Shawn Brennan

Blog Comment

As an adult learner myself, I knew what my priorities were while going back to school as I was approaching 30. I didn't want to waste time or money on a degree I wasn't going to use, so I was always on the ball when it came to homework, projects and assignments. Today, as an Instructor, I notice the same thing in older students who have the same principles. The younger generation that goes to where I teach at are motivated, but lose focus easily. Some students when they walk into class are already wondering if we are getting out… >>>

Shawn Brennan

Blog

R&A

As I look back and reflect how I was as a student entering college at 28, I was very determined and had the assumption that the way I learned in HS would be mostly similar to how it was in college. It wasn't; at least not for the most part. Smaller classes, more research and writing, more projects.. it was overwhelming at some points, but I did my best and did well.

When I became an instructor, I took the knowledge I had and thought back to my experiences as someone who was going back to school at 28 years… >>>

Shawn Brennan

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

@gmeers :

I've learned that surprise quizzes and tests help motivate students to retain information and pay better attention! I mostly teach cerfitication courses as it relates to IT, so I'm very adamant about students paying attention and every class practically dictate that employers will be looking at their resume to see what industry-standard certifications they have that will most likely determine whether or not they get hired. I also tell them every class to not let the learning stop when you leave the classroom at the end of the night and to not just use one book for… >>>

Shawn Brennan

Blog

Training into Performance

I believe that training and updating your knowledge to how things are currently is important, but if you're not interested in the subject material or "have to do trainings" because it's part of a requirement, then that knowledge is gone as soon as the test is passed. The main point about the discussions so far are about keeping students accountable, flipping the classroom and holding them accountable for knowledge they retain, and this has its benefits. The hardest thing for anyone to do is make someone have an interest in something that does not interest them. I've learned through experiences… >>>

Shawn Brennan

Discussion Comment

Gen Y Students and Technology

@EHobbs55 :

I notice that too. I have two jobs, and ironically both deal with both students and IT. We are the first people to know when it comes to a technical issue and someone can't access Facebook or YouTube during a study hall or lunch period. As much into technology as I am (and have to be to stay ahead of the curve), I find myself NOT wanting to turn on the TV or touching anything with a keyboard or mouse or can access the Internet when I finally get home. I don't know if it's age or burnout… >>>

Shawn Brennan

Discussion Comment

what is the differance

I think with strategies it can also become confusing in how to do things the "proper" way when it comes to technology, meaning a teacher or instructor might be trying to develop standards or protocols to a student but he or she might learn a way that's not standardized. I mention this as I teach students and how to get industry-standard certficiations (A+, Network+, Security+ and Linux+, to name a few) and those organizations have protocols in what practices to follow in order to pass and get certified within a particular industry or focus. I noticed in labs throughout the… >>>

Shawn Brennan

Blog

Action & Reflection

Being that I work my full time job in IT and teach IT to students during nights, I can tell how my students and their age differences have different ways of learning. I have usually let them read the book and go through the questions and answers with them, but also implement labs where I can show them what needs to be done and how to accomplish a task and also "throw them into the fire" and see if they can figure out things on their own. The students in my classes usually range from their late teens to older… >>>

Shawn Brennan

Blog Comment

Really good refresher course

I also wish the same. It'd be nice if we could use something like this at my other job to help other staff members keep up to date and also refresh them on the intricate details and building blocks of a successful team.

Shawn Brennan

Blog Comment

ed 105

I agree, it just further reinforced about how hands-on is a vital key for people to learn and apply knowledge.