ED 160A: Great Class...I recommend it.

Years ago, I thought I wanted to get into Computer Information Systems (CIS). I'm not sure why, but I do know that everybody and their mothers was jumping on the 'computer' band wagon at the time--I didn't want to be left behind so I jumped on too! All I knew was that I was fascinated with the idea of learning all about the computer and its components, but I didn't know which--CIS or C ++ programming.



Ultimately, I chose CIS. I took a couple of CIS classes and they were HORRIBLE. The class descriptions always read 'hands-on'....there was nothing hands-on about the experience! The instructor, (had him twice) was hands-on with his computer while he had the class reading from the book and answering the chapter questions. When he felt like interacting with us, HE READ DIRECTLY FROM THE BOOK....WORD FOR WORD! I began to get 'Charlie-Brown' syndrome after while (wah, wah, wah)....I can't stand to be bored in class, especially as an adult. Needless to say, I was turned off by the idea of taking another 'computer' class, so I changed my major...



Fast forward a couple of years, here I am majoring in Education. When I read the class description I was obviously reluctant because of my previous experience with 'computer' classes, but I enrolled anyway...not knowing what to expect.

Fast forward again, to the end of the semester.....



I'm happy to report that I really enjoy the class. I was just the opposite of what I assumed it would be like. I scanned over the text book before the class begun, so I had all kinds of awful thoughts about what to expect. Truthfully speaking, I thought the instructor would be boring, and out-of-touch...it was awful for me to have such preconceived notions, but I based my ideas on my experience throughout my previous years as a student.

Again, I really enjoy the class. My favorite part of the class would be just what I didn't get in my previous classes, that hands-on experience. The instructor knows what she is teaching, and she is ready and open to answer any all questions that are brought to her.

She is very engaging with us, it helps when an instructor gets to the matter at hand instead of spending a lot of time of lecture that escapes our memories as soon as its over...

I don't have any major hang-ups about the class, but my least favorite part would be loss of points. If I didn't receive full credit for something, it was my fault...on two occasions, I lost points for something that drove me nuts...

FIRST OCCASION, I lost points on my brochure, or newsletter (I forgot), but I didn't sign my name in cursive...I absent-mindedly, put my name in the font that I thought most resembled my style of writing...I rarely use cursive, if ever...anyway, I lost points for that....

SECOND OCCASION, I always lose points on the quiz...it's always something small...anyway, as I said before, it's my own fault, but I still dislike it...I've learned to not go nuts over a half-point now...lol.

To elaborate a little more on the quiz, I felt that some of the questions have different answers based on the individual. Like one of the quiz questions...it asked for the abbreviation for the Department of Education. I looked it up on the web because I was familiar with another abbreviation, (ED)...I knew it because I was on the website previously. Anyway, I got the answer wrong because the book had a different abbreviation, (DOE), which is also the abbreviation for the Department of Energy.

No big deal though, I had to write about something I disliked...lol

Overall...the class is great...I would recommend it to anyone else who wishes to take it.