Critical Reflection on the Modules - Personal Statement Example

? COMPUTER SCIENCES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY- REPORT Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction 2 PART Critical Reflection on the Modules 4 Semester 1 Modules 4 Website development 4 Interdiction database 4 System modelling 5 Foundation project 7 Semester 2 Modules 8 Progressive project 8 Operating systems 8 Programing (java) 9 Foundations of computing, Forensics and security 10 PART 2: Evaluation of hopes and fears for levels 5, 6, and beyond 10 PART 3: Action plan to boost my employability in future 13 Conclusion 14 Reference 14 Introduction This report summarizes the main events that characterized my first year as a Computing student. It presents a critical reflection of all the modules I undertook in my first academic year during both the first and the second semesters. It reflects on the lessons learnt from each of the modules and the personal objectives, aspirations, and goals both achieved and unachieved. It also reflects on the degree at which I feel that I have realised my expectations so far as well as the fears and expectations I have for levels 5, 6, and beyond. Finally, the report highlights the action plan that I have set to see to it that I am highly employable in future. PART 1: Critical Reflection on the Modules Semester 1 Modules Website development This module brought into perspective the foundation of web applications development using HTML and CSS. The key purpose of HTML (hypertext mark-up language) is to define the structure of a document and this structure can comprise of blocks of text formatted in paragraphs, tables, links, lists etc. However, the structuring of HTML document, or the way the HTML document should look like, is determined merely on the browser. Apparently, it has become common knowledge that even the different versions of a browser tend to display HTML differently. Main advantages of HTML include: ease of use, it is free, is supported by majority of browsers and is easy to learn and code for novices. On the other hand, it offers limited security features and cannot work on its own. With the introduction of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), the plain HTML pages can now adopt different styles in terms of character spacing, background colors, padding, font size etc. The main advantage of CSS is that it makes web pages presentable and beautiful. However, it may be difficult to learn bearing in mind there is no other language like it. I acquired vast knowledge on HTML and CSS mainly from class lectures and exercises, from friends, and video tutorials on YouTube. Interdiction database This module introduced database design and implementation using Oracle. Oracle SQL is a language for managing data stored in a relational database management system (RDBMS). Advantages of Oracle include: It has a centralized management and control. Database administrator adds records, modifies existing data, deletes redundant or unwanted data, creates users, and assigns them different privileges all from a central tabulated repository. It is standardized and therefore has consistency in implementation Some key disadvantages of the Oracle SQL include: It is complex and has data incompatibility in time and date syntax, case sensitivity, and string concatenation It does not implement recursive processing according to Zeiss et al (2009). It also has limited functionality. It is a domain specific technology, limited to the tabular representation of data. System modelling This module brought into perspective the ideas behind information systems. Information systems in the term used to mean the interaction between people in an organisation, data, processes and technology. The key concepts as far as information systems are concerned are people in the organisation, computers or workstations, instructions, stored facts and procedures. An organization uses an information system to engage its personnel and the computers into working on the available resources to meet the desired goals of the organization. As such, there are different types of information systems including: Management Information Systems Executive Information Systems Transaction Processing Systems Decision Support Systems Expert Systems, etc. Information systems should meet the required standards in terms of offering high quality services and ensuring data security, availability, and integrity. Users must be actively involved during the development process to ensure their requirements are captured fully and to ensure the system meets and possible exceeds their expectations. In terms of ethics, information systems should be designed in such a way that they uphold moral behaviour in the way the organisation handles data and the processes involved (Kroenke, 2008). Development methods include: Waterfall method Incremental methods Iterative methods, and The unified development process The key stages in system development the processes of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). They are: Requirements elicitation Requirements analysis System design System development (coding) Testing Deployment and maintenance System modelling is about the use of models to conceptualize and build systems. A common example is the Business Process modelling, whereby specific business processes are outline in a workflow. The main advantage of Business Process Modelling is that all the current and future business processes are discovered and put into consideration to ensure superior service delivery. However, this may require substantial improvement on the IT infrastructure, which may be expensive. I developed my abilities in system modelling through reading many business magazines, system design books, and other readings on documentations of enterprise systems. Foundation project I had weekly exercises in this module. These exercises helped me learn important project management aspects such as time management, researching, good study habits, referencing styles, and working in groups. I learnt that it is important to have a schedule in order to observe and monitor the progress of a project. I also learnt to research on the internet and to review documents. This module also helped me improve my study habits and helped me stop wasting time. Most