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McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Jerry Cooley

Jerry Cooley

Title

Instructor

Office Building

Daktronics Engineering Hall

Office

113

Mailing Address

Daktronics Eng Hall 113
Electrical Engineering/Computer Science-Box 2222
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007

Biography

Prior to teaching, my wife and I owned a picture framing shop. Because of my English degree and my interest in writing, I had works published in Oakwood, the publication of the SDSU English department; through the Vermillion Literary Project; in the Highliner, a publication of the South Dakota Rural Electric Association; and in a magazine for the aforementioned picture framing business.

SDSU is a family affair. My wife received her Bachelor's degree and worked in the bookstore; my son is currently attending; and my daughter graduated from SDSU. For relaxation, I enjoy woodworking and amateur radio. So far, I have talked with people in over 190 countries. I also have an interest in less traditional musical instruments, such as the tin whistle, the didgeridoo and the primary one: the bagpipes.

Education

  • B.S. in broadcast journalism | South Dakota State University
  • M.A. in English | South Dakota State University

Academic Interests

I have taught at SDSU for 13 years. With a master’s degree in English, I started in the English department. I spent a few years in the College of General Studies, where I taught a course called Mastering Lifetime Learning Skills; and in Engineering Technology and Management, where I taught the introductory engineering graphics course.

I have been with the EECS department since 2007. My responsibilities include teaching three courses:

  • CSC 105: Introduction to Computers. Although most students are proficient with Microsoft Office, there is still a wealth of information that can be obtained through a course such as this one.
  • CSC 130: Visual Basic. This language is widely used, and in the course, students get a good understanding of the uses of the language.
  • INFO 101: Introduction to Informatics. This class uses Python as its language. The course has two purposes: to first learn the language, and then to put it to use gathering information from various sources.
  • Another responsibility is to create and maintain the content of our department website. I am also involved with the Program Design Competition and the Jackrabbits BEST Robotics Competition.

Academic Responsibilities

  • INFO 101 - Introduction to Informatics
  • CSC 130 - Visual Basic Programming
  • ENGL 277 - Technical Writing in Engineering
  • GE 231 - Technology, Society and Ethics

Work Experience

Instructor:

  • Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • English
  • General Studies
  • Engineering, Technology and Management

Department(s)