Very Thankful. Finished Jeroo Lab 5B in 15 minutes and without help! Even though the beginning of this week was rough, it got progressively better! I owe my progress to my helpful and patient instructor (not trying to kowtow here) for his willingness to coach me through labs and for his tip which i shall dub ULT (short for ultimate). Its not very creative but hey, this isn't English class. Its where students think of tasks in terms of a particular end point and the conditions associated with that end point and then trace back to the point of orientation to work out possible traps and hindrances. I think that's definitely been key to accomplishment today. That and realizing that freaking out about learning does not help one learn better.
Perhaps this tip isn't applicable to other things like how to study for finals, but its definitely made me more confident about the final exam. I guess I can see why people like Jeroo now because once you get it (code and all), its like a puzzle. I can't say I've mastered the program or the language used in the program but at least I see a light bulb flickering at the end of the tunnel!
Things we explored this week:
-Loops
-If statements
-compound statements
-recursions
Things i would like to improve next week if time permits:
-writing loops that are concise and efficient.
-how to implement recursions and when they work best
-language
Other goals:
-110 on the final : )
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Who said pythons eat Jeroo's?
That's right, the world is sadly confused. Pythons do not eat Jeroos, they guide them! Well sort of, at least that's what i'm getting so far. So python is one of the codes to use for the program Jeroo. Turns out (thankfully) that Jeroo likes me a lot more than Scratch. This week the class learned about the basics of the program as well as how to program methods or a series of behaviors a jeroo can do that could be thought of as being similar to the repeat scrip in scratch. Basic code is as follows:
to create a jeroo: name=jeroo(row#,column#,number of flowers or cardinal direction)
jeroos can: hop(), pick up flowers, pick(), plant a flower, (plant), toss a flower one spot ahead (toss)
give a flower,give(dir) and turn in a direction, turn(dir)
dir= LEFT, RIGHT,AHEAD,HERE
Methods on the other hand are a series of behaviors a jeroo will perform all branched under one main 'headline'
Writing a method:
Under the methods tab-
def name(self):
self.hop()
self.pick(1)
....
Under the regular tab-
jerooname. name()
Tomorrow we're learning about loops. Hopefully this week will be an even more pleasant experience!
to create a jeroo: name=jeroo(row#,column#,number of flowers or cardinal direction)
jeroos can: hop(), pick up flowers, pick(), plant a flower, (plant), toss a flower one spot ahead (toss)
give a flower,give(dir) and turn in a direction, turn(dir)
dir= LEFT, RIGHT,AHEAD,HERE
Methods on the other hand are a series of behaviors a jeroo will perform all branched under one main 'headline'
Writing a method:
Under the methods tab-
def name(self):
self.hop()
self.pick(1)
....
Under the regular tab-
jerooname. name()
Tomorrow we're learning about loops. Hopefully this week will be an even more pleasant experience!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
I smell freedom in the air!
In one sense, this week was a smashing success. Out of the two scratch assignments, i completed one with time to spare! The other one, not so much....Not only did i take longer than intended trying to complete (i have yet to finish it) I had to phone a friend on numerous occasions Do i like scratch any better? Certainly not. But at least there was some improvement this week (no matter how minor).
However, there are other things to be thankful for. For one, the break's fast coming up....: ) But more than that, I wonder what the course is going to look like after the transition is complete. What will the course look like? So far, my take on computer programming hasn't been all too great. I definitely don't want the future class to be like an extended scratch assignment. That would be horrific. But I suppose i will just have to wait and see....
However, there are other things to be thankful for. For one, the break's fast coming up....: ) But more than that, I wonder what the course is going to look like after the transition is complete. What will the course look like? So far, my take on computer programming hasn't been all too great. I definitely don't want the future class to be like an extended scratch assignment. That would be horrific. But I suppose i will just have to wait and see....
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Scratch- the senior version of my most hated nightmare
I don't remember much from freshmen year but the little I do remember can't be described as my fondest memories. I can never forget the hours I spent in the school dungeon with my glutes glued to a blue plastic chair and my eyes fixed on the background of the program's home screen Nor can I forget the four hour long brain freezes that occurred afterwards as my body attempted to recover from excessive neuron transmission. The stuff of nightmares known affectionately by professionals as Solidworks, became my biggest hurdle during the fall semester of freshmen year. Even though it was difficult, I consoled myself through mental pep-talk of the educational kind, convincing myself that every minute spent in mental duress would undoubtedly repay itself at least ten fold in the form of mental acuity. Although I have yet to realize the impact of Solidworks improved brain cognition, I can say that the pep-talk got me through eighteen weeks of torture. Unfortunately, things didn't all go exactly as planned.
