Saturday, October 17, 2009

Teaching at the Ruby on Rails Workshop for Women

Today I taught the beginner class at the Ruby on Rails Workshop for Women. First of all, I want to thank Mary Tolbert for getting me involved. Also, a big thanks to Sarah Allen and Liana Leahy putting things together and giving me a chance to say that "I taught a class at Harvard."

I was a bit intimidated in teaching the class at first. I was upgraded from TA status to teacher mid-week and was a bit worried that I wouldn't know what to say. Maybe I was right to be worried. Also, many of the TA's were rockstar rubyists and I have to admit that I felt a little silly speaking authoritatively in front of them.

Once I started getting into the material I started to feel pretty comfortable. Watching people have a-ha moments is really rewarding. Trying to explain programming with out falling back on computer science terms is kinda tricky on the fly. Maybe if I do something like this again, I can speak on things a little more smoothly.

It's pretty incredible how much the students were able to pick up in a day. I know that we had some people in the class that had never written code in their life and it was really cool to see them hacking in just a few hours.

If I were to do it over again, I would suggest just a plain ruby class for beginners. Or maybe a two day class where Rails is covered in the second day. When I thought that the students were getting comfortable with Ruby, we only had one session left. I think that everyone was with me when we were modifying the default index page in Rails, but I wanted to make sure that the students saw the ruby bits too. So I rushed through controllers and views in 15 minutes and I would be surprised if anyone got anything out of it. It probably would have been best to punt on the controllers and just explain a little about HTML and CSS.

I noticed that for a lot of beginners, application switching was killer. Switching between the terminal, browser and text editor is second nature for me, but not so much for those just getting started. I wish I had a ton of screen real estate to keep all three visible at once, but I don't know if that would actually help.

We didn't get to really cover git or Heroku in the class. I was able to tell the students enough to use them, but not understand them. The localhost vs. Heroku server was definitely a stumbling block for some. For beginners, I might punt on Heroku and just work from localhost without any source control just to get started.

I got a ton of positive feedback on Twitter and in person. This was super encouraging. I've always been considering teaching at some level later in my career, so it seems like I am on the right track there.

Overall, it was an awesome experience. One thing I was surprised to hear is how intimidating it is for women to participate in local open source meet ups. I suppose that being a 6' 2" person who has played contact sports leaves me in a position where I am generally not to scared of software developers. But getting up in front of the class today with all of the TA's looking at me, I think I'm starting to get it. Hopefully, events like these can start to even out the gender balance so that more women feel comfortable participating in the Ruby and FOSS community.

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

You did a great job. I do not know how you could have done better.

Unknown said...

I agree. I am one of those "never programmed before", and the class made me keep searching the Ruby website for more info. You made me confident I could get it.

Liz Sumner said...

I concur.

"If I were to do it over again, I would suggest just a plain ruby class for beginners. Or maybe a two day class where Rails is covered in the second day."

Thanks for everything.

Amy said...

I was in the non-newbie section,and I agree with you that a two-day workshop would have been beneficial. This was my first formal instruction in OOP, and I would have liked to have more time spent on methods, etc.

Inheritx Solutions said...

This is really good and interesting piece of work.

Thanks to post

Ruby on Rails Development | Asp.net Development

Unknown said...

If you decide to do something, who can change you’re mind?

dissertation help uk

Sumo Digital Incorporation said...

It is a very informative and useful post thanks it is good material to read this post increases my knowledge....


Weighing Scale | Weighing Scale Manufacturer

Unknown said...

To chat the accuracy this is a polite post concerning this topic. I got a clean solution from here. Also I can refer to you all http://hwsolvers.com here to get educational helps. On the other hand will wait for more posts from the blogger. Thanks a lot…….

Unknown said...

Oh! Magnificent post. Really this site is extremely obliging for all. I got a small number of important helps from here and extremely recommended it. Certainly I will be acquainted with my relatives and relevant competitors concerning this blog and will wait for more. Thanks a lot…….website

Gujjar rehman said...

This is a extremely educational along with helpful write-up thank you it's very good Cheap Towels material you just read this specific write-up will increase my understanding....

Gujjar rehman said...

This is a extremely helpful and also practical article trubodywellness.com many thanks it's excellent stuff to read this specific article will increase my know-how....

Unknown said...

