Fall 2023 started furiously!
A week before the start of this semester, I learned that we are moving to the next version of the course curriculum and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications. Adapting my syllabus to reflect the new curriculum and grading rubric is an expected chore. The change from MOS 2019 to MOS 365 and our program director's shifting the certification exams toward the end of a semester instead of immediately after finishing each application (e.g. Word, Excel) is completed, pique my curiosity.
I began contacting each student on roster the weekend before Day 1, Mon 8/28 to help them start IS101 section 3003, Fall 2023 strong. I noticed two more sections of IS101 were added and all online sections raised their enrollment capacity by 10% while in-person sections and hybrid sections raised by 5%. The names on my roster changed even after the first in-person classroom session today, Sat 9/2. It could potentially change further until end of tomorrow, Sun 9/3.
From WebEx meetings and phone calls before today's first classroom session, in-person interactions during the first classroom session, and what each student shared with me through his/her introduction email from A1 Professional Communication and first impression of IS101-3003 via his/her inaugural blog post from A2 Blog, I gained a glimpse into the background, personality, and ambition of each of my students save for the one that joined the class roster after the first classroom session.
Like past semesters, students range from a diverse background and varying levels of digital literacy. I am honored to have the opportunity be some students' first professor at College of Southern Nevada (CSN). I give thanks those who served or are serving in our military. I will guide those who are not comfortable or well versed in basic digital literacy. I will help elevate the level of MOS certifications and mastery of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint via my signature assignments for those who have above-and-beyond ambitions and follow through :-)
A few years ago, I saw this 11 min 14 sec video. I hope my students find it as inspiring as I did.
Click to view the video and try to view it in full screen mode
At the end of our first classroom session, Manassiya and Wayne -- both chose to sit in the front row of opposing halves of the classroom -- lead the class in their progress in IS101-3003. Leina, Ani, and Nadia are hot on their trails. I look forward to this coming week ^_^
Great video! It was definitely inspiring. I can't wait to see what this semester has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI personally loved the mention of the old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." I couldn't agree more that this phrase has slowly died out and is no longer chanted across elementary schools. The world now realizes and understands the power that words harness and the impact they can have on our youth <3.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful for the last-minute increase in enrollment! Super excited for what this semester has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI am very interested to know how this class will be looking like by the end of the semester, glad to be onboard!
ReplyDeleteExcited and nervous for our first quiz ever! Loving the class so far. Can't wait to see how much I'll learn by the end of the last class session!
ReplyDeleteI am very excited to see what this class will be like in the future and will love to see how fun it will be.
ReplyDeleteVery thankful for a teacher that shows he is here to help students succeed in any way he can. This just goes to show what a difference an in person meeting class has in terms of a connection with students. This is prominent in the structure of your class and I have been inspired to keep going.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to see how blogging every week will improve my writing and communication skills this semester. Also a big fan of Neil deGrasse Tyson.
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited to see how the class progresses throughout the semester!!
ReplyDeleteListening to Neil deGrasse Tyson talk always inspires me, I am looking forward to a great year!
ReplyDeleteIt's an awesome video and accurate on all levels to me. I enjoy watching Neil's videos on everything from ancient aliens to the cosmos. Definitely inspiring.
ReplyDeleteGlad there was an increase in enrollment and looking forward to becoming more tech savvy throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteThis was video was very inspiring. It was motivating to hear that I can create my own meaning, and not necessarily wait to find meaning in my life. Great video, Thank you!
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wu, you have been great so far and I really appreciate your willingness to help always! You've made my first impressions of this class very good!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to learn more about computer software.
ReplyDeleteI need to watch the video because it was very inspiring to me.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful to have you as our teacher and excited to see my own growth through this class.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to learn more about computers and Microsoft applications. I definitely need to work on Word and Excel.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite glad that you are one of my first teachers. You really are helping me on trying to catch up with the rest of the class even if I'm so far behind.
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