Teaching CS in Dallas

This is kinda of sad

Seems there are more teachers than learners for programming.

Progress Update

I met with "the bosses" on the online course, and I am pushing to have it ready by the end of next week. Also found out how much it pays and how it is going to work.

It's open to students in my district and they get a laptop to work on it. In fact, I have that laptop here and I am getting it configured so that they can use it. Right now, I'm debating as to whether I want to install J# which I think I might want to do.

I've put Java on it and JCreator so far. I've also downloaded some movies on Computer Science, so they that don't have to download them using dialup.

I've got the first two units completed.

And as for a commenter who wants to do the course -- let me see how many are enrolled and how it works with the district kids before I do anything else.

Video

I had to upload it seperately -- the video is at http://www.kweaver.org/videos

Major breakthrough

I've been "stuck". I've been stuck on picking an IDE, the one I want to use isn't ready for prime time, so I'm settling for JCreator.

I've also been stuck on finding the best way to install Java, and then the best way to tell my students how to do it.

First on the IDE. There are some great IDE's for students out there -- HOWEVER, and this is a big HOWEVER, setting up an IDE so that it has to be downloaded and reinstalled on a regular basis is not good. Worst yet, is when it has a hard coded expiration date. And the latest version has to be ready for the instructor to play with all summer AND then have time to install it on a jillion machines (or in my case 28 + the online course). I've only told the developer this every year that his expiration and his messing around has driven me nuts.

I am using a great tool though for teaching remotely. Actually tools. Both from Techsmith, called Camtasia and Snagit. Camtasia lets you record screen movies, helps you build title clips, etc, a lot like Premier, but in my opinion faster and easier (though Premier won't let you record the screen). SnagIt lets you do screen captures and lets you edit them. I made a movie last night which I'll try to upload and make available after I finish this post.

Anyway, I'm going to concentrate this week on finding the best way to install Java -- I did a whole server technology thing last night, but I believe that is complete over kill. I want something that just allows students to compile and run, along with the Java docs.

PreAP Online Course

I'm very excited because I have a new assignment from my school district -- create an online course for Computer Science.

I picked PreAP, primarily because I know what is on the district final.

One of the real exciting things about it for me, is that I'm getting to use my Master's Degree. In fact, the person who I'm ultimately doing this assignment for, was my professor of record.

It's a lot of work. I am basically setting up the entire course so it can be taken online and I need to have the majority of the course designed before the school year starts. I have not idea what I am getting paid for it, but I have a feeling that it, like the webmastering course designed last year, will be made available to the other teachers.

Once the school year starts, they will be recruiting students. They are hoping for 12, and are hoping to issue the student labtops. I will be the teacher of record if we get students to sign up. It will be available for Dallas ISD students.

It's on Blackboard, and best yet, I managed to get the first unit designed tonight. I'm sure I'll tweak it but at least I got started!

This gives me lots of good opportunities and puts me on the ground floor for other potential online courses.