• 82 courses completed (3 more in progress at the moment)
• 3,945 individual movies viewed (equates to 10.8 movies per day on average for the entire year)
• 291.41 hours of video viewed (36.4 days at 8 hours per day, but who works just 8 hours anymore – which translates to an average of 47 minutes per day)

Although a number of courses focused on Adobe technologies, many also focused on other areas. What I found most helpful was not only reviewing and honing my skills as I reviewed and worked through various examples, but also seeing how others teach these technologies. I have tried to employ some of these concepts into the classes I teach as well as some of the approaches to covering these technologies.

It is hard work keeping up with technologies and this is one resource that I plan to continue utilizing. As I mention to students from time to time, it is important to keep learning. Technologies employed with web systems continue to change rapidly. While nearly 4,000 individual movies may seem like a mountain, it was done one small step at a time (only 10 movies per day at a cost of less than an hour per day on average).

Full disclosure – I am a member of the Lynda.com advisory board (and have been since October, 2009). I would have used these resources regardless of my affiliation.

If you are curious about the courses I have completed, you can follow the link below (will open in a new window/ tab).

First – welcome to class. I am here to help you better understand the material and apply it to real life situations. If you ever have a question about the material, contact me and I will do my best to help. I have a number of tools which I can employ to help you better understand the concepts and tools we will be using.

Second – you are responsible for your future. Since you are taking these classes, I make the assumption you aspire to be a web professional. You are encouraged to develop and enhance your professionalism as part of these classes. For example, do the absolute best you can on each assignment. Do not settle for second best. You may someday wish to include some of these as part of a portfolio of your work. Also, take responsibility for your actions. If you know you will miss a deadline, notify me in advance. As a general rule, I will provide you with extra time. However, if you do not notify me beforehand, you will receive a grade of “unsatisfactory” or a 0 for that assignment.

Third – take time to enjoy the class experience. You have the opportunity to interact with your peers. In some courses, we will be working on group projects. In others,  you will be working alone, but will still need to interact with others via the discussion forum. Everyone bring a different and unique experience to class. Learn from what others have to offer.

I hope you are looking forward to this semester as much as I am. For those who are in the East Peoria area, we do have an optional open lab for all CMWEB students on Wednesday and Thursday nights (from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. in TC 210 – ICC East Peoria campus). If you are able to make it – great. for those outside of the area (or who can not make it on the above nights, I also offer an online office hour (Tuesday from 6 – 6:50 p.m. Central Time zone). I use the ConnectPro software to allow us to share desktop applications.

65 above zero:
Floridians turn on the heat.
People in Montana plant gardens.
60 above zero:
Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Montana sunbathe.
50 above zero:
Italian & English cars won’t start.
People in Montana drive with the windows down.
40 above zero:
Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.
People in Montana throw on a flannel shirt.
35 above zero:
New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Montana have the last cookout before it gets cold.
20 above Zero:
People in Miami all die.
Montanans close the windows.
Zero:
Californians fly away to Mexico .
People in Montana get out their winter coats.
10 below zero:
Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Montana are selling cookies door to door.
20 below zero:
Washington DC runs out of hot air.
People in Montana let the dogs sleep indoors.
30 below zero:
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Montanas get upset because they can’t start the Snow-mobile.
40 below zero:
Atomic motion stops.
People in Montana start saying…’Cold enough fer ya?’
50 below zero:
Hell freezes over.
Montana public schools will open 2 hours late

I wanted to take a moment and acknowledge a select group of students. In the interest of student confidentiality, I really can’t mention your names publicly. You know who you are because you received a note from me attached to your final grade for the semester in your chosen class. You small group of students achieved a significant milestone but may not realize how few have met that milestone. Specifically, you scored 100% on every assignment, quiz, project, and final exam. Yes, there were several students this semester in various classes I taught. I went back through my notes for the past decade that I have been teaching and have done a quick tally. Frankly, more people have walked on the surface of the moon than have achieved this milestone of a perfect score in one of my classes. If you are curious, I understand there are 12 astronauts who have walked on the moon. Yes, many students have gotten a grade of “A” in my classes, but most elect to take the final with minimal effort and get the course grade they have already earned. Only a very few pursue a perfect score on the final. So, congratulations to each of you. You know who you are. Keep up the great work.

I look forward to working with everyone in the spring semester. Enjoy the winter break and Happy Holidays to all.