The second class in Hyderabad (Dec. 12-16, 2005) was on .NET 2.0 features. We covered
a number of features
exclusive to .NET 2.0. We started with .NET 2.0 language features, BCL features, and
then moved on to team
system for architect, developers, testers, and the whole nine yards on the unit testing
features including code
coverage, code analysis, and different types of tests. We then delved into features
in ASP.NET 2.0, ADO.NET 2.0,
and Smart clients.
As part of the course, we took an hour each of the last 3 days to cover some .NET Gotchas.
Unlike the course previous week on Agile Software Development (for another client),
this one was only OK from my
expectations. The first problem was the training room-two A/C units were loud. Most
people in the class were very
reluctant to speak the first two days. I had to encourage them, at times push, to
participate. The quiz I had at the
end of each session helped to break some silence.
Most of the days people were late to class. On two days I started the class with fewer
than 4 attendees (out of 22).
On the last day, I saw the most absence (so many people have never been absent from
any class I have ever offered)!
That gave me an impression that significant number of attendees either lacked necessary
pre-requisite or interest or both.
Fortunately there were about five or six attendees who showed genuine interest in
the concepts and also displayed
understanding of the concepts presented. By mid week, things started turning for better.
A number of attendees
showed interest in .NET Gotchas talks. They met me after class to mention how these
are relevant to what they
are doing. The sessions on unit testing seemed to open some eyes. They were excited
to learn about the TDD
principles and their benefits.
If I were to teach for the same client again, I would emphasize on screening for pre-requisites,
encourage more
participation, may be have more interactive sessions or group projects. I have to
be a bit more creative to handle
such classes and be better prepared than I was; I was hoping for quite the opposite,
especially after the type of
interaction I enjoyed the previous week just kilometers across town. I hope those
who were present took more away
from the course-more than what I observed. I left wondering how effective the course
was, and hoping the interaction
in the next course would be better.
