"Old Dog, New Tricks"

When I signed up for IS101-3004, I thought it would be straightforward because I use Microsoft Applications quite often. Initially, the course content seemed very familiar, almost like a review. However, I realized there was much I didn't know. I encountered tools I had never used before, explored tabs I had never noticed, and discovered faster ways to complete familiar tasks. This experience improved my understanding in using these applications.

When I created the A5 slideshow, "My 2024 Atlanta Trip", I didn't want to just place photos on the slides. I experimented with animations and effects to make each slide fit the theme of the occasion. Although it was not difficult, I felt I could have done a better job demonstrating my PowerPoint abilities rather than just focusing on the content of the events. I followed this up with my A8 slideshow titled "My Dream Job," I managed to better showcase what I had learned by using SmartArt, embedding videos, and simplifying the presentation to highlight my skills. I enjoyed the feedback from both projects and feel I was able to showcase different skills during both presentations.

Reflections on LabSim Skills and IS101 Completion

In LabSim's 4.7.1 Text Wrapping Options, I learned how to neatly adjust text within a cell or section without relying on "Alt + Enter," which I used to do when creating estimates for vendors. Now, I use text wrapping to ensure everything fits cleanly in the right section.

For 5.6.6 Concatenating in Excel, I had never used this feature before, but I can see its real-world applications. For example, it could be useful in combining names and addresses into a single cell for better data organization in reports, making it easier to reach out to Vendors or pull up information on them without using "Ctrl + F" or scrolling the entire document.

As for finishing IS101-3004, Fall 2024, my goal is to have all assignments completed. It’s been a balancing act with everything I’ve had to juggle this semester, but I’m committed to crossing the finish line and making the most of what I’ve learned this semester.

Check-In & Human Error

Check-In:

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when it came to IS101. When you hear "Information Systems", you think of hardware, software, networks, and more. Learning about each of these as individual components is sufficient but, people retain more when they can apply the things they've learned. I like that this class not only introduces us to or refreshes our memory on certain components of Information Systems but, also requires you to apply them. I was nervous seeing the assignment list because it is lengthy, but the assignments are simple. You also have the videos or textbook at your fingertips to fall back on should you need a little extra help. I'd say, "So far, so good."

Human Error:

I chose 2.3.10 - Applied Lab: Manage Files, to reflect on in this week's blog. I served in the United States Navy. The job I had required us to maintain certain qualifications. At some point or another, I became the person who maintains the qualification program and schedules boards for people eligible to earn certain qualifications. After every deployment, there's a period when the ship is getting refreshed, and we move to a smaller boat called a barge. The barge has offices and beds for duty crew members. This period is often referred to as "being in the yards". While we were in the yards, new publications for the qualification program came out and we were gearing up to be audited. I was in charge of revamping everything and accounting for everyone's records before inspection. I completed all my work. It was nice, neat, and orderly. My supervisor told me to make sure I saved it to the department folder because the audit would be conducted once we were out of the yards and these computers would not be here. I saved the files. What I did not realize was the IT department created a drive for the barge separate from the drives we use on our ship. Three days before the inspection I was panicking trying to find my files. Luckily, the computers from the barge had not been cleared yet and one of our IT personnel taught me how to save things to OneDrive so I could access it anywhere onboard the ship or barge. It was extremely nerve-racking but I'm glad it all worked out and, I learned about OneDrive. I never saved anything to the computer itself again after that. 

New School, Same Mission

Hello everyone, my name is Aishane Hill, but I prefer to be called Shae. I am fairly new to the Las Vegas area but not to taking college courses. The CSN campus I visited was very easy to navigate. Once inside my IS101 class, Mr. Wu made sure he greeted every student individually and took time to breakdown the syllabus, which was very helpful. This is my first time taking IS101 and, while I feel like I'm pretty "savvy" in certain software or computer systems, I am interested in gaining new skills or unlocking resources in tools I currently use every day.