Backtrack three years, I though the end of freshman year would also mean the end of having to do a design or engineering based assignment at least for the rest of high school. Boy was I wrong. I have one word for you: Scratch. But as the old adage goes, when life throws you lemons, make lemonade or die by lemons. Things haven't changed much since freshmen year. Scratch is almost just as bad as Solidworks but isn't it funny that I give myself the same mental pep-talk even three years later? It's been a long week and the future doesn't seem any less challenging. Regardless, there's not much use in complaining. Now to think of some way to circumvent future bouts of brain deadness like the three-hour-long one i experienced today after finally turning in my quiz lab.....
Backtrack three years, I though the end of freshman year would also mean the end of having to do a design or engineering based assignment at least for the rest of high school. Boy was I wrong. I have one word for you: Scratch. But as the old adage goes, when life throws you lemons, make lemonade or die by lemons. Things haven't changed much since freshmen year. Scratch is almost just as bad as Solidworks but isn't it funny that I give myself the same mental pep-talk even three years later? It's been a long week and the future doesn't seem any less challenging. Regardless, there's not much use in complaining. Now to think of some way to circumvent future bouts of brain deadness like the three-hour-long one i experienced today after finally turning in my quiz lab.....
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Tests Galore
The purpose of tests is to test one's ability, one's level of learning. This weeks benchmark was just that. No consequences no negative emotions, just an assessment. I like it. Never in my twelve years of education did i ever have the opportunity to take such a test. Now i know that i only know about half of the material. I'm not contesting my level of understanding. This benchmark served as an accurate marker. The question is now what?
Intro to Programming
More questions than answers for the module so far. Maybe I will be more learned next week. On the other hand, I'm really looking forward to Scratch. The concept of giving something directions to follow is different, a virtual autocracy. Makes me feel conniving.... But once again, i have more questions than answers....how are the actions coded for? How much reign does the character have over his own actions? Where does binary fit in to all this. They say patience is a virtue. Only next week will tell : )
Friday, October 26, 2012
Digitization Module? Check. Sort of...
Preemo Advertisement Project
Supposedly a comprehensive project designed to test a student's understanding of content, this project showed me that there are many nuances of digitization that i didn't understand. In other words, i had to research a lot of the topics outside of class in order to write the digital interview. The one thing i appreciated most this week was the chance to look around at other portfolios. The experience solidified the idea of "work smart, not hard." The digital interview did not need to be written as a thesis paper. It could be as simple as a powerpoint with each question answered on a slide. In other words, the interview could have been short and sweet but i chose to write it as i would in a dissertation. There is always room for improvement : ).
As for some good news, I really appreciate the groups i've been in so far. All group members have been very complimentary and hardworking--the best groups i've had in my academic life thus far. For this project especially, one group member was experienced in audacity and photoshop, one in voiceovers (is that the proper term?) and another in script writing. In the future though, I hope to be able to delegate work more equally. What do I mean? I have a tendency to take the initiative...be the boss...take on the bulk of the work...It's actually rather tiring.... Other people deserve a chance to learn too. By trying to do everything, I am in fact hindering others from learning the concept. I guess it only shows my priorities...grades over development of peers...Perhaps I will be able to back off next project...perhaps...
The Module
What can i say that hasn't already been said? Only the benchmark will tell....
Supposedly a comprehensive project designed to test a student's understanding of content, this project showed me that there are many nuances of digitization that i didn't understand. In other words, i had to research a lot of the topics outside of class in order to write the digital interview. The one thing i appreciated most this week was the chance to look around at other portfolios. The experience solidified the idea of "work smart, not hard." The digital interview did not need to be written as a thesis paper. It could be as simple as a powerpoint with each question answered on a slide. In other words, the interview could have been short and sweet but i chose to write it as i would in a dissertation. There is always room for improvement : ).
As for some good news, I really appreciate the groups i've been in so far. All group members have been very complimentary and hardworking--the best groups i've had in my academic life thus far. For this project especially, one group member was experienced in audacity and photoshop, one in voiceovers (is that the proper term?) and another in script writing. In the future though, I hope to be able to delegate work more equally. What do I mean? I have a tendency to take the initiative...be the boss...take on the bulk of the work...It's actually rather tiring.... Other people deserve a chance to learn too. By trying to do everything, I am in fact hindering others from learning the concept. I guess it only shows my priorities...grades over development of peers...Perhaps I will be able to back off next project...perhaps...
The Module
What can i say that hasn't already been said? Only the benchmark will tell....
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Arggghhh Matey
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Some Highlights
Auto-Tune:
What do all popular songs have in common regardless of artist, theme, or lyrics? According to some, its their pervasive use of auto-tune. Essentially the post-processing effect used to correct and perfect an artist's natural sound, auto-tune has come to corrode the good name of the entire genre. Furthermore, the lure and effect of auto-tune are such that stopping completely might not even be an option anymore; the symptoms of withdrawal would be too much for produces and audience alike to handle.
