"Professor Robbins"

That's what they call me at Johnson & Wales University, School of Technology! Since I was so recently known as "Jennifer Niederst," it took a while to realize they were talking to me.

<challenge time="high" pay="low">Web Design 101</challenge>

Since the beginning of March, my class IS2020: Basic Web Concepts has been dominating my life. Although I've done web design workshops, this is my first taste of teaching a full-semester college course. It's come with some surprises...

For instance, I didn't expect that I'd be spending as much as 25 hours a week (in addition to the 4+ hours in class) preparing class presentations, assignments, and quizzes, not to mention grading and other miscellaneous administrative tasks.

I've found out that you can't assume that people will read their assignments, follow instructions, or even show up. I'm also learning that not everyone can get an A.

There are some up sides. The staff at Johnson & Wales (the director, Stephen Andrade, in particular) have been friendly, helpful, and supportive. My students are made up of a diverse range of ages and ethnic origins (I have one student from Turkmenistan!) and I generally enjoy their company. And, granted, the second time I teach, all those presentations, assignments, and quizzes will already be done. I'll also know how to spoon-feed important information to my next class--like how you have to come to class and hand in the assignments.

Teaching a class is a real learning experience.