The Countdown

Within the last week, I was very content with my performance in the class. I scored my desired grade on the test, which I was very happy about and turned in our last Excel homework which I did very well on and again found informative. It is now time for the final where everything we have learned comes together. I thought I would be content with the final and all the information, however, after going over the slides a few times, there is just so much information to know, I'm losing confidence. All the acronyms and tools I used to memorize the information almost seem useless now due to the abundance of information. I guess all I can do is get in as much study time as possible and hope for the best.

Nearing the end.

With less than 2 weeks before class is done, I'm really surprised how quickly this semester went by. Only 2 more class sessions and the final. Anyways since my last blog, the class has been running smoothly, as usual. We turned in our two Access assignments, which I thought were really interesting, informative, and entertaining. They were simple and straightforward and I really liked how simple it was to be able to obtain so much information. We also finished our first Excel homework, which I've had some experience with, but never got into the depth that we got into on this assignment. Although we "barely scratched the surface". I find it fascinating how we can find solutions with so much ease.

Also within the last few weeks, it was my first time being called upon class to give a technology report. Unfortunately it was the only day I didn't come prepared with a news report. I was called on the next class as well, however, the news I came prepared with was already reported on. I attempted to redeem myself by finding new information that I could report as a tech news volunteer, however, I don't know if I received the same amount of credit.

We also just received our third test back, which I scored decently on. I once again didn't have the time I would have liked to prepare for it, but I was happy with my score nonetheless. My goal as of this point is to ace the fourth test as well as the final (hopefully). I am also going to take advantage of every extra credit assignment offered. I am hopeful that this will allow me to receive my desired overall grade in the class.

I've found this class really valuable to see the importance of the subject matter in the business world. I definitely now see why it is required for business majors.

Applying Information.

I keep forgetting to update my blog. I'll leave class with the intention of creating a blog that night, but I need to get to the cafeteria before it closes then I get distracted with the unlimited amount of things I need to do.

Anyways, we received our tests back today. I took more time to study and go over the material and payed more attention to the little details, which was what I had trouble with last test. I was much more confident taking this test, although I had some troubles with the question dealing with grid computing and the properties for a field. Despite the fact that I did worse on this test than the first, I'm more content with my grade because first, I was slightly above the median, and also, this test was more difficult than the first.

In other news, I'm enjoying the class a lot and find the information really interesting. I would also like to say how much I enjoy the the class structure. From the way the information is presented and the teaching style. There is a lot of information which can often get tedious, which is why I think the technology news in the beginning helps cancel this out. I enjoy hearing about the new news about technological advances.

I went to the Apple store after the test to have my computer fixed after dropping it and breaking the screen, and as I was waiting for my appointment at the Genius bar, I overheard one of the salesmen talking about some of the things we were learning in class. Although I could tell the person didn't understand one word of it, I understood what he was talking about (most of it at least) and I even recognized some TLA's he used. I forget what the subject he was talking about, but I thought it was cool to use the information I learned in real life situations.

Looking at the little things.

It's the end of the 3rd week and I just finished taking the first exam. I'm skeptical about how well I did. Prior to the test, I went over the chapters again to refresh my memory from reading them in the past weeks, I gave myself plenty of time to study, I made notecards on all the red terms, as well as went through every slide on the powerpoints. I also got together with other students in the class to review the material. I felt very confident going into the test, and even more confident looking it over because it was all information I studied thoroughly. The test was very straightforward, simple, short, and easy. However, after starting the test I found myself unable to remember simple details of definitions. Some of the most prominent words that completely slipped my mind were 'Feedback' in a cybernetic system, 'Process' in Business Process Reengineering, 'Control' in Business Control Protocol, and 'Internet' in Internet Protocol. Some of the simple words such as internet crossed my mind but I overanalyzed it and thought it was too easy. Not to mention did I completely miss out on the information versus data question. I think while studying, I tried to focus on the more difficult concepts rather than the small details and simple ones. I'm not pleased with my performance but I now know what to do in order to better prepare myself for the next exam.

First day.

Management Science 300: Introduction to Information Systems... That was exactly my thought, what a boring sounding class. That was until I went to it. As I waited for the clock to strike 5:30, I prepared myself for the hour and a half of learning about these these so called "information systems". The teacher walked in and the class started. The professor, Dr. Doug Tuggle began speaking of the class and all the requirements. He seemed very nice, funny, fair, helpful, and very knowledgeable of the subject. Maybe this class wont be too bad after all. After going over the syllabus he began a powerpoint of the material and I found myself immersed in information and thought about the subject matter. Thinking about all the everyday technology we use such as phones, internet, computers, and the World Wide Web, yet never thinking twice how it all works or how it has progressed. What I thought was going to be one of my boring classes has ended up being one of the most interesting classes I've attended in the first 2 days of school. I guess it just comes to show not to judge a book by it's cover. I think this will be a very interesting and beneficial class, however, I'm worried about how much ACTG 211 and MGSC 209 will be incorporated into the class. I did fairly well in both classes, however, I'm not quite sure how much I will remember.

Anyways I'm making this blog as extra credit for my class just in case ACTG 211 and MGSC 209 don't come back to me as well as I would have hoped.