Computer Information

MY BACKGROUND

You may want to know something about my background. Contrary to popular belief, I was not trained by a pack of technically proficient squirrels.

Although I’d had some experience with early Basic programming and Data Processing (using a dumb terminal) in school and word processing with a word processing machine later, initially I didn’t do very much with computers. In 1983, the financial firm that I worked for asked me to do a computer feasibility study. They wanted to know whether their company of about 1500 people should have more than six desktop computers. With that project, I began teaching myself a great deal about computers, and kept it up. I became their first Statistician (they recognized what a know-it-all I was). The next year I was offered the opportunity to work in the MIS department of that company as a computer trainer. I taught a wide variety of computer classes and did special projects and backup for the help desk there until 1995.

Next, in 1995, I worked for a terrific non-profit company, the Career Education Center, that helped unemployed people acquire the technical and other skills that they needed to help them in their careers. I worked there until the year 2001, when the wonderful people who ran the company decided that they’d had their fill of government red-tape and closed their doors for good. I still do web design work for my incredible boss, Ron Visconti (President of Peninsula Employment Group, http://www.peninsulaemploymentgroup.com). He’s one of the funniest people on the face of this planet and a great friend, too.

Deciding to enter the public sector, I took post-graduate classes at San Francisco State University and received a preliminary teaching credential. I cleared it soon afterwards.

In 2001, I began teaching a wide range of computer classes at South San Francisco Adult Ed. I renewed my Teacher’s credential last year. Reduced scheduling forced me to give up teaching during the day (don’t you just love education cutbacks?), but I continue to teach a variety of classes at night. I just got a full-time job. (Everybody give a hearty Woohoo!). I’ll be teaching computer classes for Goodwill Industries. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity to do what I love. Thanks for all the encouragement and support you all have given to me.

MY TEACHING STYLE

My teaching style is informal, using a lot of exercises (most of them come from my warped brain) to reinforce the lessons I teach. I seldom use a book (I believe that they’re best used as references). I also believe that learning should be FUN! I do my best to help students have a really good time as they learn. I’m heavily into teaching the most productive and easiest ways to get things done, because your time is important.

If you know of someplace that’s looking for a dedicated teacher, trainer, or even administrative support, please let me know at: spooferkd@yahoo.com. Thank you.

Remember – WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER!