John McClain's Home Page
I teach a variety of courses such as:
- Astronomy - Stars and Galaxies (Internet based with face-to-face labs)
- Business Math (Uses publisher's web site to augment instruction)
- College Algebra and PreCalculus (Send lectures via interactive television)
- College Physics (Uses publisher's web site to augment instruction)
- Developmental Math (Employs Internet-based technologies to provide feedback to students)
- Taekwondo with Self Defense (Got to do something not using the computer!)
At other institutions I have taught:
- Astronomy
- Business Math
- Calculus, including Business Calculus
- College Algebra
- College Physics
- Computer Networking
- Computer Programming - PERL and FORTRAN
- Database Design and Implementation
- Developmental Math Courses
- Differential Equations
- Modern Physics
- Operating Systems - VMS, Unix and MVS
- Probability and Statistics
- University Physics
Other Universities and Colleges at which I have taught include:
- Blinn College - Division of Natural Science
- Blinn College - Division and Mathematics and Engineering
- Stephen F. Austin State University - Department of Mathematics
- Texas A&M University - Department of Physics
- Texas A&M University - Department of Computer Science
- Texas A&M University - Computing and Information Services
Recent seminars and professional development I have participated in include:
- T 10/21/08: Starlink: Best Practices from Hybrid Instructors
Provided information from 4 instructors on how they have developed hybrid courses.
- R 9/26/08: ALEKS training:
Provided information on mathematical cognitive learning domains and their implementation with ALEKS.
- F 8/22/08: Time Management: Randy Pausch's lecture
Provided key insights on how to set goals and minimize distractions.
- R 8/21/08: Identity Theft Seminar: provided through Panola College
Overview of various types of identity theft, its consequences, and tips for avoidance.
- F 4/18/08: SFA Math/Science Articulation Conference
- Keynote Address: "Preparing Students for Future Options in a shrinking, Flattening World", Cathy Seeley, Senior Fellow, Dana Center. Provided insights into affecting positive changes in America's failing school systems.
- Breakout Session #1: "Physics 'Boot Camp' Course", Tom Calloway, Associate Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics, SFA. Provided insights to using physics as a science readiness course for majors. Had implications for helping students find appropriate career choice.
- Breakout Session #2: "On-Line Courses", Norman Markworth, Professor, Astronomy, SFA. Provided insights to running an online astronomy course.
- Breakout Session #3: "College Algebra", Keith Hubbard, Assistant Professor, Mathematics, SFA. Provided interesting insights on topics that should be covered in a college algebra course.
- Closing Address: Articulation and Collaboration", Tony Duben, Dean, College of Sciences and Mathematics, SFA. " Provided useful information on counselling students for STEM career choices.
- T 4/1/08: Starlink, Online Teaching: Keeping Them Motivated
Provided strategies for dealing with the normal mid-semester ebb and flow lags in a course.
- F 1/11/08: Blackboard Course Shells, LeTourneau University
Provided information on the use of Blackboard.
- R 1/10/08: Developing and Assessing Student Outcomes, Panola College (required professional development)
Provided information on assessment strategies.
- W 1/9/08: Illuminate Live Product Review, Panola College
Provided information on NETnet's support of a messaging software.
- F ?/?/07: SafeAssign Integration with Blackboard, LeTourneau University
Provided information on how to use SafeAssign.
- F ?/?/07: Blackboard Curriculum and Academic Resources, LeTourneau
Provided information on the use of Blackboard.
University
Other milestones and accomplishments include:
- 01/09/08: Debugged import scrips for WebCT administrator.
- 01/xx/08: Developed procedures and program to import a text's glossary into WebCT as MC questions.
- 03/25/08: Developed script to randomize responses to mc questions because WebCT doesn't do this.
- 04/14/08: Learned how to program customized algorithmically generated questions into Diploma with the Brownstone Equation Editor.
Additional resources which one might find interesting include:
Work experience and description of duties include:
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Sep., 2004 - present, Panola College Division of Mathematics, Sciences, and Business
Instructor of Mathematics and Physics
Responsibilities include:
teaching developmental and introductory math courses;
teaching and developing physics and astronomy courses.
Additional activities include:
developing web-based instructional material and interactive television courses.
I was also involved in a Title III Grant application.
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Jan., 2006 - present, LeTourneau University School of Arts and Sciences; and, LeTourneau University School of Graduate and Professional Studies
Adjunct Professor
Responsibilities include:
teaching introductory physics labs in the School of Arts and Sciences;
teaching accelerated business mathematics and physical science courses in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.
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Sep., 2003 - Aug., 2004, Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Visiting Assistant Professor
Responsibilities included:
teaching developmental and introductory business mathematics courses;
assisting with departmental activities.
Additional activities included: observing an NSF enrichment program for 4-8 and 8-12 public school mathematics teachers;
observing classes in the physical science core curriculum for teacher certification;
becoming familiar with the operations of the SFA Department of Physics and Astronomy's planetarium.
