.

This guy knows everything teaches good but hes grading is horrible.. You will lean material but he will kill your gpa

No doubt he's very competent, nice but strict (no cell phone visible in his class). 4 exams, 4 hwrks. Just do the practice problems you'll do well on exams. Try to participate in class and show that you're trying. I really like his lecture style, easy to learn. Book - No need to read but u do need it for practice problems. Ace the class.

Professor Drasner knows his stuff and his teaching methods are fun ;D

Hands down best teacher I've had. He doesn't rush through the material, he will explain it to you thoroughly before continuing. Only reason people don't do well is because he doesn't give mandatory homework, it's YOUR choice to do them, but if you do them and turn them in, he will give you feed back. Pretty easy class IMO, kept me wired. :)

He is an awesome professor! All you have to do is do exactly what he tells you to do after class and you will be fine for his exams. He likes helping his students and making sure they understand they material! Best professor ever.

If you are the type of person who wants to just show up for class and not try and receive a A/B then this is not the teacher for you! If you are like me and seek out a challenge and enjoy teachers who will give a lot of feedback, then Drasner is your man! Great teacher and really not that hard if you actually put the effort into it!

Honestly, a lot of these comments are from people that didn't show up to class and/or didn't ask questions. Yeah, Drasner can be rude sometimes, but only to those who deserve it. You MUST ask him questions if you don't understand something or you will be lost.He likes to scare students,but its for your own good. DO PRACTICE PROBLEMS and get an A.

Steve Drasner is one of the best teachers I've ever had. True, you have to work hard for your grade...but it is worth it because you really learn a lot. I would recommend him for serious students who aren't just looking for an easy A.

Yes, this guy can teach. But if you're new to programming, please do not take him. He expects students to already have programming knowledge before entering his class. My GPA really got screwed b/c of him b/c he's really very difficult to pass! If you don't want to mess with your GPA, stay the heck away from him! You'll thank me later.

Very good and strict teacher. His autocratic style should be the standard for a teaching environment, as too many professors allow sleeping, the use of cell phones, or plain out not paying attention. He is ready to help, and will help you go over things you may not understand. This class is not an easy A. You will have to earn it.

Excellent teacher! I had no prior experience w/ software design or programming and I learned a great deal from him. He starts with the fundamentals and works upward and explains the reason behind the process. Pay attention & do the work. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is serious about earning their grade and not just getting a grade.

I have to say this teacher is not in class for games. He is an excellent teacher. Can be rude to a student but that's because he wants everybody to pay attention. talks too much but hey that's why we are in class for. I would recommend him to any IT major. A strict professor but you will learn.

If you want to work hard and learn the content then take this class. He offered to review and correct any practice problems you give to him (and he reviews them and writes helpful comments). He is a tough grader because you have to apply yourself to get a decent grade.

This prof is also teaching some classes at GMU. We have plenty of subject matter experts in their field, but few can teach. This prof not only is a SME, but also a true educator. This was my first experience with computer programming, and I understood the material. One of the better teachers I have had. He doesn't tolerate goofing of in class.

Professor Drasner is a great teacher. He is pretty strict when it comes to grading, but still within reasonable limits. As long as you come to class, pay attention and completing the homework assignments, you should do fine in this course.

Second time I've taken him. Gotta say, this man knows how to keep me SCARED, lol. Database is a pretty hard class, but Drasner is an outstanding teacher. 2 projects, 3 tests each worth 15%. He doesn't take any BS so don't expect to mess around in his class. Pay attention, take good notes and you'll understand Database fundamentals to a tee.

He was one of the best teachers I've had. You can't miss class or mess around,but you will learn the topic. I've talked to other people who took ITP 100 with another teacher, and they barley learned anything compared to what he teaches.

If you actually care about going into the field of IT, and more specifically database, I strongly suggest this professor as he will mold you to think in a way that is necessary to succeed in this field.

Great teacher! Very helpful if he sees you take the class seriously. He is the reason I want to do programming. Would recommend to anyone.

