William McLaughlin
Computer Science - Northern Virginia Community College (all campuses)
2.6
Quality4.0
Difficulty24%
Would Retake83
Reviews24%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating Distribution
5
21
4
8
3
9
2
12
1
33
What Students Say
“If you ask him any question, he will tell you to google it”
ITN100 - 1.0 rating“I am older, and was a "hater"”
ITE221 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
78%
Textbook Required
50%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.62 avg changeRatings by Course
ITE019A
3.7
(3)ITE115
3.6
(11)ITE221
3.6
(5)ITN100
3.1
(14)ITN260
3.0
(13)Difficulty by Course
ITE116
5.0
ITN262
4.8
ITN100
4.4
ITN266
4.4
ITN261
4.3
Reviews (83)
Lots of homework, but assignments are intuitive but detailed. Very easy tests and quizzes over 75% of questions are given on practice exams.
Assignments are very detailed, if you do them all you'll get a good grade. However if you prefer a professor that explains things more thoroughly and has set assignment due dates then you should choose another professor. Class only met once a week and when we did meet, not much was explained. It was pretty much a hybrid class. Not what I had planne
One of the hardest A's i got! So much work!! but learned ALOT!! the teacher is GREAT!! he curves ur final grade! take him if ur majoring in computer science or IT. If not then it would be better if u took someone who doesnt give too much work!
HARD HARD HARD! WAYYY TO MUCH WORK! IT WAS HONESTLY UNREALISTIC THE AMOUNT OF WORK HE GAVE FOR A SIX WEEK CLASS.IF YOU ARE MAJORING IN COMPUTER SCIENCE THIS WOULD BE A GOOD CLASS TO TAKE, IF NOT.I SUGGEST NOT TO TAKE THIS CLASS! HE GOES OFF TOPIC ALOT AND NEVER REALLY DISCUSSES WHAT WE LEARNED IN THE BOOK. CLASSES WERE INTERESTING BUT I DIDNT LEARN
He was absolutely awesome. I enjoyed his class very much. Got a high A from his class. A lot of homework though. phew...
A good teacher but a hard grader. His tests are hard and he enforces time limits very strictly. Take another class if you want to get an A.
Very hard, Expect u to know everything by yourself.So if it is not your major don't mess up your grade like me. A big lesson Messed my GPA big time. Don't take his class....
Really hard class. This class made 80% of my overall homework. If you take a hybrid class then you have to start working your ass off from the very first day. You didn't do the assignment - you are screwed. You went over the time limit on a test - you are screwed. And a lot of things to it... Be ready to see B for all hard work you have done.
He's a hard grader but a really helpful teacher.
Great teacher, i learned a lot. Hard class, no doubt. if you're lazy, don't take this class.
Professor Mclaughlin was great. He was very helpful, easy to communicate with, and good adviser. In his class, he gave us a lot of home works, BUT more than a lot of learnings too. He taught us not only from what is in the book, but he also taught us the reality in the outside world.
Very knowledgeable, if you're complaining about the difficulty of the class, you probably shouldn't be taking it. The class is easy for me, since I've been working with computers for years, and actually have the competency to enter the IT field. Don't blame him for your shortcomings. I will say that he is a bit condescending on occasion.
Be careful although he's a good professor he gives way to much work. Good grief, half the class barely did any of his assignments. He also uses time limits for quizzes and tests and enforces them strictly. Not a class to get an easy A, you really got to "WORK" for it!
Great professor. Easy A as long as you do your work and turn it in on time
Don't take him for any IT class.William McLaughlin is far away from a good teacher. If you ask him any question, he will ask you to google it. His way of teaching is completely confusing. stay away from this teacher.
this class is an easy A. all the stuff is mainly online and all you had to do was do the work and turn it all in. hes straightforward and gives you extra time to finish assignments. i would recommend him to a lot of other people.
Professor Mac is one of the best professors I've ever had! I'd already completed my undergrad in a completely different discipline and I knew NOTHING about IT. I now feel confident that I can take the Security+ and pass it with flying colors! Professor Mac doesn't tell u the answers; he pushes you to find them on your own. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Prof. Mac is the best prof. ever! Came to his class with no knowledge about cyber security and now I can take the security+ exam and pass it with flying colors. He will not give you the answer; you will have to find it on your own. Homework is important. Be sure to go class. He doesn’t believe in making mistakes Tough cookie but totally worth it!
His classes is not for the feint of heart. His hands on approach (labs, research) with real tools of the trade will prepare you for the real world. Whereas most college coursesdegrees are just paperwork, you leave his classes equipped to start immediately in the information assurance work force (cyber security). 20hrweek of homework.
