Samuel A. Malachowsky

Dedicated to Teaching Software Engineering

I would like to start by introducing myself. I'm a Software Engineering lecturer in the Software Engineering department of the Rochester Institute of Technology.  I've been teaching either as an adjunct or a lecturer for 4 years, and I am having a blast.  This past summer, though I had the opportunity to travel the world, I couldn't wait to get back and try some of the new concepts and ideas I had dreamed up or come across in the previous year. This collection of articles will be the output of that passion: Ideas for the classroom, personal findings, excerpts from academic publications, and lessons and activities used in the classroom.  Inspiration will come from many places (hopefully): things I have tried, subjects related to the discipline, and other's work. My goal is to post as ideas develop, are tried, or come across my eyes.  Hopefully you can use some of what you see here to your or your students' benefit.

Instructional Changes Brought About by COVID-Necessitated Classroom Tools

The teaching environment and tools nescecitated by the COVID pandemic has enabled some surprising new teaching efficiences. ( Classroom Engagement, Online Teaching, 2020-10-21)

Distributed/Scaled Agile Class Activity

In this classroom activity, the difficulties associated with distributing project work between agile teams is demonstrated and resolved. ( Agile, Classroom Engagement, Classroom Activities, 2017-03-23)

Maintenance Types Activity

This activity will help cement the three maintenance types in student's heads. ( Classroom Engagement, 2016-04-28)

Effectively Presenting Lists Activity

Use this activity to creatively give students a "hook" in remembering lists. ( Classroom Activities, Classroom Engagement, 2015-02-06)

Explaining the Concept of a Maturity Model

What is a maturity model? Use this simple analogy when introducing the concept. ( Quality, Classroom Engagement, 2014-11-06)

First Day Introductions

Try this activity on the first day of class - a modern twist on the traditional. ( Classroom Activities, Classroom Engagement, 2014-09-08)

Engineering a More Effective Resume Video

Watch this video to learn how Engineers should approach adding skills and experience to their resume. ( Resume, Career, 2020-09-25)

Three Things You Should Know About Software Engineers

Here are three things that you should know about the way Software Engineers approach the world around them ( Career, 2019-03-18)

Scrum Project 1: Brainstorming and Elaboration

Use this brainstorming activity to kick off a Scrum project or any group-based endeavor. ( Agile, Classroom Activities, 2014-10-24)

The 7 Quality Tools Class Activity

Give students an opportunity to use the seven basic quality tools as a system, rather than as separate ideas. ( Quality, Classroom Activities, 2014-10-02)

Agile Principles Class Activity

Try this engaging class activity when introducing the Agile Manifesto and its principles. ( Agile, Classroom Activities, 2014-09-17)