importantly, I learnt the benefits and shortcomings of working in groups for a project. The benefits include: Increased productivity Different people bring different ideas, knowledge and resources Work goes on even when one or a few members are absent Increased professionalism and reduced bias towards some ideology Shortcomings of working in groups: Less freedom to do as one wishes Some members do not contribute Possibility of biased credit for good teamwork results Disagreements may delay decision making Semester 2 Modules Progressive project In this module, my group and I developed a website for products. We also wrote a reflective report on the module in semester 1. We enjoyed the benefits of working in groups as outlined above. In addition, our team work enabled us to take more risks which were eventually beneficial to the business. On the other hand, we were faced by the shortcomings of group work as well. For example, there were so many ideas that were just mentioned and never implemented because were sometimes faced with reduced commitment from some of the members. Operating systems This module highlighted the major software and hardware components of a Computer System and their functions. Three main components of the processor were also discussed. The Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU) is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical computations. The memory unit is where the processor records data and instructions. The cells inside the memory unit are referred to us registers and are used for temporary carrying of data to perform operations. The Control unit controls the I/O devices of the computer and also controls the traffic of communication signals in the processor. Other issues in Computer Systems were also discussed. The issues include: interrupts – a signal indicating need for attention or change of execution, I/O methods – the processing of inputs/outputs can be synchronous or asynchronous, memory hierarchy – different computer memory has different performance levels (for example, registers have fastest access while off-line storage has lowest), data types – various forms of data representations e.g. floating points, double, Boolean, integers etc. The module also introduced the concepts of computer Operating Systems. The OS makes the hardware usable. Its main functions include managing resources, data management, managing tasks or processes and offering a standard mode of interaction for users and computers. Resource management assigns computer resources such as memory, CPU time, and I/O devices for use. Data management role ensures proper governing of in and output of data and also heir storage, retrieval and location. Process management role, arranges, schedules, controls, and then monitors the activities surrendered for execution to ensure the most effective processing. The OS offers the user a standard means of interaction by providing a user interface and a common set of procedures and commands for controlling the hardware (Stallings, 2008). The module also introduced concepts of Computer Networks. Local Area Networks (LANs) are networks that span within an organisation, campus, or generally the same geographical area. Wide Area Networks (WANs) span large geographical areas and may be composed of many LANs. Network hardware includes devices such as routers, switches, hubs, bridges, connection cables etc. the TCP/IP protocol or Internet protocol is based on a seven layers model whereby each layer defines how data is transmitted over the network. Client server model is an arrangement of how resources are accessed and shared whereby clients make requests and directs them to the server and the server responds. A networked file system provides transparent multiple access to users distributed on a network. Microsoft Windows is the most popular OS. Linux is distributed for free. Programing (java) This module introduced the Java language. Java is works in web applications in form of java server pages (jsp). The advantages of using this language include: It is easy to learn, code, run and debug It is object oriented, hence enables one to build modular and reusable programs Highly portable, meaning it can work on different environments with minimal or no modifications Secure – security is bared in mind as part of the design It offers multithreading – the capability to perform several tasks concurrently Disadvantages: Slow performance Poor default look and feel Foundations of computing, Forensics and security This module introduced the basic concepts of Security, Forensics and Computing. Security features such as cryptography, authentication, firewalls etc. were also introduced. Forensic helps establish causes of threats to the computing environment and then remedies are applied. Security measures also involve protecting physical devices and users and not only the data and information (Kind, 1972). PART 2: Evaluation of hopes and fears for levels 5, 6, and beyond I am happy for having successfully completed my first year in Computing. It was challenging but exciting as well. I happy for everything I have achieved, from website development, databases, system modelling, foundation project, progressive project, Operating systems, java programming, and fundamentals of computing, forensics and security. The projects were the most exciting parts of my first two semesters. All in all, they helped me to be an effective team player and acquire good skills in time management, decision making and effective and fast problem solving. To say the least, first year has formed a good foundation of computing in me. When I look forward to levels 5, 6, and beyond, I hope to sharpen my programming skills first of all. The java programming module posed a big challenge to me in the second semester. I had difficulties with the java syntax and semantics initially but was able to cope as time moved on. I do not want to be faced by the same problems in future. In the upcoming levels, there definitely will be other programming modules. In preparation for this, I am privately extending my knowledge in java, php, python and C++. I hope to familiarize myself with these languages so that I find it easy as I advance to levels 5, 6, and beyond. Other than programming, I hope also to broaden my knowledge in web applications