Wrapping Up in Boston

Posted 2012-07-10

We just wrapped up a two-day workshop in Boston with learners from several universities. It seems to have gone pretty well; we look forward to coming back soon. Many thanks once again to Jessica McKellar, Geraldine van der Auwera, and Gus Muench for setting it up, and to Jessica for teaching yesterday afternoon.

Good

Bad

learning shell
databases
running text editor from shell
"I feel relatively functional"
integrating different tools on the shell
learning software testing
unit testing
instructor cares about learning how we learn
emphasized conceptual aspects
shell scripting
having ways to learn more about each subject
database + integration with shell
Python programming
nice length
version control for the win!
modularization for the win!
Greg's anecdotes
liked the level of teaching
well integrated with web site
liked specific recommendations (provenance)

couldn't keep up
not enough coffee in the room
already familiar with some stuff
Greg types too fast then covers up the window
sometimes ducks questions
not having room information ahead of time
software installation list please
setup on Windows
afternoons too fast
didn't know what level to expect coming in
wanted more Python
want final products
how to speed up
9:00 is early for MIT people
wanted to learn more about paths and shell stuff
Greg's anecdotes
explanation of Unix organization
where to find help
more assistants around
one-page primer