Starting on BSCS

This is my first semester at IPFW working on a BS in Computer Science. I'm taking Discrete Mathematics and Data Communications this term. At Foothill I'm taking the second of three in the C++ series from an instructor that I really enjoy. Soon I will start the second semester of Calculus online from Berkeley Extension.

In planning my program for the BSCS, I notice that if I focus on fundamentals rather than applied courses I can double major in Math with just three additional classes. It would be a challenge, but I would be much better positioned for future study at the graduate level.

I had a great race at Walt Disney World except for a bad reaction to the sports drink provided. Apart from that, I have great memories of beautiful weather and fun times at the parks and resort. I hope I can go again next year and finally do Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.

A Challenging Class

The Data Structures and Algorithms class this term was the most challenging computer science class I have ever taken. I appreciated the rigor and look forward to similar work next semester at IPFW. I will be taking Discrete Mathematics and Data Communications. I plan to finish the C++ series at Foothill College as well.

Looking forward to the holidays and then the trip to Florida for my second run in the Walt Disney World Marathon. It was my most enjoyable race. I came away with lots of great memories.

Data Structures and Algorithms

The last class in the Java sequence has been a real challenge so far. I expect it to get more difficult as we approach the analysis and implementation of new abstract data types. Last term, only 16 out of 50 finished the class. My other courses are light in comparison. I'm currently reviewing calculus for a jump back into math and upper division computer science coursework starting next year at IPFW.

My recent marathon at Quad Cities was a success despite some pretty heavy rain on the second half of the course. In sprinting to pass the pace group at the finish I pulled my hamstring a bit, but I've recovered already. My sights are set on a return to Walt Disney World in January. That has been my favorite race so far. Will be wonderful to escape an Indiana winter for the sun of Florida.

End of Summer

I've just finished the final project for the JavaScript II class. My choice was to update my personal web pages with progressively enhanced JS with jQuery features. Some of the new items are an auto-hide navigation bar and a lightbox slideshow of photos. It was a pleasure to finally take a course in JS that included a focus on standards compliance.

The Fall term (and possibly the last for the Software Development degree) will include work on Java data structures and algorithms, C#, advanced CSS, and bash shell programming.

I ended up running in South Bend, Indiana rather than Duluth this summer. It was a beautiful course, but the temperature was at 90 degrees by the time I finished. The highlight of the day was running past a Jamba Juice on the Notre Dame campus. I had no idea there was a location in Indiana. It really hit the spot after the race.

Spring Midterms

It's been a busy quarter with a slightly harder set of courses. The first class in the CCNA series has had the most new content for me. The other classes have been useful for review in preparation for more advanced work. I'll have to wait until the Fall quarter to take the Data Structures class. Summer should be interesting with more advanced JavaScript and shell scripting.

Things look grim for California community colleges in the coming academic year. The word is that some programs will be cut entirely at Foothill's CTIS Division. After Summer quarter I will still need two classes to finish the Software Development program and another three for Internet Technology, but the division dean promises we'll be able to complete.

Getting closer to the marathon in Duluth. In two weeks I'll start to taper. Relatives tell me it can still be chilly in Minnesota in June! Should be a beautiful run along the lake.

Spring 2011

A new quarter brings four new classes:

• Computer Science II: Java
• Linux & Unix System Administration
• Network Fundamentals & TCP/IP Protocol
• Introduction to Programming using JavaScript

While the JavaScript class content would teach me nothing new, I am using this prerequisite to an advanced JavaScript course to update my knowledge with the latest standards. I'm looking forward to eventually learning AJAX, JQuery and the like.

There was no problem transitioning from C++ to Java for the second in the CS programming series. I'm happy to have the same instructor that I had last term. He puts a lot of effort into making his online classes a great experience.

Just two more months until my next marathon. It's time to ramp up my weekly mileage.

Spring Just Around the Corner

Winter classes have gone well. The Oracle SQL course was considerably more difficult than I had expected. By the time I got to joins using correlated subqueries I felt my eyes cross. The course has ended with considerably easier material, but I don't feel all that confident going into the final. It will take a good amount of practice to really learn the content.

I was disappointed to learn that the second C++ course in the series will not be available until next year. I will be switching to the Java series instead.

The network fundamentals course had little material I had not already covered while studying for the Network+ exam. The TCP/IP protocol course next term looks to go into more depth.

I have joined the board of the Northeast Indiana Diversity Library (NIDL). Hopefully it will be a good learning experience for me and an opportunity to become more involved in the community.