Computer III Programming-Week 2

So, the second week is over, and it has definitely gone by pretty fast! This week, I learned a lot about computers, especially Macbook Pros from our assignment to find the perfect computer for our 11-year-old daughter. I learned more about what's actually in a computer (RAM, hard drive, Operating System, etc.) and specifically, what's in my own! It took me a while to get all the research I needed for this project such as countless researching on the Apple website, looking up words in the dictionary that I didn't understand, and then finding other computers and hardware in other computers than my choice to compare to. Although it was a lot of work, I was able to learn more about what to look for in a computer. I also had a sudden realization this week: that I have to be more active in discussion boards. At first, I was really excited to start commenting and I did so a lot. Then, at the beginning of this week, I had started making my comments early in the day and then, by the time I checked back, there had already been entire conversations written that were basically over and I didn't know how to respond. I was also, yes I do admit it, intimidated by the discussion boards and all the comments and conversations taking place. So, I just stopped commenting, and that wasn't good. So, then, I got a sudden "wake-up-call" and decided that I definitely needed to comment more. So, I got my act together, and tried to comment as much as I could since Thursday and feel that I have been more active in discussions ever since. So, another thing that I learned was not to be afraid of the discussion boards and to just comment as much as I can. In the discussion boards this week, we discussed what programming is and what the programmer does at Buckley, servers, what's better?:Windows/Macs (which helped a lot with my essay), Republicans/Democrats, music from today/classic music, etc. These discussions helped me learn more about my fellow classmates and about the specific topics discussed (servers, programming, etc.) This week has taught me more about not only computers, but myself. It taught me how to be more confident in discussions and to just speak my mind. It also taught me informative stuff about computers such as the inner parts of them, what makes a good one, what software is better than others, etc. In conclusion, I learned a lot this week and am very anxious to see what we learn about Alice next week!

Computer III Programming-Week 1

Just five years ago, I didn't really know that much about the Internet. I had no idea about ichat or Facebook, let alone Skype or Google groups. A little while ago, I got a new computer and learned how to use the Internet for social means such as the websites listed above (Facebook, ichat). However, I had no idea about the inner workings/parts of the computer, the typical programs used, or how they really worked. That changed last year when I took Computer II as one of my electives and learned all about these specific topics. However, in all my years of taking computer classes, I hadn't learned anything about programming. I still do not know that much about it, but I am anxious to learn more about this subject in the upcoming weeks of this course. This week, I gained information on how to expand my creativity on the Internet. I found out how to create a blog (on this website), which I had always wanted to do but just didn't know how to do previously. Another thing I learned how to do was make my own Google account. I like that you are able to customize it, make Google searches more specific, and have more access to Google products/services. I also learned how to make cool and entertaining videos online by using Animoto for my intro project. I was able to use my own pictures and pick the design and music to go along with the video. What was surprising to me was how easy it was to gain access to and use these websites. I thought they would cost a lot of money or they would be confusing and tricky. However, both websites were free and went through simple step-by-step processes on how to use them. I also enjoyed commenting on the discussion boards. I thought that they would be awkward at first, but then I realized after a little while that they were just like typical conversations we would have if we were in a classroom. I also like the topics that we talked about such as the Celtics/Lakers debate (GO LAKERS!!!) and the Best/Worst Teachers discussion. I also liked the conversation about downloading/uploading/sharing music being illegal or not. I thought it was interesting to read the sources people brought about to support their opinions. I also like being able to see the preferences/opinions/thoughts that people have on particular subjects, especially in the Lakers/Celtics discussion. Another thing that happened this week was that I became just a little bit more "tech-savvy." I've learned new terms like RSS and wiki, which I had heard before, but had no idea what they meant. The main reason why I decided to take this class was to prevent myself from lying around in my pajamas doing nothing all day. I can still lie around in my pajamas, but I can actually do something productive at the same time. I really like the fact that we can take this course online. This way, we can still maintain our summer schedules and get work done at the same time! So far, I have enjoyed partaking in this class, and I am anxious to learn more about programming and online resources!