Sunday, January 31, 2010

Week 4: Clear Computer Knowledge

Learning about the variety of web uses and watching the video pertaining to different browser and non browser uses was entertaining. Learning more about how computer systems function, their history and how applications and software are read/used has been enlightening and enjoyable. So far the class and assignments have been fun and easy to understand, hence the titles "Clear."

I found a funny link for the google toilet I will share here:
Google Toilet!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Week 3: Clear Timeline Assignment

Three weeks have passed and I am still without a book. After placing my second book order on January 13th, I have yet to hear back from the sender on the timeliness of their mailing. Luckily, the Professor pushed the Internet and Web Quiz submission deadline off to January 31st.
The timeline assignment was straightforward and easy to understand. I was able to find a computing reference that had not been identified previously and can only hope it gets read by a few of my peers, as it is a very important technology and potentially a threat to humanity.
For the context event, I chose to elaborate on Ronald Reagan and his 'Star Wars' dreams. It was a great idea that initially cost tens of billions and continually failed, but it eventually morphed into the working system of defense we have today. Even I didn't know it had finally succeeded!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Week 2 : Clear Concepts, Leaped Too Soon!

The concepts presented in the lectures were interesting and enjoyable to learn. I watched the videos and took notes on the timeline. I was unable to do the reading assignments because my textbook has yet to arrive.
Side note: My book order from January the 4th was just cancelled on January the 13th!! So now I get to wait for the book I reordered on the 13th. To make matters even more frustrating, I am unwilling to leave negative feedback because I would not want it to be reciprocated. Am I being foolish?
So, with a decent amount knowledge, I attempted the test with no book to rely on and my basic timeline notes. Surprisingly, I failed miserably! I actually felt pretty confident before taking the quiz. The lecture was entertaining and easy to follow. I had taken a decent amount of notes. But, alas, it was not enough.
Apparently, I wasn't the only student awaiting their textbook delivery. The Professor was kind enough to extend the quiz deadline to 1/24 to accommodate those still unable to complete the reading. If only I had waited!
Final note: I have always had good service with half.com and I will continue to trust sellers on the website, but will be wary to order from members with low feedback numbers and would advise anyone reading this to proceed with caution, as well. And watch out for this guy!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Week 1: Clear Website

The course website for ISM3004: Computing in the Business Environment was interesting, in that you had to fulfill a scavenger hunt list and take a test to access the rest of the site. Since much of the information and many of the concepts are relatively new to me, it may take me awhile to 'flow.'
On a side note: I determined a few months back that I would begin to text on my phone and have made zero progress toward that goal.
Having all of the information well-organized and structured, it was relatively easy to learn the information and remember the few specifics necessary to obtain access to the class. Upon gaining that access, there was even more information to consider and determine which way to proceed next. The calendar and many lists of due dates were at first intimidating, but the reading seems relatively light compared to my other courses and I believe I should be able to keep up.
The course website is a well organized resource for keeping up with the required reading, lectures and due dates for various assignments. It is good to feel comfortable with the given information, knowing that if I follow the timeline, I will be able to keep up.

Is it early or late?

Stayed up all night working on my Managerial Economics homework. Its morning now. So far, I can understand all of the concepts and applications. Now I need to catch up on my Business Law lectures and stay ahead on the assignments. And find time to sleep.