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.