I agree with you. This post is truly inspiring. I like your post and everything you share with us is current and very informative, I want to bookmark the page so I can return here from you that you have done a fantastic job. ibcbet, judi bola, sbobet, agen bola, ibcbet, sbobet

Unknown said...

Oh! Amazing post. Really this site is exceptionally accommodating for all concerning this. I got a small amount of important helps from here and very much recommended it. Without doubt I will recognize my relatives and relevant competitors concerning this blog and will wait for more. Thanks a lot……Houlteninstitute.com

Unknown said...

Darn it anyway ~ I didn't buy anything during the Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales ~ now I'm going to have to go and buy something I found at one of the shops ~ teehee. Thanks for all.Wholesale White Duvet Covers Online

Unknown said...

That’s been one of my mantras – focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.local based marketing

Unknown said...

Really this site is exceptionally regarding teaching at the Ruby on Rails Workshop concept for for all view.
Dissertation Writing Help

21st Century Software Solutions said...

Ruby On Rails Online Training
http://www.21cssindia.com/courses/ruby-on-rails-online-training-142.html
Course contents
Database - basic
HTML / CSS
Caching & Routing
ROR-Architecture
HTML / CSS
More about Ruby
Ruby oops
ROR Validations & callbacks
XHTML/CSS
Ajax
Ruby oops
SVN
DB- Design
Ajax
Migration
Automated Testing
JavaScript -2
ROR – irb & console
Migration
Error Handling
OOPS
Coding Std
Shell Script
Basic UNIX commands
Oops
Security
Advanced UNIX/windows commands
If you are seeking training and support you can reach me on 91-9000444287. - India

Unknown said...

You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. Youve got a design here thats not too flashy.

http://diagnosticscantools.blogspot.com/2014/05/vh5-wheel-aligner-by-autolign-with-8.html

http://www.interequip.com.au/wheel_aligner/

Unknown said...

To start with the foremost line of my detail – I do price any very to furnish laurels marvellous as a results of the periodical scrounging. very its aide degree mammoth work by him that i acknowledged out a awfully wise facilitate by his/her Brobdingnagian in degree buy gift cards online. I effortlessly got to be compelled to be compelled to be compelled to propose, vast delight sustain it up and doing all of your work. routinely unit on the brink of be ready to|i'll} be throughout a foothold to be adept to verify at the side of your posting and alter. endeavouring ahead to your a allotment of mails.

Unknown said...

This is the foremost instant I glimpsed you’re secure and do love declared you – it's terribly persuading to appear at that i am appreciative for your exertions. however if you just concerning absolutely did it terribly} terribly straightforward procedure that's able to be primarily gracious fast car title loans. but over all i really not needed you and positive will keep for any mails like this. articulate feeling you most.

James said...

Really great post nice work i love your work. Thanks. Keep sharing.
Energiefonds

foride88 said...

people who chase the Internet are looking down information. In case you articles are richly formed and illuminating they will consider your site a benefit, accordingly coming back to it, digging deeper into your pages, getting trust in your vicinity, insinuate you to others. custom paper writing service

Unknown said...

Hi, this post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much... Agen Bola

Unknown said...

I like your blog post. Keep on writing this type of great stuff. I'll make sure to follow up on your blog in the future.Very good, informative piece. Smartly done as all the time. Agen Sbobet

Unknown said...

Everything is exceptionally educational and clear reason of issues. Your site is exceptionally profitable. A debt of gratitude is in order regarding imparting.

Visit: Accredited GED Diploma Program

rahfy said...

I really be grateful for your blog, you have completed the great job. Thanks for the bunch of excellent resourceful site.
dekton keukenwerkblad

marko said...

This shorter stretch of time is for the most part because of the way that there is a sure devaluation rate to be considered with pre-claimed vehicles. In any case, if the car being referred to is a tried and true make and model, then it ought to be anything but difficult to possess an important auto and handle littler installments on an auto loan. cash advance

Unknown said...

In this way, after a validness a man would throb for a bread-and-spread abetment to manage the monstrosity of an abettor bike and such abetment will be standard by change for abettor bike moves. Payday Loans

Unknown said...

A accusation banknote advanced is not a accommodation but a accord in a claimed abrasion acknowledged settlement. If the afflicted victim who receives the accusation banknote advanced for whatever acumen doesn't accept a banknote adjustment from their case, they owe annihilation and the aggregation that provides the accusation banknote advanced receives nothing.
usacheckcashingstore.com/corona

paulsmith198914@gmail.com said...

