Saturday morning, feels funny not being in the classroom as I polish this blog post. This week is Spring Recess where all CSN campuses including classrooms, computer labs, libraries are closed. Some students are diligently using this time to catch-up or jump ahead of the IS101-3205 coursework. Spring Recess also cleanly bisects our semester together.
Of the twenty-four (24) students on the course roster, one disappeared after submitting Bonus Quiz 1 once at the beginning of the semester, another officially withdrew from the course last week. Almost all started strong. As the semester progressed, majority kept up, some jumped ahead, while a few never launched.
The most significant milestone in the past month was the MO-110 Word certification exam. The first of the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams in IS101-3205, Spring 2025 yielded three honorable distinctions:
+1+ 100% pass rate on the first attempt: seventeen (17) students took the exam and all seventeen (17) passed. From past experience, one or two would not pass on their first attempt.
+2+ Higher than average scores: Fifteen (15) of the seventeen (17) scored 900 or higher out of 1,000 points. Typically, the passing scores spread throughout 700 to 900s.
+3+ Two perfect scores: Once in a blue moon, a student would earn a perfect score on a MOS certification exam. This semester, on the first exam, Isabel and Connor hit that mark :-)
Other honorable distinctions in the past month are:
Angela alone earned the highest score on Bonus Quiz 5 – Social Engineering & Purchasing Rationale.
Christian alone earned the highest score on Bonus Quiz 6 – Shortcut, Recycle Bin, and File Types.
Christian and Dilanga both earned the highest score on Bonus Quiz 7 – TCP/IP & One Big Thing and Generic Top-Level Domains.
Since my previous blog post and before Spring Recess, seven students gave their A3 Slideshow Presentation while I gave my second lecture: L2 The Internet and first demonstration: D1 Key Excel Concepts and Skills.
i. Jorge – Why Alaska as a Fishing Destination
ii. Chandler Donovan – Japan: My First Trip Plan
iii. Bezhan – How Microchips Are Made
iv. Skyla – Being a Commissioned Artist
v. Katelyn – Monarch Butterfly
vi. My Second Lecture – L2 The Internet
vii. My First Demonstration – D1 Key Excel Concepts and Skills
viii. Noel – Dallas Cowboys
ix. Isabel – My Three Dogs
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%20How%20Microchips%20Are%20Made%20(Bezhan%20Astanikzi).png)
%20Being%20a%20Commission%20Artist%20(Skyla%20Janhanfar).png)
%20The%20Monarch%20Butterfly%20(Katelyn%20Thompson).png)
%20D1%20Key%20Excel%20Concepts%20and%20Skills%20(Albert%20Wu).png)
%20Dallas%20Cowboys%20(Noel%20Munoz).png)
%20My%20Three%20Dogs%20(Isabel%20Rodriguez).png)
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On the second day of Spring Recess, constant as the North Star, Noel, not only started Chapter 5 – Excel early but sent in A4 Fun with Functions Workbook a week ahead of schedule. I know several others will not be far behind.
Whereas Phase 1 was about bolstering one's digital literacy essentials and building good habits and momentum, Phase 2 requires more of an analytical mindset and perseverance. I am excited to see my students test their metal and triumph!
Students,
Please share your thoughts on these four topics in your comment:
Now that you are doing Chapter 5, how do your feel about Microsoft Excel? Did you have any experience using Excel before Chapter 5 of LabSim? Has doing Chapter 5 changed your perception or comfort level with using a spreadsheet?
What impact, if any, has watching 18 min 55 sec the Excel Primer video (https://youtu.be/l3RP-4thnkc?si=lOiXe8m_T6ap2OpN) from the Digital Literacy Program Director had on you before you began Chapter 5?
One signature topic I teach in IS101 is the anatomy of a Uniformed Resource Locator (URL) and how to dissect a URL properly. Using the logic I outlined in the study guide for Bonus Quiz 8, what would the six parts/components (as outlined in slide #5 of my L2 The Internet) be for this URL: ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm? First student to provide the correct answer in his/her comment to this blog post will receive bonus credit ^_^
How was your experience in doing A4 Fun with Functions Workbook from Digital Literacy Program Director? Did you get stuck? How did you get unstuck?
I am surprised with the number of things you can do in Excel, and it is exciting. I am still not too comfortable with Excel, but I am gaining confidence. My Excel experience prior to this course was limited to using worksheets made by others.
ReplyDeleteThe Excel Primer video was helpful and informative but getting more hands on is really the only way I will be more proficient at Excel.
ftp:// = Protocol; aaa = Sub-domain; bbb.ccc.ddd= Actual name; .eee = Generic top-level domain; .us = Country code; fff/ggg.htm = File system structure.
A4 Fun with Functions Work was not so complicated after completing the 1st worksheet. The director’s video was helpful with being able to complete the assignment. I don't believe I got stuck at any point I just had to alter the formula in a couple cells to get it correct.