He does "fill in the blank" questions for hmwrkquizzes. If you misspell it, or god forbid actually use the FULL CORRECT TERM put in the "wrong tense", he will mark it wrong REGARDLESS IF IT'S CORRECT IN THE TEXTBOOK IT IS WRONG TO HIM BECAUSE GRAMMAR IS THAT IMPORTANT! He refuses to acknowledge his mistakes, is condescending & rude DO NOT TAKE!!
Prof. Mac is former military, he does not like whiners. If you think you can skate by in any college class, go back to high school. He asks a lot of work in order to help us retain info. He says "Google it" because he expects you to be a college student, i.e., an adult. Hundreds of students have done his assignments without help, so can you.
ITP 100 is a programming class, expect to be behind a computer for all study time. Prof. Mac is like Judge Mathis, tough love and second chances. He wants you to succeed while being an independent ADULT. Don't ask for help, because you can ask a peer, or Google an IT question. Tough grader, but it is worth it IF you want to learn. Don't be lazy.
Not helpful at all, every interaction with him seems like he's annoyed that you're asking him a question. Constant clerical errors, use of dead links, unclear instructions, takes the link down to submit homework before the deadline has passed, extremely condescending. Implied I was disabled when I said 5 mins was too short for a 10 question quiz
One of most respected professors and tough professors I have dealt with. Dont take his class if you are not willing to do work. Homework assignments are at least 20-25 hours per week with few quizzes every class. FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY HOW HE SAYS. Very inspiring, encouraging, equips you with real world tools for cyber security. Hard A
I have taken class with other professors too , I'd say Mac is not good for average students . You need to be know-all . Not recommended. Why suffer in stress for twelve weeks ?
This is an online course, so expect to read and teach yourself. The professor is very knowledgeable of the subject, he gives good feedback. Follow directions exactly. This is not an easy A. Lots of time on hw, short time quizes that are hard to pass. Expect to work. You can earn an A. Dont be Lazy and follow follow follow instructions!
Would not recommend this instructor. Lots of homework. Vaguely goes over slides for 10-15 minutes of class and the rest of the time is spent working on a group project that lasts all semester. Quizzes and midterm were on terms from book, final was not. Does not review for exams. Does not disclose what to expect on exams or what to study for.
This is a very engaging teacher. Do your homework before class and you'll ace the quizzes and tests. Ignore the homework and there is no chance you'll pass. None of the homework is hard, there's just a lot of it. His classes prepare you for the real world, not just the certification. Everybody enjoys his classes.
I highly don't prefer him for a programming class, he doesn't know programming, so it will be hard to get help from him if you are lost. If you google it and do homework assignment, he will consider that cheating. But, highly recommend him for cyber security classes, that's his specialty and are of expertise. In cyber security he offers opportuniti
Don't take fim for any IT class, far away from a good teacher. If you ask him any question, he will tell you to google it. His way of teaching is learn on your own, life is tough. AVOID at all cost.
The toughest professor I have ever had. ridiculously tooo many assignments (all of them hard) too many in classes quizzes (5 or 6 a day) and timed. I am failing his two classes as well as many of my other classmates.
I've had multiple classes with this professor. Yes, expect homework. If you read the book you will do well in quizzes. It is college not hs and you are expected to act like an adult in his classes. If you have issues with the material meet with him after class, he actually does help. Practice common sense and you will pass. If I got an A so can you
Professor Mac is one of the greatest professors NOVA offers. He is clear cut on what is to be expected of the class and gives inspirational lectures . Not only is he exceptional but he thrives in giving real world problems and solutions. You will know after taking his class that "you at the right place at the right time".Don't listen to the haters.
Great teacher! Here is the thing... I am older, and was a "hater". I have been in the professional world. Life is not easy and neither is his class. This is collage and you have to earn your keep. I got an A, no back ground in IT but I did the work, and on time. If you are lazy DO NOT BOTHER WASTING YOUR TIME OR HIS. He will takes no excuses
The WOREST professor I have ever had. I will never take again!
He is just too much. He doesn't respect his students as a collage student, he rather likes intimidate them. Uf you dont want to be stressed out, then don't take him! Take my advice to save your time, energy and money.
Take him if you don't mind taking the course again. It's almost impossible to pass his class. He makes everything hard.
I don't recommend
Prof. Mac is incredibly knowledgeable, and he makes sure you know it. Despite this narcissistic exterior he truly cares about the success of his students. His commitment shines through in all he does and if you put in the work you'll be rewarded with learning to fish, instead of being handed it. Makes bad jokes, but always a good time. Recommended!
