Since the beginning of this semester we are starting a new program for our Academic Resource Center (ARC) in which students get assistance with homework and some guidance studying for the TOEIC test. April was a little slow due to book purchases and setting up of computer and printers, but in May we saw some students visiting the ARC regularly and asking assistance from our TA (who has been hired with the main duty of conducting this program). Well, last Read More …
Blog
First classes DONE.
The first classes o the ICT course were done already. Wow, it was really exciting to enter the classroom again and see the new faces. Unfortunately, due to the size of the computer classroom, I got two huge classes. A big change from the small classroom sizes I had last year. The good part is that I got an assistant this year, and he is really working hard. This makes a huge difference because he also helps me keeping control Read More …
Too busy to be true
Tomorrow is our 21st graduation ceremony and today everyone is very busy preparing and rehearsing for tomorrow. Also, we will have TC certificates handled to students in a small ceremony and later, thesis highest honors certificates. Of course these are not the only things going on. Today students will be trying the gowns and filling up an exit survey among other things. I am sure a lot of people will be crying tomorrow, so I hope I can write a Read More …
English Skills Workshops
This Friday we will have the first session of the English Skills Workshops for 1st year students. Although not mandatory, I am requiring almost all my advisees to attend it and I will keep a record of their attendance. This is another way we are trying to improve students’ skills and it is really important that they attend it.
Lab Live (or, the view from the lab)
With some neat programming and an old webcam, I am now able to share the beautiful view from my office window. Winter is coming, and it may look a little boring (for now), but as soon as the flowers start blooming, the mix of colors will surely become something amazing to appreciate. Looking forward to April!!!
Yumenavi @ Fukuoka
This Saturday I am going to participate for the second time in the Yumenavi event for high-school students. This time I will be in Fukuoka talking about ICT and Liberal Arts. Although the connection might not be obvious for some people, I hope students can get the idea and hopefully they will get interested about learning and thinking in English.
Preparing for the new semester
Next Monday the semester starts… and as usual, things were so busy around here that computers’ refresh was left for the last minute. Luckily for me, most computers are usable and tomorrow I will be able to focus on my new programming class. Yes, that’s right, a programming class is going to be taught for the first time in MIC and I am looking forward to it.
Radar charts everywhere!!!
It is normal to provide students with feedback every time they submit an assignment. Still, some students (sometimes) do not understand where they need to improve. To address this issue, I have been handing out mid-semester reports to all my students and the easiest way for them to understand it to stick a radar chart in it. Yes, I know we can do it with a spreadsheet software, but I wanted something that would be generic enough that I can Read More …
Thesis page updated
Although students are still enjoining their summer vacation, I recommend everyone working on their thesis to take a look at the Senior Thesis page here: http://lab.passos.jp/undergrad-thesis/senior-thesis-guide/. Make sure you add the ST calendar and don’t forget to set the alerts so you do not forget any deadline!!!!
New website published!!!
I know it is not perfect, but if I wait until it is, I will never publish it. Updated publication lists, projects (not finished yet), abstracts of all undergrad thesis I have advised so far and many of my teaching related posts, that were in my university’s Mahara, were also migrated to this new website. The content structure is basically the same as the previous version, and soon I will add “whitepapers” and a section with all my material for Read More …