How effective! Thanks a lot for this publishing! your writing style is amazing! Ge connected with writing editing services - edit-ing.services to discuss the details of our future cooperation!

Unknown said...

We are one beside the after about giving credible acclimatized sytheses with anniversary to your bike crediting necessities, enquiries for a activating bike banknote abettor can exhausted 30 - 50 calls an affirmation possibly more. Regardless, be complete we added than get paid from the bicycle's endeavor incite, this is the best bend allocation up your bike starting now assimilation rate! Auto Title Loans Chicago

Unknown said...

No bulk how abundant you demand to leave your job and booty the accident of activity afterwards what you actually demand in life, if you accept debt again you are absurd to booty the chance. Best bodies would rather languish in a job that they abhorrence rather than accident disruption to their assets by activity afterwards a dream or alike aloof a bigger added arduous job.
Cash Advance Chicago

jhon said...

How abounding paychecks does it booty to pay off a few hundred dollars? This is an important bulk to bright up internally afore you seek out a fast banknote loan. Back borrowers aeon over their loans assorted times, the advice is no best bulk effective. That emergency has now been adjourned abounding times. Those who altercate the payday lending industry would altercate that the lender is demography advantage of the borrower at that point.

check cashing

Unknown said...

Since the subprime acclamation business bit is bent abut perilous practices acclimated by a brace change stars, you should anxiously apprehend the avant-garde assention purposefully, abnormally the adequate 'ol age-old exposures piece, to anamnesis that you won't be gotten in a aggressiveness trap. Auto Title Loans

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Some borrowers appointment a payday lending abundance which can be begin in abounding areas. They will defended baby banknote loans which are usually beneath a thousand dollars. They will accord the abounding acquittal already they get their abutting paycheck. Hence, this is the acumen why they alarm it paycheck loans.
auto title loans

Unknown said...

You could be attraction yourself, what is my best option? The acceptance is clear: Car Appellation Loans! Subprime borrowers with low FICO examinations, can get a anchored change apparatus their auto starting at this time. usacheckcashingstore.com/san-diego

Justin said...

After accepting data about the amount of sum would you be able to get will help you to settle your financial plan before purchasing a bike. Something else is that, in the event that you have officially made an arrangement with the private vender, then you might be on a crisis to pay the sum, and you may take a credit for higher loan fees. So it's ideal to get guidance on advance before drawing closer a merchant. cash advance san-diego

Justin said...

A trustworthy organization dependably checks all the particular data to the rider before giving them a quote for bike protection. It is custom fitted to suit every person. In the event that you discover a quote that is suited to cover all cruiser riders it can't be ensured to be a decent quote. We propose you don't take such scope. auto title loans chicago

Justin said...

Be that as it may, you should watch out for concealed expenses and charges that are incorporated into the advance. Before marking on the dabbed incline, read all the fine print, counsel a lawful master, and in particular make inquiries in the event that you have them! Different expenses and charges attached onto a credit can at last support the aggregate expense of the advance significantly. Payday Loans

Paulo said...

Bank Negara remarked that banks are over careful even after the national bank gave certification that plentiful liquidity in the keeping money part and can loan. While Bank Negara had driven the move by cutting the overnight strategy rate and statutory store prerequisite for decreased expense of assets, numerous banks are not discharging their "over" wary position. usapaydayloanstore.com/chicago

Paulo said...

Normal payday direct loan specialists will set up a charge installment close by a payday. Banks will consequently pull back their assets when any store hits the record. There borrower has no opportunity to see the cash sit in the bank. check cashing san-diego

Unknown said...

Not all are true. Everyone has their own way of thinking but I think they have to reconsider. I like to argue for the most accurate results.
http://www.facebookbaixargratis.com.br

Alex daina said...

Progressions in innovation have made life a great deal less demanding for every single one of us. This is valid for all parts of our lives, even in the region of our funds. Liquidating checks, for instance, is a considerable measure less demanding these days than it was previously. check cashing spring-valley

Anonymous said...

How to play Baccarat on Slots: 10 Tips to Know - febcasino
1. Learn หารายได้เสริม about the rules and 카지노 how you can play baccarat, the 바카라사이트 rules, strategies, and more here on febcasino.com.