After the design was finalized, I began to code. I quickly realized there could be a better way of coding, using a more modular approach and actually utilizing the principles of OOP (Object Oriented Programming … if you’re not techy, please negate all geeky words and phrases). These principles basically make it possible to reuse code. More work up front = less work in the long term. One of my goals this year is to become more efficient and knowledgeable in the realm of ActionScript and more specifically, OOP. My hope is that the new knowledge will improve my ability to teach and create, design and implement RIA (Rich Internet Applications).

Anyway, before this project I scheduled a one-on-one four hour tutoring session with Dana Payne, an ActionScript/Flex/Flash expert and Adobe Certified Instructor. Wednesday of this week I completed this tutoring session and felt like I had a handle on the principles we talked about. Dana was great and I intend to hire her again in a few months for a more intensive eight hour session. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn these things. So, yesterday when I sat down to implement what I had learned the day before in my current project, I struggled. I was stressed from other projects, on mind overload, and frustrated that this project was taking longer than I had anticipated, hence why the hourly quote was a shot in the foot. I do not charge for my learning experiences, however, I also did not anticipate spending four times the time on the project. It’s not about money … more about personal / professional proficiency (or lack there of).

At this moment of ultimate frustration, the realization hit me. It has been over a year and a half that I have been in this position of learning. Of course, I am not saying I have not learned anything in the last year and a half. Or that I have not been frustrated. Rather, it is that I decided to take my skills to the next level and in doing so, lacked the self preparation and patience to hit the exponential learning curve head on. As I sit here now, humbled and a bit more at ease, I recognize this things and am ready to be more patient with myself and my ability to learn.

Students take this course winter quarter of their senior year. Flattered and a little taken back, I took a couple days to think about the opportunity presented before me. Initially I was flooded with nervousness (and I hadn’t even said yes!). However, after talking with my dad and a few other close friends, I was encouraged to do so and decided it was something I should not pass up.

I have never taught in a formal setting before. Of course, part of my job is to educate clients about the web, what it’s benefits are and how businesses can leverage online media. I once had a past employer hire me to train my successor on Adobe Flash. This went well, but again, it was fairly informal. Needless to say, I am feeling a little nervous! Nonetheless, I have heard many times that the best way to learn a subject well is by teaching it. (Obviously assuming there is already a sound foundation of understanding on that subject.) Therefore, beginning January 5th, 2009 I will be a bonafide adjunct professor!