Field of Computer Science and Information Technology is very dynamic and rapidly changing, which makes it very interesting and challenging to teach and learn. Technologies based on innovative ideas are being introduced on daily basis and these innovations are transforming our life-style. In my opinion, a computer science educator must make sure that students master the basic skills they need and understand the context and meaning of what they are learning. Students should be exposed to new tools and technology as much as possible to prepare them to deal with the constant change in this field.
I got my early teaching experience first as a Teaching Assistant in CS department of MET College and then as an Instructor in the department of Computer Science while I was in graduate school at Boston University. As a Teaching Assistant, I assisted instructors and occasionally gave lectures to graduate students in Artificial Intelligence, Database Management Systems, and Natural Language Processing courses. As an Instructor I taught Data Structures using C/C++, Programming in C/C++ Language, and Introduction to Computer Science courses at the under-graduate level and Computer Networks course at the graduate level. After graduation I joined industry for almost 4 years. Then I joined Zayed university as an Assistant Professor in the College of Information Systems. In the last 3 years, I have taught a wide range of courses covering different technical aspects of computer science. I offered more than a dozen courses during this time and these courses were in the following areas of Computer Science and Information Systems:
- Computer Programming and Problem Solving (Java)
- Data Communication and Computer Networks
- Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
- Web Application Development
Most of these courses were technical in nature and require different mix of pedagogical approaches to ensure that students not only acquire technical knowledge and skills, but also show an enthusiasm to further learning. In my opinion, student motivation and engagement is very crucial to ensure that course material is well understood by the students. I used following guidelines to achieve this goal.
- Present well organized lectures with clarity and well defined goals. Use appropriate technology and tools for effective communication and delivery of concepts.
- Create highly interactive learning environment where students feel comfortable in asking questions and motivate them to participate in the class discussions. I always try to learn students’ names to quickly shorten the distance with them and to develop mutual respect in the classroom. I frequently raise questions to engage students in the discussion topic.
- Provide applied and hands-on opportunities to learn new concepts and their applications. Students gain confidence and experience from applied approach.
- Develop a learning environment where students can ask questions not only related to the courses taught by the faculty, they can also ask questions from other areas of Computer Science and Information Systems. I am accessible as much as possible inside and outside of lecture and office hours to help those students who need additional help.
- Implement a mechanism to get timely feed-back to improve the course. Assessment tools such as home works and exams are built-in tools for this purpose in any course. In addition to this solicit students comments formally and informally. For my courses students are more than welcome to give suggestions and ideas to help improve the course. All feedback is appreciated and treated with respect.
In teaching my courses, I adopted a highly interactive and applied approach to engage students. Students’ appreciation of this approach is reflected in my recent student evaluations (Fall02 4.16, Spring03 4.17, Fall03 4.49 and Spring04 4.39). My teaching philosophy and performance is reflected in the Dean’s class observations report.
I feel qualified to teach Programming Languages, Operating Systems, Systems Programming, Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, System Administration, Web Technologies, Data Communication and Computer Networks. My interests are broad, and I believe that I could teach other topics if needed. I can be an effective, knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher at any college and university.