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Jan., 2001 - Aug., 2003, Texas A&M University Department of Computer Science
Senior Lecturer
Responsibilities included:
teaching an introductory Computer Science course;
overseeing departmental computing resources;
developing migration plans and strategic plans;
managing employees;
procurement;
managing assets and key control;
coordinating physical plant and telecommunications activities;
acting as environmental health and safety officer, accountable property officer, and building proctor.
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Aug., 1990 - Aug., 2003, Blinn College Division of Mathematics and Engineering
Part Time Faculty
Responsibilities included:
teaching from one to three introductory mathematics courses per semester ranging from introductory algebra courses to differential equations;
assisting with book reviews;
performing other duties as required.
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Aug., 1997 - Dec., 2000, Texas A&M University Department of Physics
Senior Systems Analyst I
Responsibilities included:
upgrading and maintaining computing resources;
planning, and installing networking infrastructure;
overseeing implementation of an in-house departmental accounting solution;
designing information systems and training individuals implementing them;
migrating end users to appropriate platforms;
developing and promoting the use of technology in the classroom;
developing and implementing computing policy;
performing audits of computing systems.
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Oct., 1996 - Aug., 1997, Texas A&M University Computing and Information Services
Senior Systems Analyst I, Training Center, New Technology Training Team Leader
Responsibilities included:
leading the New Technology Training Team;
developing and teaching short courses on CGI programming, Java Applets, NT end user, and Web Publishing;
teaching short courses on Unix;
investigating and performing needs analysis on new areas of training;
giving seminars and demonstrations on Intranet and Internet topics.
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Sep., 1993 - Sep., 1996, Texas A&M University Computing and Information Services
Senior Systems Analyst I, Systems Project, Electronic Information Team
Responsibilities included:
overseeing coordination and development of TAMU web;
developing and implementing CGI scripts;
maintaining web servers under VMS, NT, Unix, and MacOS;
consulting with web and intranet developers;
reviewing and researching internet technologies;
working with faculty to promote the internet;
creating web-based database resources;
developing strategies for effective web-based communication;
automating processes under Unix operating system.
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Sep., 1992 - Aug., 1993. Texas A&M University Computing and Information Services
Senior Systems Analyst I, Customer Help and Training
Responsibilities included:
assisting users on mixed VMScluster and on SUN Solaris computing systems;
providing additional support on MVS, Unix, Intel based, and Macintosh operating systems;
maintaining X-Window lab;
installing, configuring and supporting various engineering and scientific packages such as Maple, TeX, Patran, Nastran, and IMSL;
performing analysis on system applications;
phasing out VMS system administrative responsibilities;
assisting faculty using computers for instruction;
developing and teaching short courses.
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Sep., 1989 - Aug. 1992, Texas A&M University Academic Computing Services
User Services Coordinator
Responsibilities included:
assisting users on VAX/VMS, MVS, Unix, Intel based, and Macintosh operating systems;
maintaining user services facilities;
managing student workers and full time employees;
implementing X-Window lab;
developing and teaching short courses on \TeX, MACSYMA, VMS, and vectorization;
managing a technical demonstration center including Ultrix, PathWorks, Infoservers, X-Window terminals, bridges, Intel based computers, and MacOS based computers;
developing, configuring, installing, and implementing system software and end user applications;
managing a $1.2M operational budget;
performing capital and strategic planning, tracking, and analysis;
writing proposals and justifications;
developing and maintaining on-line documentation systems;
sharing on-call responsibilities for a 24,000 user VMScluster.
Nov., 1987 - Aug., 1989, Texas A&M University Computing Services Center
Help Desk Supervisor
Responsibilities included: assisting users of the Academic VAX Systems;
providing support for the TeX typesetting utility;
maintaining user services facilities;
managing student workers;
managing MicroVAX I;
developing and implementing software solutions using VMS and MVS.
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Sep. 1977 - Aug. 1989, Texas A&M University Department of Physics
Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant
Teaching responsibilities included: teaching and coordinating various physics labs and
recitations at upper and lower levels.
Research responsibilities included:
developing graphics software for general use;
using MACSYMA and SMP for closed form calculations;
modeling the nucleon--nucleon interaction.
Memberships and Organizations
- American Association of Physics Teachers
- Mathematical Association of America
- American Taekwondo Association
- Corner Judge
- Center Judge
- Chief Judge
- Level 1 Instructor
- American Heart Association
- Heartsaver Instructor
- Healthcare Provider Instructor (BLS, CPR, and AED)
- Who's Who Among Executives and Professionals
- Who's Who in America
I am also a Lead Adjunct Professor at LeTourneau in the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.
My courses can be found on the WebCT server at Panola College and the Blackboard server at LeTourneau.
My Spring 2008 schedule is not ready yet.
Feel free to send me email at jmcclain@panola.edu.
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