I believe, overall, the class went well. I did’t rush too much (for me) and there were very few breaks where I had to go catch someone up. That is always a good sign.

The problem with the course was the hodge-podge variety of what we covered. Not enough time to teach all of Windows XP, so you give them a quick overview of the process for each bit and piece, answer any questions they have and then let them refer to the handout if they can’t pull the process from memory.

It will be interesting to read the survey results. Teaching a workshop is often like taking a test: you think you did an A (or D) job and the grade is a C (or B) and completely throws you for a loop.

1:20 p.m. Woosh. Start this blog on an up note. Going to teach a short course today. Nothing too complex. Just a quick introduction to some time-saving customizations and capabilities of Windows XP. Should be quite enjoyable. Small group, 9 so far, but could get one more in before we kick off at 2:30.

The course is basically designed around the Windows Basics: Tips and Tricks course I did for last year’s Professional Enrichment Conference here at UofR.

I wish the week hadn’t been so busy. Last year, I wrote some humerous (or at least I think so) bits into the PEC handout and kept them for this session. Wish there had been more time to add some fresh jokes. I don’t feel they take away from the experience and always seem to keep everyone relaxed. We’ll see how it goes today. I’ll have to ad-lib a bit. Maybe some soft-shoe. I know I can get a cane, but where can I get a hat?

Also, there are several people attending the class who I know pretty well. It always helps to know a few of the attendees. Gives you someone to focus on. And, it is especially good when the people you know coming will laugh at even your worst attempts at humor. Come to think of it, those people should get gold stars. They really help to break the ice and keep the intensity down.