Way too many assignments. He does not review the course before "teaching" it. Very strict professor - thinks he is still in the military.
Seems knowlegable but not so student friendly. Too many useless assignments . I don't recommend.
It did no surprise me to see how many complaints Professor Mac had. Here is the thing, if you are an average person, you will not like him. Do not take his classes if you do not want to WORK. Do no take his classes if you expect him to give you the answers. He will not. He has changed my life, and by far he is the best teacher I have ever had.
If youre serious about what youre learning and take college seriously, you will pass his classes. Professor Mac can be petty at times and doesnt like answering questions you can figure out on your own. He can also get off topic and ramble about random things. He is very serious about his work but also passionate and offers lots of hands on work.
Despite his hard-head from the military, he is REALLY straightforward. Don't expect he will give you answers, expect you will have to find it yourself. He will give you LOTS of extra credits by doing additional tasks, club activities, etc. If you complete all the homework, finish all the quizzes, you should be able to pass his class.
Professor Mac is a great professor. He teaches you what you need to know to pass the class and real life tools that anyone in IT needs. Yes his homework assignments are lengthy and in large quantity, but they teach you so much. In all honesty, I believe I learned more from this class and from this professor than in two semesters taking IT classes.
lot's of in class quizzes
Exceptional Professor! What to be ahead of your peers in Informational assurance? This is your man. All I can say is BING DOT COM
Professor Mac is very inspirational, will motivate you to particiapte in competitions and a great IT career counselor. Yes, there are TONS of labs, but those assignments will help you even in your actual job! If you are passionate about IT/security and ready to commit, he is the best professor for you. Also, easy A if you do the work! Good luck!
He is not willing to help or not knowledgeable, giving lots of homework and avoids questions.
He just talk about his army stuff and dont care about students he will give you that HW which students never studied in their life for me he was a night mare so I just dropped his class.
honesty hes a good prof but if you have a busy life i dont recommend him just for the fact he will pile hw upon hw. 4-5 per week if not more. he makes it seem we students dont have a life where we have bills and family matters to worry about plus the other classes. easy hw but everything takes 30-1h long and he will give a quiz every class.
If you have a life outside of class, make time for the hw. There is no excuse to not receive at least a C in this course. He tries to be interactive with the students during lectures by putting people on the spot, which I believe to be brilliant. This definitely helps me remember those hard questions that are asked on quizzes. Choose this professor
Don't take him, please.
Had him as a Faculty Advisor. Needed a letter of recommendation. I found his conduct to be completely unprofessional and unacceptable. He never gave me a yes or no answer about the letter of recommendation either. I was done wasting my time with him so I deleted his emails and blocked him. Worst experience I ever had with a NVCC faculty member.
By far the worst professsor Ive had yet. Every time you try to ask a question hell tell you to meet with him during his office hours even for simple yes/no questions, his homework and reading is extremely tedious because hes skeptical that people will cheat, and his tests & quizzes are extremely short for the same reason. Hell make fun of you
He does the least amount possible. He is lazy and does not want to do anything. Has a set curriculum which he doesn't even understand himself. I am a busy college student and have virtually no free time and he has made it impossible to get in touch with him. "All he says is see me in my office hours" instead of trying to help his students at all.
Teacher in the first class claimed he was hacked but it didn't matter, refused to record zoom meetings or respond to emails at all. I had to drop very quickly because I knew that he was the type of teacher that if I stuck by him he wouldn't bother helping the students.
If you have any questions regarding your grade or a little mishap you had on an assignment, dont even bother asking him during class, you need to go to his office hours. This professor lacks patience with his students and it shows. If you can avoid him, please do it!
He wont help you if you need. Lab assistants are your best bet. Gives a lot of work. Tests every class. Only take his class if you have some knowledge. Beginners beware. THEE worse professor I ever had and I have had several.
Very strict rules that can be hard to follow. Kinda hard to get answers from him cause you have to see him during office hours and that might not work with your schedule.
The worst professor you could possibly get. He will call every student a zoom infiltrator. His grading criteria is unclear and will give you a zero for any tiny mistake. Not a single thing was being taught for weeks because he thinks he is being hacked 24/7. You wont learn anything in his class because he only seems to teach during office hours.
There is a LOT of homework assigned (up to 4/5 assignments due in one day at times). Manage your time extremely well. He does not like to repeat/explain things, so get in contact with some classmates throughout the class. He can be rude, demeaning, and will blame you for mistakes so try to follow directions right the first time. Good luck.