development. I look forward to diversify my skills to incorporate other languages and design techniques. I look forward to learn and utilise the power and flexibility of the Content Management Systems (CMSs) such as Joomla and WordPress. It believe that it is a smart idea to reuse existing or pre-developed designs by the use of frameworks rather than reinventing the wheel every time. I also hope to make modular applications myself so that others and also I can reuse whole or parts of the applications in future developments. This means that I will be spending less time in making applications as I advance to levels 5, 6 and beyond. I also hope to build a powerful system on my own. We have developed websites as groups during my first year. As we head towards the higher levels, it will come in handy with being more independent in terms of system design and development. My hope is to build a powerful web application that will appeal to the ‘users’. I hope to follow all the steps of good design to ensure I end up with a high quality product that will be robust, maintainable, portable and most importantly, highly usable and accurately meeting all current and anticipated requirements. My however, is that this project will be tedious and time demanding. Over indulgence into this program will probably result to less productivity in other sectors or modules of my studies in the next levels. Academic performance is an added advantage to having high hands-on skills and therefore it should not be compromised by ‘beyond the class’ private activities and projects. Also on my hopes, I am looking forward to acquiring an internship with a busy IT firm, or an organization having a busy IT department. I especially hope for an internship that will have a lot of programming or web development. Above all, I hope to be paid during my internship. As far as this internship story is concerned, I fear that acquiring one will not exactly be very easy. I also fear that I may eventually land on one that will not involve lots of programming or web development. Worse still, it will be hard to get a paid internship bearing in mind that some companies are even laying off some of their personnel to cut on costs. Finally, beyond levels 5 and 6, I hope to establish a successful career in computing. It is not possible to a Jack of all trades in computing, but at least I can be a master in programming and web applications design and development. The issue of concern here is that it will be quite a task to maintain the high grades, to grab any opportunity of internship or exposure and also to maintain the skills in programming bearing in mind how rapidly it is changing. New languages are emerging at a high rate and the existing ones are in a continuous process of reinventing themselves to remain relevant and competitive in the market. PART 3: Action plan to boost my employability in future Other than being highly qualified after college, I believe the degree of employability of an individual is determined on the levels of skills, attitudes and experience. As a student in Computing, I am looking forward to acquire the relevant skills in computing. The major skills in this field include: programming (proficiency in several languages such as java, C++, C#, PHP, ASP.net etc.), Network design and administration, Web applications design and development, Mobile phones applications development, graphics design, and hardware and software installation, configuration and management. Being skilled will be one step towards high employability. In addition, I am working on continuously improving my communication (verbal, written, and interpersonal) and leadership skills. This is because organizations are looking for personnel who can communicate fluently, relate well with people, and who are able to make high quality decisions. I will also seek an internship with a busy organization to face the computing challenges they also face. The good thing about the internship is that it is supervised and therefore there will be pressure from the supervisors for me to increase my performance and productivity. This pressure will force me to learn new things and consequently increase my knowledge. There is also a high possibility that the organization offering the internship will hire me when I eventually finish my course in computing if, of course, they are impressed with my skills and also if they like my ability to work with them. Other than the internships, I also plan to volunteer my time to work in IT departments of organizations that may require volunteers. This will increase my exposure to working in the real industrial world. Experience will be a favourable boost on my CV and it will surely increase my employability. Conclusion My first year as a computing student was exciting and challenging as well. I am glad to have made it to the end finally. I look forward to be a proficient programmer without compromising my skills in network design and administration, web development, and system analysis and design. This is my ultimate goal. I look at the future with optimism and hope that I will succeed in the modules of levels 5, 6 and beyond. I also look forward to doing a high quality system for my individual project. I am I the process of learning and upholding good design and development principles that will help me use my computing skills to solve problems that are facing my society today. The main action I am doing to meet my goals is carrying out my class exercises with diligence and thoroughness. I am also engaging into serious private study and exercises in different programming languages in addition to the knowledge I acquire from class. Finally, I am making good use of my friends so that together we can form a large pool of ideas and other resources that will contribute positively towards our classwork and eventual careers. Reference Hansen, P (2001). Classic Operating Systems. Springer. Kind, S, & Overman, M (1972). Science against Crime. New York: Doubleday. pp. 12–13. Kroenke, D (2008). Experiencing MIS. Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey Stallings, W (2008). Computer Organization & Architecture. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India Private Limited. p. 247. Zeis, C., Ruel, C., & Wessler, (2009) Oracle 11g for Dummies M Wiley Publishing Inc. Read More