If I do say so myself, the classes I picked out this semester are a pretty great mix. I’m taking Advanced Stats, which is more fun than it sounds like it would be when you’re in class with a bunch of your friends, Visual Programming, in which I’m learning Visual Basic, a pretty cool language to learn in that you can make Windows applications, and, probably the most exotic of the bunch, Artificial Intelligence.
AI sounds daunting, and there’s definitely a lot of work from the class that’s keeping me busy, but it’s a pretty intriguing topic that’s really a cross-roads for fields like psychology, programming, neuroscience, and machinery. While I’m only skimming (and by “skimming” I mean “really, really, really skimming”) the surface of the field, it’s making me stretch my reasoning skills and my understanding of what programming and machines are capable of.
Did I mention we’re building a robot in class, too? I’ll have to tell you that story another day. Have a good week, everyone!
Tagged as:
advanced statisitcs,
Artificial intelligence,
class projects,
classes,
robots,
visual programming
You might notice that this text of this blog post is in pink, and of the font “Verdana.” Very observant, you are. I’ve been experimenting with HTML ever since we made a practice web page in my Server Technology class, and I had to go big for my final post of the semester.
Anyway, I’ve mapped out my schedule for next year, and it’s looking like it’ll be a tough one. (Hey, I’ve switched to Comic Sans MS! Did you catch that?) I’ve got Linear Algebra, Advanced Statistics, Software Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence lined up, and then I’m taking Newspaper Workshop and Graphic Design, as well.
What’s crazy is that Linear Algebra follows Advanced Stats, so I’ll have four straight hours of difficult math all together twice a week.
Such is life, I guess.
(…You may have missed it, and I’ll forgive you the first time, but you just had the privilege of seeing my new catchphrase in action.)
Fortunately, I’ve got a couple of months of SUMMER to gear up for a grueling fall semester!!! (…provided I make it to summer after surviving the last 2 weeks of school here…)
Tagged as:
classes,
math,
schedule
Do any of you remember the Snapple lady who declared that Snapple drinks were made from the best stuff on Earth? Maybe, you guys are all too young but I’m sure there is a YouTube video out there some where with her.
I bring up the slogan of the best stuff on Earth because I feel that way when it comes to all the classes that I’ve taken through Fontbonne. I am constantly learning each semester something new that will help me in a classroom. As challenging as some of my classes have been, I’ve always been able to follow along online with my textbooks, the PowerPoints that are given, journal articles, and the ability to ask my professors questions and get clarification.
I won’t say that all my classes have been my favorite, because I’m naturally more comfortable with courses that require me to use my writing and reading skills. I was an English major the first time around in college, and old habits never die. I know that I have personally used lots of techniques from my educational psychology classes, not only with my students, but with family. And that is a yes to using psych techniques with both my kids and hubby.
I think that the classes that challenge me the most are the ones that deal with math (not a personal favorite or best for me) and science. Over the summer, I had a class that dealt with speech and language development that challenged every fiber of my brain to remember details of the anatomy and why some children and adults have developmental delays. Wow — I never thought I could remember all the parts of the ear. The only thing that I knew was not to stick the Q-tip in your ear… no joke. But I learned not only the parts of the inner ear, but what specifically happens when these parts don’t work. I know that this class kept me on my toes.
The other most challenging class was last fall. It was a class to teach various testing techniques. At one point I was about to admit defeat over simple mean, mode, and median, but between my 17-year-old and 11-year-old helped me to keep going. Thank goodness for my children both excelling in math.
That brings me to another path on my journey at Fontbonne. My kids have helped their mom with learning to make PowerPoints, watching videos and making notes on PowerPoints. I know my son always wants to look through the PowerPoints to “learn something I didn’t know.” Gotta love that spirit.
I hope that you are having a great semester and feel like you are learning some of the best stuff on Earth.
Blessings- Sherry
Tagged as:
classes,
psychology,
Science
