The number of incredible learning resources being generated by professional web designers never ceases to amaze me. Over the past few years, the wealth of professional web development blogs and resources has literally redefined my role as a “teacher”. Whether it’s knowing what questions you might be asked in a web development job interview (or a second sample of interview questions) or providing excellent html and css tutorials for a learner, I cannot compete with the myriad of professionals out there to create better tutorials or resources for learners in our course. But nor do I need to…
As a recent example, just yesterday one of the largest media conferences finished up in Texas, SXSW. Anyone wanting to learn can watch, for example, the full 1hr video of a discussion with two prominent web developers called How to bluff your way in Web2.0 (and print or view the 100+ page slideshow from one of the presenters’ blogs)!
Another panel presentation at the same conference was all about getting some insight into the work habits of 20 top professionals:
Have you ever wondered how the top designers work their magic? What is their workflow? What tools and techniques work best for them as they create compelling and inspiring designs?
But you didn’t have to be there - the presenters created a website and anyone who’s interested can read for themselves how twenty-six (yes, 26) current professional web designers get their jobs done on Design Workflows@work.
These resources are better than anything I could create for my students on my own… imagine the time involved for me to create a video about Web2.0 or interview 20+ professionals to find out how they get their jobs done, or even just create a list of common interview questions my students might be asked when applying for a job. I’d have no time left to spend with students in class!
So what then is my role in our learning group? How should I be spending my time in the classroom? What can I provide learners with that they can’t get from professionals on the net? Rather than answer that with my own thoughts, I’m keen to hear your thoughts… lemme know!