Representing Digital Images:
Vector or raster, size, brightness, one must consider all these factors when creating or editing a digital image. For one vector and raster speak of what kind of format one desires the image to be in. Choosing one over the other requires that images be edited in different programs and may impact the quality and visual aesthetics of an image if format is not properly considered. Other than that , the basics of digital image encoding as far as color concerns had to deal with..wait for it....the oh so confusing BINARY CODE (*end dramatics).
Group Portfolio So far:
Topic? Done
Images? Selected.
Interview? Started.
Problem? Well, not so much problem as an observation. I have a tendency to act as project manager even when that isn't my official role. This could become a problem in another group with peers with just as strong personalities....
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Project Numero Dos
Now binary makes sense. In introducing the concept, students were taught the fundamentals of binary, that its a code used to store information in a computer, and how to convert numbers into said code. This week was a continuation of last week's bit, byte,0,1, discussion. So, how are alphanumeric symbols and letters encoded in the computer? Still in the form of zeros and ones except the method of version is through code! There is the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) and then there's Unicode. Fun fact: ASCII only applies to the English. That means programming for non-english language must be done in Unicode. Although seemingly better at first, the internationally friendlier version of code takes up more space than it's american counterpart. It has a state space of 2^16 versus ASCII's 2^7. Even though this might make instill the notion that ASCII is better, Unicode can code for way more symbols. So, which is better? Depends on how much space you have and where you live : )
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Just Byte Me
Binary Code: the illusive term I had absolutely zero knowledge of until last fateful Monday. Allow me to regurgitate my week's learnings.
When it comes to programming computers, the computer needs to have the capacity and ability to store information. This data is best represented via a 2 symbol system. Why only two you ask? Because the computer either does it or it doesn't. The next subcategory under this system is called a base system.I am only familiar with two base systems though there are others. Out of 10 and 2, 2 is the more common system. Binary code represents decimals and bits, or in other words, regular numbers and just about any kind of information ( computers work in 8-bit groups called bytes). An example of such is the code 1000001111. Increasing from left to right, the digits's state space grows exponentially. As the state spaces grows, the power of 2 increases right to left. Whatever base one chooses to start with, begin at X^0 or I. In numbers, this code can represens 751. This number is derived from adding 1+2+4+8+ 0+0+0+0+0+512=527. To convert from numbers to code, work from left to right. First find the largest number that can go into the decimal without going over. Put a one there. Subtract that number from the decimal, and put 1 or 0 under the corresponding "columns" which add up to the remainder without going over. Wahlah, there you have it. your very own binary code.
When it comes to programming computers, the computer needs to have the capacity and ability to store information. This data is best represented via a 2 symbol system. Why only two you ask? Because the computer either does it or it doesn't. The next subcategory under this system is called a base system.I am only familiar with two base systems though there are others. Out of 10 and 2, 2 is the more common system. Binary code represents decimals and bits, or in other words, regular numbers and just about any kind of information ( computers work in 8-bit groups called bytes). An example of such is the code 1000001111. Increasing from left to right, the digits's state space grows exponentially. As the state spaces grows, the power of 2 increases right to left. Whatever base one chooses to start with, begin at X^0 or I. In numbers, this code can represens 751. This number is derived from adding 1+2+4+8+ 0+0+0+0+0+512=527. To convert from numbers to code, work from left to right. First find the largest number that can go into the decimal without going over. Put a one there. Subtract that number from the decimal, and put 1 or 0 under the corresponding "columns" which add up to the remainder without going over. Wahlah, there you have it. your very own binary code.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
*Gulp*
Monday was the day that it hit me. I only had seven days to research and complete the Conspiracy Theory assignment. Needless to say, my parasympathetic system went into overdrive. I guess i never realized the scope of this project until the midnight Friday. Still, I only have positive thoughts about this project. Its definitely a refreshing assignment-- i've never played detective or professional stalker before. Plus, now i know the purpose behind all those inclass discussions. They serve to familiarize students with modern web-related conveniences. While those discussions were informative and emphasized a different learning style than what i'm used to, i have come to realize that this project is the test. The test of our understanding and our ability to convert that understanding into writing. Do i like the project or the class any less than last week? Not really. I just wish i had gotten the wake up call sooner than the Monday before the due date. Either that or a more organized work calender. While i do realize that the student should bare the responsibility of organizing a work schedule given the due dates and not the teacher, this newfound freedom is well,....new. To take a positive spin on this whole situation: this assignment is another opportunity to brush up on time management skills while learning about this scary, fast-paced-sometimes-heinous world called the internet.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Innovations- Part II
Much like last week, the bulk of this weeks topics were more discussion based rather than problem-solving based. Even though I can't claim to have learned how to do something new, i really do appreciate the topics we have discussed (digital manipulation, wiki pages, and the pros and cons of social networking) as well as the socratic-seminar-like environment of this week's class. Even though this idea of digital manipulation frequently appears in news feeds or tabloids, people usually don't sit down to really think about how much Photoshop or something of the sort is directly impacting society. In other words, this week's discussions were really meaningful because they all expounded on programs or ideas that are used everyday. That's not to say i didn't learn anything new though. Prior to Wednesday, Wiki pages were something completely unfamiliar but now i can claim i know how Wikipedia works! Well, sort of....
