Rock Valley Academic Calendar | Online Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Where were you born?

Middletown, NY

What were your interests as a child? back to top

Writing, singing and playing guitar. My first performance was doing an Elvis medley at age 6.

When did you become interested in the subject you teach? back to top

Around the age of 20 I became interested in electronic gadgets (still am) and Computer Programming languages. Soon after I began a degree in Computer Science and began tutoring and assisting students in all my classes. It was there I came to love teaching computer science.

What College did you graduate from? back to top

  • Drury University, M.S., Computer Science and M.A. Graphic Design.
  • Central Bible College, B.A. I am a theological geek…

What and where was your first job after graduating from college? back to top

  • Assemblies of God Headquarters, Christian School Services.

    I wrote curriculum for private Schools and did some programming and Graphic Design work. I had a K-6 grade curriculum published while employed there.

  • Drury University, Graphics/Programming Lab Assistant

    Taught programming and graphic design classes. I also tutored students in these fields.

  • Rockford Christian School, Head of Computer Science Department, Assistant Technical Director

    1. Created curriculum tract for the Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
    2. Taught programming, graphic design, and Office 2000 MOUS certification classes.
    3. Helped maintained the Novell network and create programs to facilitate network security.

What brought you to RVC? back to top

During the process of setting up two dual credit courses in programming for the High School I became acquainted with the CIS department and was soon asked to teach part-time in Spring 2001. As soon as a position came open for a full-time faculty I applied. I was and still am very impressed with the quality of instructors and growing diversity of students that attend the college.

Do you have any other commitments or involvements with RVC like clubs, etc? back to top

I am the current faculty advisor for the Computer Club, which by the way meets every Thursday @ 5pm in room WTC211. The club is really growing and wants to reach out to the student body in the area of Computer Science and programming.

What classes are you teaching and tell us your description of each class? back to top

CIS254 – Database Intro Class.

The goal is to introduce students to the design options available in today's marketplace, provide them with expertise in selecting and implementing a database system in particular areas such as production, management or marketing, and to provide skills in extracting meaningful information from databases.

CIS184INT – Advanced Visual Basic. Prep for MCSD certification. back to top

This course is for students who have taken CIS 180 and CIS 181 - Beginning and Advanced Visual Basic - who would like to complete discussion of topics covered on Microsoft’s Certification Exam for Visual Basic.

CIS102 – Basic Computer Concepts back to top

Introduction to Computers and Information Systems surveys the uses of computers in business, industry, and the home.

PCT110 - Network Essentials back to top

Network Essentials is a course providing an introduction to Local Area Networks (LANs). The course is useful for LAN managers, supervisors of LAN managers, users of LANs, or those considering the purchase and installation of a Local Area Network.

PCT101- Beginning Computer Concepts back to top

Beginning Computer Concepts is a survey of the function and architecture of computer hardware. The course emphasizes microcomputer-based systems. Topics may include data representation, operating systems, local networks, computer communications, algorithms and data structures.

How do you grade, for example, grade on the curve, etc. and why?
back to top

I grade on a straight 10-point grading scale, no curve. I feel a student that works for a grade deserves to be rewarded accordingly. The straight grading scale challenges me as an instructor to teach in a manner that reaches the entire class, from all different levels of learning. That means employing different teaching methodologies and even working one on one with students.

What FAQs do you find about your class? back to top

Why does my computer hate me?

Just like a friendship the same goes for your computer. The more time you spend with the computer the better acquainted with and easier it becomes to navigate. I tell all my beginning programming students for their first assignment to get their pillows, pajamas and a pot of coffee and spend a weekend with their computers, play games, get comfortable.

What is your most interesting experience at RVC? back to top

Seeing students ranging from recent high school graduates, middle-age hard-working parents, to retired grandparents having a place to learn and grow. Being able to facilitate that process is beyond what words can express. Semester after semester students struggle with very similar struggles and being able to help open their eyes and succeed is very fulfilling.

What are your hobbies? back to top

I love reading and watching anything on the history of technology

(Tech TV) and how to best use technology today. In addition, I still try to write, sing, play guitar (Oldies and some country genres) and taking long walks.

Do you have any interesting experiences to share about EdNet? back to top

EdNet is a great communication tool that I use in all of my classes. I would have to say that the ability to be available to my students when online is great tool (…excuse me I’m being hailed now). I have also implemented in all my classes a grading and testing module that the students seem to love.

What do you feel is the biggest technological change of the past decade? back to top

Change. The word scares people, but all the articles I read say that we are still in the infancy stage in technology. The biggest change I see is in the area of wireless communication. The growth rate of this medium is staggering. For instance, Digital Insight, of Los Angeles, CA, which deals heavily in wireless technology, has had a five-year growth rate of 3,387 percent.

As the song goes, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!” fits well here.

What amazes you? back to top

The love of a child, it’s unconditional.

What are your pet peeves? back to top

Treating people with respect, love and dignity from all walks of life. Also, if you’re going to do a job, do it with all of your heart.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? back to top

At Rock Valley helping students learn about this thing called a “Computer”. I would also like to take part in writing curriculum for programming and web technologies and Pursue a Doctorate Degree in Computer Science.

What would you like to do after retirement? back to top

Spend as much time possible with my family and friends.What’s more important?

Book?: back to top

Tale of Two Cities, Chronicles of Narnia. Both speak of life’s struggles and successes.

Movie?: back to top

What About Bob? This movie makes me laugh and we all need to laugh.

Favorite website?: back to top

Yahoo.com . Love the logo, love the messenger, love the email.

Favorites Quotes: back to top

1. DILIGENCE BREEDS SUCCESS- “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”. - Thomas A. Edison

2. PERSISTENCE: “Now that we have exhausted all possibilities lets get started”.
– Author Unknown

3. HARD WORK: "If a man does his best, what else is there?"
– General George S. Patton

4. TRUTH: "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on."
- Sir Winston Churchill

Your website: http://ckonkol.org

AOL BUDDY NAME : POPDADDYOS

back to top