This Professor is heavily consumed with paranoia. Very strict rules and directions. Hates to repeat himself. Strict communication during Zoom meetings due to paranoia of Zoom Infiltrators or being recorded. Constantly uses the I am getting hacked excuse for pretty much everything that goes wrong. The only avenue to get in contact: office hours.
He is very strict. There are no second chances. The work has to be done in order to pass. His teaching style is not very good as he only will take questions during his office hours. He did this for my class. I would wish everyone good luck who has this guy.
I didnt like the fact he does not really answer your questions, attendances id off just because you didnt put your name in right format if you showed up, instructions unclear in his assignments, and also grading policy is not good. Not a good professor
nopeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Tough grader and gives 4+ quizzes each class with 20 questions each
Quite literally is the worst teacher at nova. The material was so overwhelming and not appropriate for an introduction class. I had to reach out to tutors who literally told me they won't take students from his class because they themselves couldn't understand the assignments. The class made me very depressed and the teacher is rude.
The worse "teacher" I have ever experienced, this man couldn't teach a bird to fly. Just as arrogant, condescending, and rude in-person as he is online. In addition, he is incompetent and constantly misses his own deadlines. A detriment to the entire NVCC community and actively discourages students from participating and learning.
Professor Mac is one of the best professors in Cybersecurity. He could be teaching at any university & he chooses to teach at NOVA to help underserved students. Wake up and do the hard work. His HW, CTFs, and Cyber club prepared me to land my dream job as a hacker and get into Brown University. -Christian Galvan
WORSE TEACHER EVER. I dropped his ITN 276 class because not only are his assignments extremely critical and anal, but hes usless as well. If you dont submit EXACTLY what he is asking you will not get full credit. Many of my classmates are not doing good as of right now with him. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS GUY LET NOVA FIRE HIM!!!!!!!!
HE SUCKS I JUST CAME BACK TO CHANGE DIFFICULTY FROM 1 to 5 I MESSED UP. DONT TAKE THIS DUDE PLEASE IM BEGGING YOU
Professor Mac is an interesting guy I think he just wants students to learn a lot but he's super strict and doesn't put up with any nonsense or people cutting corners. The course was based off JB Labs and the Midterm/Final are just mostly off chapters from the online textbook. Overall I'm satisfied with the course, learned a lot about forensics.
Please avoid this professor at all costs, he will seriously ruin the course for you. Probably the worst professor I have had at NOVA. He does not want students emailing him, instead he wants students to see him during his zoom office hours in which he claims students are "zoom bots" and acts condescending, rude, arrogant, unhelpful, and annoyed.
Instructions for assignments are posted on the 'announcements' page not the actual assignment page. The professor posts many announcements that are completely unrelated to the course, making course material difficult to find within all the irrelevant announcements. It is clear the professor does not care about students or the course.
He posts many useless announcements every day which are not related to course. He makes it to difficult by looking for course material among useless announcements. Once time he wanted me to meet him on zoom to show me how to access to a material, he was so rude with me and was unhelpful and annoyed I do not know why he still teach students in NOVA.
William Mcloughlin as my college adviser and teacher has been deeply disappointing in two semesters he has shown a careless attitude and failed to provide any academic assistance. Despite reaching out to him through five emails, he has been entirely unresponsive leaving me feeling unsupported and lost He should not be teaching or Advising students
I'm still not convinced a middle schooler wasn't teaching this class, I don't think he ever turned on his video. He is emotional and just completely immature. He constantly blamed his technical issues on 'Zoom hackers'. Dealing with this guy every week was exhausting. If I had paid for this class I would have been very upset (used GI Bill).easy tho
He gave me a 0 because I didn't do the assignment like he wanted me to, does not give partial credit. I did it like the instructions said on the assignment itself and he pointed out a post he made on the announcement tab that specified how to do it. He could've literally just copied and pasted and saved the both of us some time.
i took this class last year, and I still have nightmares about this professor
Professor McLaughlin was a very tough and demanding teacher to handle. He had lots of assignments and little help. This is because many of the work involved a 3rd party software. This teacher was not very helpful when asking assistance. Avoid
Major stick up his a**. Will not help you if you message him. Only communicates through Canvas Announcements (half of which are bs). Half of his quizzes have faulty questions ("Select all that apply" but will allow one answer choice). Very rude and will not aid with the most minor of problems. DO NOT ENROLL!!!!!
Not helpful at all.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
78%
Textbook Required
50%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.62 avg changeRatings by Course
ITE019A
3.7
(3)ITE115
3.6
(11)ITE221
3.6
(5)ITN100
3.1
(14)ITN260
3.0
(13)Difficulty by Course
ITE116
5.0
ITN262
4.8
ITN100
4.4
ITN266
4.4
ITN261
4.3