After working through all the problems in my mini projects and our group project i have a suggestion for next semester of IS 449. Instead of trying to learn everything in class and go out on our own to figure it out on the computer, maybe you should try doing some labs. Even have a few lab assignments to make sure students understand where you want them to be. Also, personally i learn much better with a hands on type of enviroment than i do with trying it on my own.
Check out this website to see what your learning style might be : Learning Style
I was wondering if anyone else in class felt the same way. Let me know...