[GLLUG] Classes @ LCC

[Brad Fears]

I agree with Clay, introducing students to multiple technologies is a good
thing, but unless they can demonstrate realworld competence in those
subjects, they're only resume buzzwords.

Along the lines of individual projects, I would recommend one of the
requirements would be that they are written/released as open source.  That
*ususally* leads to broader thinking in terms of design, documentation,
and support, but also encourages ongoing (post degree) development, which
is also impressive to potential employers.  They wouldn't even have to be
revolutionary projects, just a different take on existing ideas.

--Brad Fears


>
> dennis-groups6481 at mailzoo.com said:
>> There are new courses (pending approval) that will be developed include:
>>
>> -PHP/MySQL
>> -PERL/CGI
>> -Apache/IIS Web server Administration
>> -Web Development Tools (Overview of Dreamweaver, Photoshop, etc.)
>> -Intro to MySQL
>> -Intro to Linux Desktop
>
> Those are nice, but a class where students are forced to do some real
> programming would also be good.  I have taught college courses, hired and
> trained new graduates, and the thing they are most in need of are some
> basic application design and execution skills.  It looks like you have
> three language introduction classes in your program already.  How about a
> course on web applications that focuses on application design and
> implementation?  I would propose replacing the Intro MySQL class with a
> class on designing applications with MySQL.  Alternatively, the Linux
> Desktop class could be dropped in favor of this course.
>
> My feeling is that putting the students through this sort of course would
> make them significantly more marketable.  A student who can show a
> finished application to an employer is highly preferable to one who can
> show a bunch of classes introducing them to technology.
>
> This opinion might seem a little strong, but programming is hard and you
> shouldn't kid yourself or your students otherwise.  You'll be doing them a
> big favor by preparing them for it in advance.  Recent graduates of other
> schools that I've worked with have expressed the same thing; that more
> about the hard stuff of solving problems and less about introducing them
> to technology is what they need to prepare them for the workplace.
>
> Clay Dowling
> Opinionated programmer and instructor
>
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