Mr. Drasner is an excellent educator. If you take his class seriously you will be set up for success in the future.

Extremely picky about many little thing that you do in class but his lecture is extremely easy to understand. It's a hard subject to study so don't expect to get it the first time. Take him if you want to learn and not getting the grade.

There is no hand holding with Mr. Drasner. He will help you succeed, but you need to initiate the effort. You want an A with Mr. Drasner? Do the homework and ask questions during office hours. If homework takes you 1 hour, you are not likely going to get above a B.

The subject matter is in the realm of you either like it or don't. Mr. Drasner's lectures are easy to follow and the tests are fair, but not easy. No hand holding, but Mr. Drasner will help significantly if you take the time to visit during office hours. Your final grade will be "functionally determined" (inside joke) by the time you put in.

Mr. Drasner is an excellent teacher. He knows what he's doing and is very precise with his teaching methods. Almost like a program that runs without any bugs. I would recommend him. His itp100 class was my favorite class I've had at NOVA.

great professor. if you pay attention in class and study his practice work there is no reason for you to not get an A. quite entertaining at times too.

Reviews are somewhat right. Grading is harsh, even though I did good, I had prior Programming experience(which is helpful in this class). Do Practice Problems and you will be alright. 4 Homework's and Tests, which are both equally weighted, and a final. The final however is in a different format from his tests. If you get the logic, you'll be fine

His exams are equivalent to End of DISC Boss Fights. He asks one question, and you can't find the answer by trial and error. You have to learn the methodology to find the answer! He always keeps you on your toes. Whenever I assumed something, he railed me into a wall lol. Professor Drasner has the #1 lectures! I didn't do a problem from the book :)

Mr. Drasner is a fantastic professor if you're interested in programming. He has a good teaching style and explains concepts well. You'll do well if you attend all the classes and do the practice homework he assigns. Make sure to participate in class and ask questions if you need to. I enjoyed his class and would definitely take him again.

He is a real professor. I have never had a professor of his quality at NOVA. He is tough on his students but at the end of he semester, he material learned in the class will be stuck in the students brain.

Incredibly wise,smart,humble, and inspirational. The best teacher I've ever had at the college level. He sets you up for success in the rest of your major and life. Senior now. He is truly a diamond in the rough.

I loved his class. He is a great professor. He knows so much about programming. His lectures were really interesting. However, he is tough on his students. If you don't put effort into it you won't get good grades. Lectures and practice homeworks are important. If you want an easy A you should take another professor.

Steve is one of the best professor in IT department, as well as in NOVA. He always asks student "Are there any question" to make sure them fully understand the concept. He encourages students to submit the practice work. He gives very detail feed back. In order to be successful in this course, you need to SUBMIT YOUR PAPER as much as you can.

Professor Drasner is great! He knows the material really well and his lectures are interesting and very clear. He does have little things that set him off like cell phones but overall he's a nice guy. Just make sure you attend every class, take notes, and DO THE PRACTICE PROBLEMS! He's not at all an easy teacher but he's great at teaching.

one of the best professors at nova or mason. if your going on in IT and want to learn, take him. if all you want is a good grade for the least amount of work, find another professor.

Very straight forward. Excellent at lecture. Tests are very hard though, his lecture somewhat reflects on the test. No multiple choice what so ever. If you can come to class and willing to ask many questions you will pass, would be a very hard A.

This is my second time taking class with Steve. He's amazing and excellent lecturer. He taught Java using black board and white chart, which I found way more efficiency than using computer. He assigned 3 programs and 4 exams. No homework. He's very touch at grading, but this will help you when advancing to 4 year college. Be prepare to work!

Prof. Drasner was one of the best professors I have ever had in my students life. He was one of the few teachers who would care about his students to get the fundamentals of programming rather then just teaching by the book. I was fortunate to meet the teacher like him. Unfortunately, a few month ago he passed away. May his soul Rest In Peace.

great prof. who worked hard to explain concepts. Owe my core java knowledge to him