The Summer 2009 quarter at the college wrapped up last week. The quarter flew by and now a new one is upon us! That’s what’s so interesting about Ai, with quarters things go by so fast. I wonder at times what the students can retain in such a quick turnaround…things don’t have time to sink in? I say that, but I look at the walls and am so impressed by what they create and do. We have some awesome students as well as a few not so awesome ones. With portfolio based classes, the focus being less on tests and more on portfolios, most seem to prosper.

Today we had new student orientation and a packed campus. I am happy to say that Web Design & Interactive Media had 8 new students starting! I believe that puts us at about 32 students (my numbers may be off a bit). WDIM is always a small program, which is crazy since it’s the place where money is made right after college. I prefer to think of my students as part of an elite few, we only let the best in! Actually Ai Austin has reached over 800 students! This apparently is amazing in comparison to other new Ai campuses across the US and Canada. Our campus is growing so fast and we are busting at the seams. Wow, now that I think about it, WDIM makes only about less than 5% of that group?! Did I do my math right? Wow, that’s weird to think about. The new students seems eager and ready to go. Two were in the Associate’s program and the rest in the Bachelor’s. The ratio was pretty even between male and female. I like that I have a good group of females, ladies in technology rock!

Next week, classes start. Here is a list of the courses I am teaching:

• Digital Imaging I – 2 sections, I have already taught this class before, so I feel pretty comfortable repeating it, I will be making some changes though. This class revolves around learning image or graphic manipulation using Photoshop. Students from all programs can take it, and usually get a lot out of it.
• Digital Imaging II - 1 section, first time teaching it. I have support from the previous instructor (he moved on to other classes) so I am nervous, but feel confident since I have someone to talk to and answer questions. I feel I have some big shoes to fill since I know students really liked him, hopefully I will measure up with this new crowd. This class will focus on Photoshop technique and more in-depth digital compositing.
• Introduction to Scripting – 1 section, 3rd time teaching, or is it the fourth? Last quarter I felt like things went askew due to time management issues in class, I will need to work on that. This class focuses on learning the basics of XHTML, CSS and JavaScript (although, every quarter we usually don’t get to JS).
• Intermediate Scripting – 1 section, more advanced web design course. Here students use Dreamweaver to create websites and can incorporate their knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash. I bring a client they work with to create a site. You can see last quarters client site here: Adrian and the Sickness (I apologize if this site gets changed, it is currently on a student server and will be on the real band site soon).
• Independent Study Portfolio II – ??? I am unsure if I am the adviser for this student, I guess I’ll find out Monday!
• Independent Study Digital Imaging III – ??? Again, heard it through the grape vine that I would be an adviser…but still unsure if this is true!

As you can see, this quarter I will be super busy! This week we didn’t have classes, so I took the time to work on revising and researching for my new courses. Of course, time flew by and I wish I had another 2 weeks to prepare. I am excited, I really do love teaching!