As an instructor, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my students grow, learn, and excel in subjects that truly matter. This semester, teaching System Integration and Architecture at ACLC College of Mandaue has been an incredible experience that brought back memories of my own journey in designing purposeful systems. From brainstorming ideas to developing functional projects, the process is a reminder of how powerful simple yet effective systems can be in solving real-world problems.
The Learning Journey
One of my goals in this class was to teach students how to design systems with a clear purpose—systems that people can actually use. This means starting small and focusing on simplicity and functionality. For this course, I introduced local hosting and the basics of web development through WordPress. WordPress is an amazing platform for beginners because of its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and limitless potential, thanks to its open-source nature and a vast library of free plugins. These plugins act as pre-built systems that integrate seamlessly, showcasing the power of modular design in real-world applications.
To guide us through this learning experience, we relied on the textbook Software Architecture: Foundations, Theory, and Practice by Taylor, Medvidovic, and Dashofy. This comprehensive resource provided the foundation for understanding the principles of system design and integration. From modeling and design to implementation and adaptation, the text illuminated how architecture serves as the intellectual backbone of software development. By exposing students to a variety of techniques, tools, and processes, they learned to select the right approach for their specific needs.
Class Highlights
The class was structured to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Students participated in lectures, case study analyses, and engaging lab activities such as XAMPP installation and WordPress site creation. As the semester progressed, they tackled a variety of topics, including:
- Architectural design principles
- Integration techniques and approaches
- Modeling concepts
- System analysis and testing processes
One of the major highlights was the mini thesis project, where students were required to submit a well-formatted academic paper, a locally hosted website, and a video presentation explaining their process and results. This comprehensive assignment pushed them to apply everything they had learned and showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency.
Recognizing Excellence
Out of nearly 100 students in the class, several stood out for their exceptional performance. They not only excelled in exams and projects but also demonstrated remarkable dedication by attending class consistently, submitting work on time, and actively engaging in activities.
Here are the top achievers:
- MAMAC, Earl Philip – 92%
- OSABEL, Jet Dominic – 87%
- CUIZON, Ehroll – 86%
- CALINAWAN, Larman – 83%
- JUDILLA, Clark Kent – 83%
Their achievements are a testament to the value of hard work and persistence. By mastering the design process, understanding the basics of system development, and utilizing tools like WordPress, they have laid a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
A Platform for Growth
To support my students throughout the semester, I created a dedicated resource page: System Integration and Architecture. This page provided them with access to instructions, materials, and additional guidance at any time, fostering an environment of independent learning and responsibility.
A Note of Gratitude
Teaching this class has been a fulfilling experience, and I am incredibly proud of all my students for their progress and achievements. To my top performers, Earl Philip, Jet Dominic, Ehroll, Larman, and Clark Kent: congratulations on a job well done! Your dedication and excellence inspire me and your peers to keep striving for success.
Here’s to designing systems that make a difference, one step at a time! For more updates and insights, visit my blog at www.bemmygail.com.