About Me
Chuck Konkol has been associate professor for over 20 years in the area of Computer Science. He teaches courses such as php, asp.net, graphic design, visual basic, network security, iOS app development, and digital photography. In addition, Chuck is a technical trainer, web developer, Windows application developer, graphic designer and iOS developer. Chuck has written and published an iBook, Teaching with the iPad, that has sold around the world and has created and taught hundreds of online courses. In addition, Chuck has implemented iTunes U, course podcasting, and multiple pilot programs for the iPad. Chuck is on the forefront of creating and publishing podcasts, teaching with the iPad and mobile integration in the classroom and has been featured on iTunes U for multiple courses.
Where were you born?
Middletown, NY
What were your interests as a child?
Writing, singing and playing guitar. My first performance was doing an Elvis medley at age 6.
When did you become interested in the subject you teach?
Around the age of 20 I became interested in electronic gadgets (still am) and Computer Programming languages. Soon after I began a degree in Computer Science and began tutoring and assisting students in all my classes. It was there I came to love teaching computer science.
What College did you graduate from?
Drury University, M.S., Computer Science and M.A. Graphic Design.
Central Bible College, B.A. I am a theological geek…
What and where was your first jobs after graduating from college?
Assemblies of God Headquarters, Christian School Services.
I wrote curriculum for private Schools and did some programming and Graphic Design work. I had a K-6 grade curriculum published while employed there.
Drury University, Graphics/Programming Lab Assistant
Taught programming and graphic design classes. I also tutored students in these fields.
Rockford Christian School, Head of Computer Science Department, Assistant Technical Director
Created curriculum tract for the Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
Taught programming, graphic design, and Office 2000 MOUS certification classes.
Helped maintained the Novell network and create programs to facilitate network security.
What brought you to RVC?
During the process of setting up two dual credit courses in programming for the High School I became acquainted with the CIS department and was soon asked to teach part-time in Spring 2001. As soon as a position came open for a full-time faculty I applied. I was and still am very impressed with the quality of instructors and growing diversity of students that attend the college.
Have you had commitments or involvements with RVC like clubs, etc?
I have been faculty advisor for the Computer Club and campus republicans.
What classes are you teaching and tell us your description of each class?
How do you grade, for example, grade on the curve, etc. and why?
I grade on a straight 10-point grading scale, no curve. I feel a student that works for a grade deserves to be rewarded accordingly. The straight grading scale challenges me as an instructor to teach in a manner that reaches the entire class, from all different levels of learning. That means employing different teaching methodologies and even working one on one with students.
Why does my computer hate me?
Just like a friendship the same goes for your computer. The more time you spend with the computer the better acquainted with and easier it becomes to navigate. I tell all my beginning programming students for their first assignment to get their pillows, pajamas and a pot of coffee and spend a weekend with their computers, play games, get comfortable.
What is your most interesting experience at RVC?
Seeing students ranging from recent high school graduates, middle-age hard-working parents, to retired grandparents having a place to learn and grow. Being able to facilitate that process is beyond what words can express. Semester after semester students struggle with very similar struggles and being able to help open their eyes and succeed is very fulfilling. Podcasting my course sections has seemed to help in this endeavor. I post each week the recorded video of our sessions in class in addition to supplemental podcasts throughout the semester. (see http://www.youtube.com/cbkonkol and http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/Academics/itunesu.cfm)
What are your hobbies?
I love reading and watching anything on the history of technology
(Tech TV) and how to best use technology today. In addition, I still try to write, sing, play guitar (Oldies and some country genres) and taking long walks.
Do you have any interesting thoughts to share about your classes?
I would have to say that the ability to be available to my students when online is great tool. I use a chat feature in each of my classes that students can connect to when I am online. In addition, I am using the iPad to as a teaching tool in all of my courses and using digital whiteboards and interactively showcasing content has been very exciting.
What do you feel is the biggest technological change of the past decade?
Change. The word scares people, but all the articles I read say that we are still in the infancy stage in technology. The biggest change I see is in the area of wireless communication. The growth rate of this medium is staggering. For instance, Digital Insight, of Los Angeles, CA, which deals heavily in wireless technology, has had a five-year growth rate of 3,387 percent.
As the song goes, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!” fits well here.
What amazes you?
The love of a child, it’s unconditional.
What are your pet peeves?
Treating people with respect, love and dignity from all walks of life. Also, if you’re going to do a job, do it with all of your heart.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
At Rock Valley helping students learn about this thing called a “Computer”. I would also like to take part in writing curriculum for programming and web technologies and Pursue a Doctorate Degree in Computer Science.
What would you like to do after retirement?
Spend as much time possible with my family and friends.What’s more important?
Favorite Book?
Tale of Two Cities, Chronicles of Narnia. Both speak of life’s struggles and successes.
Favorite Movie?
What About Bob? This movie makes me laugh and we all need to laugh.
Favorite website?
Google.com. create websites, save stuff.
Favorites Quotes:
1. DILIGENCE BREEDS SUCCESS- “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”. – Thomas A. Edison
2. PERSISTENCE: “Now that we have exhausted all possibilities lets get started”.
– Author Unknown
3. HARD WORK: “If a man does his best, what else is there?”
– General George S. Patton
4. TRUTH: “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.”
– Sir Winston Churchill
