Vacations and work is quite the paradox! A workshop that would be conducted a week before the official re-opening of college?? A workshop that would cut short our holidays? A workshop that is likely to impart knowledge, improve our skills, impress upon us- work culture and ethics, when alternately we could be idling away our time? Who would wish that? Surely, not us!
Honestly, we (the students) weren't very receptive or responsive to the computer workshop that was being organised by the Christ computer department.Complaints and criticism were the foremost thoughts and expressions about the workshop, even prior to it taking place!!
Personally, i was excited about meeting my friends a week earlier, but not exactly enthused about the classes, nor did i anticipate any masti stemming from the actual workshop!
It is after all my opinion that counts, considering it's my blog, so controversial as this might be and contrary to my own aspersions and and preconceived notions, I have to admit- The workshop was actually interesting, value additive and even fun (at times!)
All credit must go to the computer department and all its teachers for their tireless efforts, personal interest and involvement and high tolerance levels that made the workshop less work and all value.
Theory classes were made interesting with quizzes, thought provoking questions and interactive activities. Practical classes were competitive and really honed our logical thinking and programming speed and skills! What truly made the workshop worth it though was the additional training and inputs we got, in terms of presentation practice, leadership coaching, all of which were activity based, interactive and illustrative.
Another special aspect to the workshop was the fact that a combination of known and new teachers handled our various sessions. The sessions handled by teachers already known to us, allowed for a free flow and familiar and easy rapport between the teacher and students. The teachers new to us were equally approachable and amiable and provided a professional feel during their sessions!
All in all the workshop was a success and well worth the missed movies, lost hours of sleep and usual holiday capers. The computer workshop was 42 hours of well distributed work and play, that has enriched all of us in more than few ways.
So thank you to all the teachers who also gave up a week of their vacations and time with family, to be with us and who truly made the whole experience much more than a workshop and imparted life lessons and skills that will stay with us well beyond these six days :)
