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.

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.