Tests for everyone!

Whew....time for a new red pen - this one is running out of ink!

I had a really rough test that I gave yesterday to my third semester hardware class. It was open book, but that doesn't mean it should be easy. They really had to work hard on it. They could not finish during class, so I let them take it home. It was tough, but I know that they all learned something as they worked through it, so it was a worthwhile exercise.

Today (Friday), I am doling out two more tests - one on networks, and one in my Intro to Microcomputers class covering Chapters 1 & 2 - Basics and (mostly) the Internet. Looks like I will be saving my voice for soccer this weekend!

This is a fun job, and I enjoy being in the classroom. The tests are ultimately a gauge for us to determine what everyone is learning. Because it is a school, we have to measure it, but overall, quizzes are only 25% of the grade. While I don't encourage failing all the tests/exams/whatever, it is not the end of the world (or the class). My main goals are for people to be active participants, and to have fun while learning new things. All of this is to prepare for a new career, but it is far from the end of the learning process. In fact, probably the most important skill for people to learn here is learning how to learn. If my students can get a grasp on being a good student, and what they need to do (cause I can't make 'em learn!) to comprehend the information, then, as the industry changes, they will be ready to continue learning and growing.

Don't sweat the small stuff - just learn from it.

NFL Quarterbacks

Why are there only two really great ones? Peyton Manning - Check. Tom Brady - (I believe now)Check.

Is there really anyone else that belongs on the list? Eli? Not yet. Vince Young? Still growing. Carr? Warner? Brees? Greise? C'mon.

No - Donovan is not one. Not now, and never was - too inconsistent. He throws a great deep ball, but is way too inaccurate on the short throws (bouncing balls, throwing behind guys - what is the average YAC of Philly receivers? Inquiring minds want to know......)

There are some dynamic players out there, and guys succeed from year to year (see Jeff Garcia), but there are no consistently great ones.

Blame it on the option....................

Practice makes perfect

Oh, well. Turns out the baby is NOT coming (at least not yet!). Yesterday was just a drill, but hey, practice makes perfect. We had our practice run to the hospital and now we are ready for an actual delivery.

I did find out that I really need to bring something with me to pass the time. My wife and I are really relaxed (when we aren't goofing off and making smart-alec remarks to the nurses), and half the time we both just chilled there, hanging out and waiting for the baby to start hanging out! I did make a run down to the gift shop and pick up a Sudoku book for myself to help pass the time, and got her a magazine. Now that we have that in place, we are ready for the real deal.

She is not due for almost four more weeks, and hopefully this is not a weekly occurrence. We still have a few things to get (Bottle liners, nips, formula, etc.) and still need a pack-n-play for him to sleep in.

But hey - at least I GOT MY CLOSET DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8 Minutes

THE BABY IS COMING! THE BABY IS COMING!

Oh crap - I wasn't quite ready for this, but at least I got that damn closet done in time! Just painted the last bedroom wall last night. Talk about the nick of time.

Keep watching for the exact details.......

E-A-G-L-E-S ......Did it to me again!!!!!

Well......there goes 3 hours of my life that I just can't get back. The good old Iggles once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, blowing a four point lead in less than four minutes. When will Andy Reed figure out how to manage football time? It boggles the mind.

I just hope that I refrain from taking out my frustrations on my students. I watched the game, and now am sitting down to start working on their mid-term exams. ;)

Blogging is a way for us to share our thoughts, and I look forward to such sharing with all of my classes. Any student who reads this blog, and responds to me @ professorPFunk@gmail.com will get 5 points added to their next quiz/exam grade.