Last and Final Post

Originally I didn't have much of an impression regarding IS101 I just viewed it at as another class that needed to be completed, but not generally something vital towards my degree. Throughout the course I thought it would be as simple as completing the LabSim assignments and taking the exams. Surprisingly, it was more than just that, it added other things to implement what you learned as you understood the material. For example the BQ, assignments(A1-A10), discussions and even these blog posts I have been posting over the course of this semester.  

From my own perspective I view this course as something that went above and beyond the norm when it came to learning the material and also the teaching from Professor Wu. I noticed that the first day when this course started. Mr. Wu went out of his way to email me personally to get to know me, my situation, and help setup communications with him to help me throughout the course of this class. That one interaction alone already stood out to me as my time in CSN no teacher has ever done that especially on the first day the course started. On top of that, it didn't stop there I was able to learn and understand specific material by having to figure things out myself rather than just be led to an answer while not understanding it. 

Learning how to do things that didn't just stay within a classroom, but the life I live outside of it. The course taught me things that could actually have an impact in the career I'm pursuing in finance to be exact excel was especially one of them. I was challenged with difficult material time after time, and with that me and my peers were able to understand one another's frustrations and help each other out. By analyzing and thinking together it made those situations a lot more easier to get through as it would have been if it was just myself. I was able to gain many things from this class, my classmates, and the instructor.

The topic I chose was (6.9.6 Section and Summary Zoom). This particular topic really stood out to me as I honestly never even knew it existed, most of the time a topic changes my outlook on how it can be used and how valuable it is but this was one of few I never even knew about. This effect is essentially you have the flexibility to present multiple topics within one presentation preferably larger presentations. Being able to highlight specific sections in any order you choose, reviewing earlier topics, and presenting in any order however way you want. I see true value in this in multiple ways but especially in an educational format as it is easily accessible to review and cover a variety of topic/topics that can be made for the participant and the teacher. 

2nd Phase Blog Overview

Throughout Phase 2 I was playing a lot of catch-up more to my liking. I had started off the first half in a good standing throughout the Excel LabSim course but lost my stride and fell behind. After spring break I took too much time off and let the assignments build up. It was demotivating at times to catch-up as Excel is considered probably the most difficult of the 3 applications so at times it felt tiresome. All in all, it probably wouldn't have been an issue if I stayed ahead. Although I found the A6 Spreadsheet Analysis relatively difficult I found it very beneficial to learn as I'm expecting to pursue a degree and career in finance. Knowing Excel is one of the most common uses when managing finances in a job/career setting I know it can only be beneficial to learn and heighten my understanding to make things easier in the near-future. Being able to learn the formulas and implement it within real word situations is a great asset to learn and understand. Considering that, I guess it all goes hand in hand of how I can apply what I've learned here in Phase 2 later into my career and work life.

The LabSim topic I selected was (5.4.1 Data Protection). The topic is self-explanatory, but with this you are able to lock cells,formats,rows and so much other components within excel to keep your data protected. This section really stood out to me as I've said I plan to work within finance. Being able to manage and have access to others finances takes extreme care and precision when it comes to someone else's money. Knowing that and having that data and information protected is obviously a non-negotiable. Co-workers and advisors can overlook those specific excel sheets and if a formula or input is damaged throughout that process it is very unfavorable for yourself and definitely the client. Learning how to prevent this type of scenario is key if you want things to run smoothly without any major issues and also why I chose this specific topic.

As I'm typing this I've already completed phase 3 and currently on the last coming days of the semester. I can honestly say I didn't do things to the best of my ability on staying ahead but completed what needed to be done before it was generally due.

Overview of Phase 1

In Phase 1 of IS101 through the first three quarters of this phase, I felt I had done everything to a tee, yet towards the latter end, I had let up on the amount of time spent focusing on the course, which also showed in my time management and finishing assignments/projects ahead of time, as I usually have done. Going into this next phase I really want to be ahead and above of my assignments and spend more time on my bonus quizzes. Starting the day, every time class ends, I would like to do two to three chapters of LabSim before the day even ends. Also, a goal of mine is to finish and take my Excel exam before the intended time, being well prepared, and getting ahead in moving forward into the next phase.

The topic I chose is (4.10.2 Footnotes, Endnotes, and Advanced Citations). While learning this segment, it for one, honestly showed me something I had no idea Word could even use, but after learning it, I understood just how useful it is. Plenty of times, while typing up a paper, when describing something I may want to reiterate or go in depth on what I'm speaking of, yet it could be viewed as unprofessional and a sentence/paragraph dragging on too long. With this work-around specifically footnotes and endnotes, it makes those situations possible in a format that is more precise and even informative for the individual or persons reviewing that paper. I viewed this as a great benefit in how I can write papers in the near future.

As of this moment, I have already taken the MO-110 Word certification exam. Considering that, I prepared by doing the multiple C.2 through C.3 tasks. Specifically, I spent two to three hours a day of that exam week doing those assignments over and over again while prioritizing the ones I got wrong, making sure I had gotten them right the next time.

In conclusion, I have a positive outlook on this class as I move towards Phase 2. While knowing if I do what is required of the class and complete my assignments on time there's only one outcome for me, and it's to learn new things and succeed.

James Walker's Inaugural Blog Post

Hello, my name is James Walker. As of this moment, I am a college student pursuing a bachelor's degree. College is an easy yet challenging thing. I have been in college for over three years now, and what I have learned is to apply yourself to something that can control your life in multiple avenues; it takes more than just studying. It applies to how you choose to live your life and how you manage your time when focusing on school, and depending on how much you are willing to sacrifice, it can separate one from another when it comes to succeeding beyond college.

When I originally heard of the class IS101, it was never an impressive class to me, not one that I hated nor was excited for. Honestly, for CSN as well, it was something I looked at as something I just needed to do in order, in turn, to learn and to better myself and future endeavors. Yet, as I took certain classes, I found enjoyment and true benefit in what I was learning, specifically at the moment, IS101. I have found very useful means that I had never known existed, and I find value in more than just a grade, but in my daily living as well. Personally, to me, that meant something more than just a letter in a gradebook; these were things I could even relate to at the very moment of what I was learning.

For example, through LabSim (1.2.14 Online Streaming Facts), I edit and download long-form videos regularly. I usually see the terms and info and pay it no mind, as I'm set to using my computer every way I usually use it, but LabSim has shown me workarounds and easier access points to downloading a large file that may not take up as much space as it usually does or choosing a better format of audio so it can sound a specific way more to my liking. Simply having a better understanding of these facts has been a great benefit to my use of editing.