In Conclusion

My experience in IS101-3202 was unlike any other class I have taken. I felt very engaged, and this was primarily due to assignments like the discussion posts, the blog, and the PowerPoint project. I enjoyed learning about Microsoft applications and getting certified, as it is something employers value. Compared to my other classes, I feel like I actually know the names and faces of my classmates, at least the ones who have consistently attended. The instructor was very involved and made an effort to know each of our names. He even requested a video call or Webex session just before the semester started to get familiar with us, which was a first and gave a preview of what to expect from him.💻

From Chapter 6, learning about text and content placeholders in Section 6.3.1 was especially helpful. In the past, I struggled with text formatting and using placeholders in presentations. I did not even know they had a specific name before. Now, I can change the text format by making sure I click the placeholder before making changes so it reflects everything in the box. It is a simple step, but it is definitely a game changer.💥

I do not have anything else to share, but I am excited for this semester to end so I can focus on reading my books and finally earning my associate degree. 📖

Phase 2 Complete and Only a Few Weeks of the Semester Left

Hi everyone and welcome back to my third post. Today I will be talking about Phase 2, how it went, and what is coming up in Phase 3. Overall, I did well because I completed all the assignments and passed the exam. I was occasionally a bit late with some of the LabSim assignments, but they got done and that is what matters. I thought the Excel projects (A4, A5, A6, and A7) were manageable. I definitely had to take my time with each one to carefully read and follow the instructions. I believe the projects are helpful in showcasing what we have learned and highlighting areas where we might need improvement.

Phase 2 was very informational and a subject I was excited to learn because most employers ask about a person's knowledge of using Excel. I would always say I knew how to enter data and do basic formatting, but now I can say I am Excel Associate certified. As an Accounting major, Excel is used a lot, especially with the creation of formulas and pivot tables. I found the  If Function  section 5.7.4 very informative. It was a bit difficult for me to get the formula down but doing the labs helped.

Phase 3 will be about PowerPoint and creativity. I am going to be honest and say I lack creativity, so my main goal will be to pass the exam and complete the assignments. I will try to do the work in advance to prevent myself from playing catch up. Basically, I will keep on doing what I have been doing.

My Second Post!

Hi! Me again. As my title suggests, this is my second post. Not much has changed since the last one, aside from me getting busier with school, work, and taking care of my dogs. Time is moving quickly at the time of writing this, we’re just a couple of days away from March.

Moving on to schoolwork, I think I did great in Phase 1. I had a rocky start, but I eventually got into the swing of things and stayed ahead of my tasks. The assignments aren’t difficult, but they are time consuming. For the next phases, I plan to stay ahead on LabSim by completing one section per day and working on my discussion posts ahead of their due dates. I’ll give myself two days to complete them rather than rushing through.

I do struggle with waking up early to go to class for the bonus quizzes, but I always try to remind myself of the bigger picture. I think I’ve done decently on them, though if I’m honest, I don’t spend much time studying. I just hope that reviewing the material maybe three times is enough. From Chapter 4 there was a lot of valuable information but what stood out to me was the usage of the References Tab specifically the citation button. It would have made my life easier when I had a research paper for my previous class but luckily it is something that I can use moving forward.

As for the MO-110 Word certification exam, I plan on doing practice tests and watching related videos. I’m hoping the practice exams will help me identify my weak areas so I can focus on improving. I also want to look into what the actual exam format is like. Is it like the timed labs we do? Wish me luck with the exam!

A Little Bit About Myself!

Hey there, I'm Isabel Rodriguez. I’m originally a California girl, but I moved to Nevada in the middle of the pandemic. There are a few things I miss about California, but overall, I’m happy with the move, especially because I got all my dogs here. They mean everything to me. I’m currently working on my Associate of Business and hope to transfer to UNLV to pursue my bachelor’s in Accounting. In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy books by authors like Brandon Sanderson and Sarah J. Maas. I also spend a lot of time with my three dogs.

When I signed up for IS101, it was mainly because it was one of the classes that would satisfy a requirement and fit with my work schedule. It’s only been the second week, but I think I made the right choice. I’m confident that by the end, of the semester, I will have gained valuable knowledge and skills that I can apply both in my education and at work.

For example, one of our assignments was 2.3.5 Shared Storage in LabSim. At work, we use shared folders, but I never knew their proper name or how to use them effectively. After going over this chapter, I started applying this new knowledge to my work documents. I’m gaining a lot of useful information, and I’ve been sharing what I’ve learned with my coworkers.