Getting into Teaching Digital!
Jon Barnett is one of our wonderful Computing lecturers here at Weston College. We caught up with him to find out a bit more about what he contributes to the digital faculty.
Jon explained why he enjoys working for Weston College: “I love working here because of the friendly and welcoming environment for both students and staff. It is always a team approach to development and learning, with everyone helping each other. I’ve never worked in an organisation where everyone feels so valued and important!”
“A normal day as a computing lecturer at college usually starts with a staff meeting to discuss any issues, and we work together to build resources. Its brilliant working as such a tight-knit team, as along with working with all your friends, they’re also always there to support you.
“The morning lessons are always full of discussion and developing new skills with the learners, which then takes us up to lunch, where there is another opportunity to chat with the staff again. Lunchtime is also typically where struggling students will come to me for help, where I’m able to encourage and support them, to boost their confidence for the rest of the day. The afternoon teaching sessions are followed typically by a meeting or an opportunity to review the work that our students have done.
“Although this is what a typical day is like, no two days are the same when working with passionate learners who are constantly out doing themselves with their quality of work; it’s an absolute pleasure to see!
“The best part of my role is watching a learner make a break-through; helping a student achieve the moment where all the pieces fall into place is one of the most satisfying moments in teaching.”
Jon told us: “my biggest achievement in this role was watching a group of students develop their own programs, and then watching their pride in their work and the confidence it gave them afterwards.
“If you’re reading this and thinking of going into the teaching profession, particularly digital or computing my advice for you is be as natural, honest and genuine as possible. The learners and the staff will appreciate it, and you’ll bond with them better if you have these attributes. Finally, just enjoy it; it’s a fulfilling and fun job, so have a good time watching these learners develop their skills in front of you. While digital has been around for a little while, it is still one of the most up and coming subjects out there, with so many new inventions on the horizon. Being able to inspire the new generation of people in the digital industry is just as exciting as it is rewarding.”
