gatorcast from paul smith

Today I discovered something wonderful!   Tests..

We are using a new system at school that allows me to build exams, tests and quizzes.

I can have the exam reveal the answers immediately or make them wait until the all submitted.    I can time it, and when complete,  show the class by question the % or number that they got correct.  Real-time.   It was fun after the test today showing them the results and correct answers.

The test today had 11 questions that I thought were easy, but for most it was hard.  Only 1 student out of 34 got 100.   The average was below 60.

It was very interesting listening to them go through trying to solve the questions.  All of this was open book too.

In addition to getting them to review and truly have to think, this  exercise will also help in the future when I ask them to pay attention and get their assignments done.   Technology, I love it.

Yesterday was fun.   I had the students use  a free on-line website to build an organizational structure for their websites.   I am amazed at how much teaching is getting me back to my roots as a software developer.  I have not been so focused on the details in a long time.  When you actually have to explain things to students you must know the stuff too.

Here is the website I used.

Teaching is going wonderful.  I have done 1 full week and I think I really got a handle on it.   Doing this has really helped me organize my thoughts, tasks and many aspects of my daily routine.  I find that I am much more prepared for everything.      Today we talked about Information Architecture and the idea of chunking.  I have learned so much getting ready for class and my interaction with the students.

Here I am today teaching.  Crazy.

This week I started teaching Web Design I at St. Francis Catholic High School.   And I gotta say, it’s pretty cool.  I was a little nervous at first but after 3 days now I am pretty sure I can do it.  And I might really like it.   Having spent several years helping build and support the IT for the school it is awesome to be on the faculty side of things.   Everyone has been so welcoming and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to do this.

I am surprised at how much I really enjoyed it.   I remember several of my High School teachers and how great they were.     I have only committed for the next 17 weeks and not sure what the future holds.   Of course I continue to work my day job. :>   I truly believe doing this will benefit me personality and professionally.    Today we did color theory!  and tomorrow the introduction to web standards…

So for the next 17 weeks I am Mr. Smith to about 30 high school kids.  Something I am rarely called.    Wish me luck and I will post again with my progress.

On Monday I participated in the 5th annual Bible Mass for the incoming freshman class.  Here we are in our regalia after being recognized by the Pricipal Ernie Herrington.   Each year all of the K of C Councils in Gainesville contribute money to purchase the bibles for each incoming freshman.

Zap, Chuck, Me, Jon

I was so proud that Evan walked the entire route (plus some).  From North South Dr, down University Avenue, all the way down to Main Street.   I walked from University & 13th to the end.   Both of us participated with St. Francis Catholic High School’s float.  Thanks Ernie for including us.    It was extremly fun to experience the parade in this way.

The float had “Touchdown Jesus” on it and read “Nation of Champions, Under God”

Touchdown Jesus

Evan & Thomas

The view of the Segal Building as we walk by.