CSC104 Week 11

                This week in CSC104 we learned about the intricate workings of the internet as well as the pros and cons of our technology upon contemporary society. The former focused especially on how the internet evolved from what was coined the medieval internet of HTML pages into the internet we are familiar with today. The latter emphasized how the increase in technology did not necessarily translate in a decrease in labour (if anything it actually meant the opposite). In addition to this we had assigned this week the second of two projects that have to be completed throughout the course. The project itself consists of two programs: the first is a program modeled on Sierpinski’s triangle while the second works with gradients of colors.                                                                                                                                                                              

               This week I began working on the second project for the course. I was able to figure out the one concerning colour gradients relatively easily, however I found the one concerning Sierpinski’s triangle significantly more difficult. The source of my difficulty revolved around how the image width and depth used the same variable to express themselves. After multiple attempts and experimentations with how to set up the function I eventually sought the help of the professor whose hints enabled me to realize that the goal was to split the two variables. With this information I was able to successfully complete the second project and submit it.                                                                                                                                                      .           In terms of the course as a whole I particularly enjoyed this week learning about whether or not computers are Utopian and Dystopian in nature. While I’m familiar with Dystopian novels such as George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World I always regarded them more as reflections of their times. However learning about the extension of the workweek and our constant availability thanks to smart phones made me re-think the virtues of technology. It made me consider things in a whole new light and from an entirely different perspective. 

CSC104: Week 10

                This week in CSC104 we learned some more recursion formulas and some of the more modern history of computing. This modern history of computing explained for instance how we came to have computers as a single unit and how it is that computers are connected along an Ethernet cable. In addition to this, we completed the final stage of our Wikipedia project and received the marks for both our second test and first project.                                                                                                                                                              In regards to the marks we received, I was very pleased with my performance. I was able to take advantage of the office hours given by both the professor and the T.A.’s which I believe enabled me to do as well as I did on the test. The ecosystem and bouncing ball project also went well and I was able to solve all the functions as well as the bonus question. I feel as if I understand the material we have covered very clearly, but at the same time I find it very interesting and look forward to working on the next project we have coming up.                                                                                                                                                            In regards to the Wikipedia assignment, I completed an introduction to an article on Achilles the Ancient Greek warrior. While I had initially intended to do several articles, it turned out that the job of re-writing an entire introduction was more cumbersome than I had anticipated. There were a number of things involved in writing and formatting it which were at times frustrating, but nonetheless I was able to complete.                                                                                                                                                                                                           I find myself still enjoying the course thoroughly and am confident with comprehending the new materials. I enjoy how there is ample opportunity to consult with both the professor and the T.A.’s with questions concerning the course. 

CSC104: Week 9

            This week in CSC104 the topics we learned about were: how to apply recursion to the sierp function that enabled us to build a series of triangles without the need to type out the function again and again. In addition to this, we had our second mid-term for class which focused for the most part on the aggregate and recursion functions as well as some history of computing and solving some binary problems.                                                                                               In regards to the recursion function, I found it very helpful in its ability to eliminate unnecessary time in writing lines of programing. In particular I found it interesting about how in the definition of a function, the function could be applied to itself in the form of a conditional. In the last few weeks I’ve been finding my way around Dr. Racket by playing with these functions and I feel confident in my understanding of it.                                                                                   In regards to the test I was also confident with my performance. While I have yet to see what a sample answer of the test looks like, I felt as if I was able to fully understand what was going on with the binary and code questions. That said, the material for this second part of the course was significantly more difficult than the first half of the class, however I was sure to take advantage of visiting both Orion and Professor Heap which I felt cleared up any lingering questions I had about the new material.                                                                                                             The course as a whole I’m still enjoying. I feel as if I can fully contextualize much of what we are doing in the course as well as apply it into Dr. Racket. I am however weary of the upcoming final part of the Wikipedia project. I’m unsure of what to expect given that I have yet to receive my grade for the second part of the project. While I’m confident that there will be resources for help available, I’m still unsure of what to expect for this next week. 

CSC104: Week 8

            This week in CSC104 there was a combination of both lecture material and individual work with our first project. The lecture material consisted largely of a more recent history of computing. We learned about van Neuman’s proposed to change that enabled the expansion of more memory and storage. In addition to the addition to the history of computing we worked further with the ROT13 function and reviewed lists and strings. In regards to the project, the object of the assignment was to take a template of both a ball and an ecosystem and add check expects and definitions that would enable them to function properly.

