Dr. Richard Whithende Tabu

Academic Credentials:

Ph.D. in Information Systems
Nova Southeastern University, 2005

M.S. in Management Information Systems
University of Texas at Dallas, 1995

B.S. in Management Information Systems
University of Texas at Dallas, 1992

A.A.S. in Computer Information Systems
El Centro Community College, 1990

Number of Years at TJC: 

2 Years beginning August, 2006


Other Institutions and Number of Years: 

(a) Educational Organizations:
Served as Professor of Management Information Systems at DeVry University, University of Phoenix, and ITT Technical Institute.
Dates: 1998-2006

(b) Private Sector Organizations:
Served as Programmer/Analyst, Senior Systems Administrator, Information Systems Manager, Information Systems Director, Assistant Vice-President of Information Systems, Chief Information Officer, and Senior Consultant for major Healthcare, Banking, and Telecom Organizations.
Dates: 1993-2006

CERTIFIED TO TEACH:

• EECT 1300 – Technical Customer Service
• EECT 1303 – Introduction to Telecommunications
• BCIS 1405 – Business Computer Applications

Teaching Philosophy:

I believe that a student must be taught the practical aspect of the course. Therefore, during class meetings, I place a strong emphasis on real life examples to solidify technical or business concepts in the student’s mind. For these reasons, I have discouraged my students from memorizing business and technical concepts. Instead, I spend a great deal of time coaching them to think critically. Class meetings are conducted in a discussion format in which all students are encouraged to participate and contribute on a regular basis.

I addition, I believe that my primary objective as a technical educator should be to help students identify the connections that exist between the concepts discussed in the classroom and the application or implementation of these concepts in the real world.  Furthermore, I believe that technical education should focus on new technologies and concepts that are needed by the business community to improve business processes. This approach is likely to help students in their transition from college (theory) to employment (practice). I have found that these steps are effective in preparing students to enter the technical job market and succeed as future leaders.


Method of Evaluation:

I like essay questions and I also like for my students to develop the ability to write well, conduct research, and design presentations. As our future leaders, students will be expected to provide effective solutions to complex business or technical problems. They will also be expected to conduct meetings and address highly skilled audiences with a variety of background.

In addition, I like to ask both essay and multiple-choice questions on each evaluation. Multiple-choice questions usually account for 70% of the grade while essay questions or short answer questions account for 30%. I believe this balance is necessary for the benefit of the students because they are expected to clearly describe technical concepts in research. Furthermore, I often assign extra credit research papers in which students are challenged to find solutions to common technical and organizational problems.


Technical Areas of Interest:

• Linux and Unix Development
• Database Management Systems
• Web Hosting Applications Technologies
• Wireless Telecommunications Technologies
• Software Quality Assurance and Development
• Information Systems and Network Security
• Development of Technologies in Developing Nations

Professional Associations:

• Association for Computer Educators in Texas
• Association of Information Systems Professionals
• Information Systems Audit and Control Association
• Texas Community College Teachers Association
• Global Information Technology Management Association

Papers and Publications:

Technical papers and publications are currently under review and will be compiled on this page in the near future...