An attempt to describe Wikipedia:
Wikipedia is like a big public google document where one can add information or revise information at will. The biggest difference is that Wiki pages can track all revisions made on the page. In other words, there is a sense of accountability when contributing to such a resource. As far as usability goes, google docs seems to be more geared to private projects where all the contributors are known whereas wiki pages seem to be most useful in a forum-like setting.
An attempt to describe Wikipedia:
Wikipedia is like a big public google document where one can add information or revise information at will. The biggest difference is that Wiki pages can track all revisions made on the page. In other words, there is a sense of accountability when contributing to such a resource. As far as usability goes, google docs seems to be more geared to private projects where all the contributors are known whereas wiki pages seem to be most useful in a forum-like setting.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Computer Programming Basics (9/9/12)
Overview-
Class this week consisted of an introduction to the world of computers. However, typical introductory lessons, this first week wasn't about the mechanical components that make-up the modern day computer. In fact, we didn't even touch upon the technical specs. Instead we discussed privacy issues, the learning method of the class and the importance of this course to the future of business, academia and social relationships. In short, computer science matters. Not because of the potential of the field but because computer science is the new model of society. Its the new language of the millennial generation.
While these discussion topics took up half of the class time the rest of the time was used to introduce the first assignment of the year. Dubbed the Conspiracy Theory, this assignment explores the ideas of identify theft within a high school context. The goal is to prove whether or not Leonardo is the victim of a malicious attempt to blacken his name or the culprit of a heinous crime against an innocent freshmen.
Reflection-
As a class, we've discussed a wide range of topics from the meaning of the internet to its drawbacks. After all this, I must say what disconcerts me most aren't the virtual crumbs of data i'm leaving behind never to be seen or erased again (though that is a scary thought) but rather how corporations are using this data and tailoring my search experience. This is news. Never have i considered that the same mechanism used to present massive amounts of information at a blinding speed can also be used to trap me in a bubble of personal preferences. Although i can appreciate the ingenuity behind filtering information, i must say i don't appreciate the state of ignorance that it leaves me in. I firmly believe that the web ought to expose a person to different ideas and different problems. If news sites or search engines begin to tailor the browsing experience to match a computed preference then that experience if a biased one. Just as voter-turn-out rates is essential to maintenance of a democratic society, so too is unfiltered information to the minds of each individual. If companies can control and filter information as they please, how is that any different from a society run by communism?
Class this week consisted of an introduction to the world of computers. However, typical introductory lessons, this first week wasn't about the mechanical components that make-up the modern day computer. In fact, we didn't even touch upon the technical specs. Instead we discussed privacy issues, the learning method of the class and the importance of this course to the future of business, academia and social relationships. In short, computer science matters. Not because of the potential of the field but because computer science is the new model of society. Its the new language of the millennial generation.
While these discussion topics took up half of the class time the rest of the time was used to introduce the first assignment of the year. Dubbed the Conspiracy Theory, this assignment explores the ideas of identify theft within a high school context. The goal is to prove whether or not Leonardo is the victim of a malicious attempt to blacken his name or the culprit of a heinous crime against an innocent freshmen.
Reflection-
As a class, we've discussed a wide range of topics from the meaning of the internet to its drawbacks. After all this, I must say what disconcerts me most aren't the virtual crumbs of data i'm leaving behind never to be seen or erased again (though that is a scary thought) but rather how corporations are using this data and tailoring my search experience. This is news. Never have i considered that the same mechanism used to present massive amounts of information at a blinding speed can also be used to trap me in a bubble of personal preferences. Although i can appreciate the ingenuity behind filtering information, i must say i don't appreciate the state of ignorance that it leaves me in. I firmly believe that the web ought to expose a person to different ideas and different problems. If news sites or search engines begin to tailor the browsing experience to match a computed preference then that experience if a biased one. Just as voter-turn-out rates is essential to maintenance of a democratic society, so too is unfiltered information to the minds of each individual. If companies can control and filter information as they please, how is that any different from a society run by communism?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)