Tyrone S. Toland, Ph.D.
Teaching
Teaching Philosophy
As a student, I learned late in my academic life that it was easier for me to understand and master Information Technology (IT) if I could associate it with something I already knew. Moreover, I had a better appreciation and understanding of the concept if I could see the concept used in a real life context. The students that I teach IT to have a general understanding of what IT is and how IT can be used (e.g., email, text messaging, etc.). However, these students must be able to recognize how IT concepts can be used to solve new information management problems that may arise. In particular, an Information Management and Systems (IMS) student must learn how to use IT concepts to manage information in various disciplines.
To aid students in accomplishing this goal, I employ the following methods:
- I require a lot of work in my classes and have strict rules on how assignments are to be completed and turned in. This prepares the student to work in a strict environment (i.e., employment, graduate school, etc.).
- All of my lectures, assignments, quiz, and exams show how an IT concept can be applied to a real life scenario. This gives the student an appreciation for how IT can be used in everyday life.
- I share personal stories of how I struggled in learning an IT concept. I want the students to know that they need to persevere in learning IT management skills as well as any other concepts that they are learning in life. If my students know that I have struggled in learning the materials, then they can gain some motivation and confidence to also learn the materials.
- My students know that I am approachable. They are free to ask me any question in class, during office hours, and so on.
These methods reflect my experience in how I wish I had been taught. The methods have proven to be successful in my classes.
COURSES TAUGHT
- Courses Taught at University of South Carolina Upstate
- Visual Basic Programming I (SCSC 139 and SIMS 186)
- Visual Basic Programming II (SCSC 239 and SIMS 286)
- Database System Design (SCSC 325 and SIMS 420 and SCSC 520I)
- Computer Security (SIMS 417)
- Database Applications and Implementation (SIMS 421)
- Course Taught at Midlands Technical College
- Introductory to C and C++ Programming (CPT-234-B65)
- Course Taught at Midlands Technical College
- Introductory to C and C++ Programming (CPT-234-B65)
- Course Taught at Benedict College
- Visual BASIC (CSC 133)
- Course Taught at University of South Carolina
- Introduction to Computer Concepts (CSCE 101)
- Course Taught at Phillips Junior College
- Business mathematics and remedial mathematics