            In regards to the project I found the initial going quite difficult. While I was quite comfortable navigating through the check expects and the definitions, when it came to the more lengthy problems I found the going tough. Many of the problems required that in addition to the standard protocol, one was expected to apply more to the situation and think analytically. I found however that focusing clearly on the instructions inside the semicolons made it evident both what was expected and how to go about doing it. While it was stressful at first I’m confident that it went well.

            Finally I’m still enjoying the course in general. I feel confident with the new material and feel as if I understand it thoroughly as opposed to being able to simply regurgitate it. While I am anxious about the upcoming test I am confident that with thorough preparation it will go just fine. 

CSC104 Week 7

                This week in CSC104 we learned more about manipulating pictures in Dr. Racket as well as having a gentle introduction to the workings of binary code. With these new functions we are further able to manipulate pictures colours very exactly in addition to the functions that we have already learned. As for the binary code, we learned how to work in a base 2 system, which is very different from the usual base 10 systems we employ in everyday mathematics. In addition to the lectures, we had to complete the second phase of the Wikipedia project which was an outline of how we intend to apply the changes to the articles that we have selected.

                This week I found the use and workings of binary code very difficult to understand. It seems strange to me to only use 0’s and 1’s when working with functions but beyond that when it came to using them in equations I found myself completely lost. To alleviate my inability to comprehend this I intend to consult the picturing programs text in hopes that it will have a section on binary code. This resource has helped in the past and I hope it will continue so, if not I intend to consult another source that further explains the workings of binary code.

                As for positive things this week I enjoyed furthering the Wikipedia assignment as well as learning further functions for image manipulation. I have always found in this course that the best way to understand exactly what it is we are doing is to do it yourself in Dr. Racket which is always interesting when manipulating images. As for the Wikipedia assignment, I enjoyed this because I was able to further look into the topics I picked. I intend to do two major changes that involve editing the introductions to articles. The prospect of being able to further research a topic of interest is what makes it exciting and I’m looking forward to part 3.

                As a whole I’m still enjoying the course despite the feelings of mounting difficulty. I do however believe if I simply pursue the resources available that it should relieve any of the issues I continue to face in regards to the use of binary code. 

CSC104 Week 5:

               This week in CSC104 we learned how to combine functions on Tuesday and on Thursday we had a test featuring what had been learned up until this point in the course.  The test had a particular emphasis on the use of programming in Dr. Racket in conjunction with some of the finer points in the history of Computing, while the new functions built upon our previous knowledge of Dr. Racket programming.

               The new functions seemed difficult at first. When I attended lecture I had yet to have watched the video for the previous week and found most of what was said quite confusing. That is to not to say however unmanageable. After the class I was sure when I went home to study my notes from class, watch the videos, read the textbook and play around with several of the functions learned in Dr. Racket. Once I had a handle of these things I found that what was taught in lecture came quite naturally and was easier to understand.

                The test along with the new functions seemed at first mention a fearful shadow awaiting us on Thursday. I have never taken a computer science class before and not knowing what to expect was naturally nervous. Professor Heap however was generous in providing us with a sample test, as well as being approachable after class. I studied for this test primarily by reading the picturing-programs textbook and playing with functions in Dr. Racket. I feel that this was adequate preparation for the test which I felt I understood and performed well on.

                The class as a whole is still quite enjoyable. I’m finding more and more the things we can do in Dr. Racket are amazing and I find myself looking forward to the next class. While it is true that I find the information does not come naturally, I find putting in the work with the resources available can guarantee success in this class. 

CSC104 Week 4:

     This week in computer science, we learned about how to rotate images using the Dr. Racket program. In conjunction with the new functions, we further learned more about the history of computers. While both these areas of the course proved interesting I found the use of the Dr. Racket functions more cumbersome to wrap my head around.

     This week the new function we learned on Dr. Racket has the name of the 'big bang' function.This was a concept that I experienced a significant amount of difficulty in comprehending. I followed the videos and went to the lectures but still found it difficult to comprehend the language of programming. After significant effort and investigation into the nature of the topic, I found I was able to retain a firm grasp on how apparently the 'big bang' function operated, as well as the finer points of the programming language.

     As a whole I find I'm still highly enjoying the course despite the mounting difficulty. The ability to manipulate images, even to a small degree, is fascinating as is the prospect of future functions on Dr. Racket. In any case I'm looking forward to learning more in this field.