I feel confident when it comes to using Microsoft Excel. I use Excel daily for many things such as calculations of damages for client cases, settlement breakdowns, and even updated case logs for each assigned case that I have. Though I use it often, I still have a lot to learn for Excel functions. Chapter 5 has solidified my confidence with using Excel.
ReplyDeleteThe Excel Primer video was a great video and had lot of great information and helped understand the difference between absolute and relative references.
The 6 components of the URL provided are:
1. Protocol - ftp
2. Sub-domain - aaa
3. Actual name - bbb.ccc.ddd
4. Generic top-level domain - eee
5. Country code top-level domain - .us
6. File system structure of the host- fff/ggg.htm
A4 Fun with Functions Workbook was straight forward enough. I did get stuck with some minor errors using the Concat and TextJoin formulas, but with some help from Professor Wu, I was quickly able to fix the formulas :)
I feel pretty comfortable using Microsoft Excel. I had used it a little before, just basic stuff like entering data, but Chapter 5 helped me understand how useful it can really be. Most of the material wasn’t hard for me at all. The only thing that gave me a little trouble was the CONCAT function. I wasn’t sure how to format it correctly at first, but after checking a few examples, it finally clicked.
ReplyDeleteWatching the Excel Primer video really helped set the stage before starting the chapter. It gave me a clear idea of what Excel can do and helped me feel more prepared going in. The explanations were straightforward and it was a good refresher.
For the URL breakdown challenge, here’s my answer.
URL: ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm
Protocol: ftp://
Sub-domain: aaa
Actual name: bbb.ccc.ddd
Generic top-level domain: .eee
Country code top-level domain: .us
File system structure of the host: fff/ggg.htm
Lastly, the A4 Fun with Functions Workbook was pretty smooth for me. I didn’t really get stuck, aside from the CONCAT formula I mentioned earlier. Once I got past that, the rest of the workbook was actually fun and a good way to reinforce what I learned in the chapter.
I only touched base with Excel when I was in high school, but only became more in-depth with LabSim.
ReplyDeleteExcel Primer video is very detailed and informative, which cleared some of my concerns.
URL - ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm
Protocol - ftp://
Sub-Domain Name - aaa.bbb.ccc
Actual Name - ddd
GTLD - .eee
CCTLD - .us
File System Structure - /fff/ggg.htm
I got stuck with Concact with A4 Fun with Functions, but after I read the instructions clearer I was able too get through it.
After successfully completing chapter 4 of LabSim, I feel much more confident and comfortable on chapter 5 with Microsoft Excel. Initially, I found Excel a bit intimidating because of all the functions and features it offers, but the way LabSim breakdown this chapter has helped understand things in a clear, manageable way. I’ve come to appreciate how powerful and useful spreadsheets can be, especially for organizing data and performing quick calculations.
ReplyDeleteWatching the 18-minute, 55-second Excel Primer video helped with Excel basics, making me feel more confident and better prepared to understand and apply the concepts in Chapter 5.
ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm? URL Breakdown bellow
Protocol: ftp://
Sub-domain: aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.
Actual name: eee.
GTLD: N/A
ccTLD: us
File system structure: /fff/ggg.htm?
My experience working on the A4 for the most part, the formulas were easy to figure out, and I felt confident applying what I had learned. However, there were a couple of functions that I got stuck on.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteNow that I am doing Chapter 5 in LabSim and about to start on the live projects, I feel comfortable with Excel more than when I started. Excel is not complex. I just think that I need to remember the formulas the same way I did in my math course. Once I get the formulas down Excel will be a piece of cake because the editing and creating tables are easy to dissect. I did have some experience using Excel, but it was less than the basic maybe only able to do 5 functions max. I’m very fascinated by how useful Excel spreadsheets work and how you can store data in such a way by using a pivot table or how we can use charts of multiple varieties to explain data.
The Excel Primer video was a great way to get introduced to Excel because the video gave great basic explanations on how to use Excel if you aren’t familiar with the program. I believe the video gave me an extra boost of confidence before starting chapter 5 in all honesty. Anyone wanting to learn Excel should watch this video first, I highly recommend it.
ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm
Protocol – ftp://
Sub-domain – aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd
Actual name – .eee
Generic top-level domain – N/A
Country code top-level domain – .us
File system structure – /fff/ggg.htm
My experience with A4 was not bad, everything was easy except for one question that had to do with a function of sum and using a numerator and denominator. I only got stuck with that question, but everything else was cake because if I remembered the functions, I could solve the problem. I got stuck on this one question by making it overly complicated instead of just doing the work, basically because I still got the answer, but I had too many parentheses in my formula, once I removed all the extra and just read the question slowly I got the correct answer to reach 100%.
Before starting Chapter 5 in LabSim, I had only used Excel for basic tasks like entering data or making simple tables. I didn’t really understand its full capabilities.
ReplyDeleteAfter completing Chapter 5, I have a much better appreciation for Excel. I’ve learned how useful it is for organizing, analyzing, and calculating data using functions, formulas, and formatting tools. I feel more confident using it now.
The Excel Primer video was helpful before starting the chapter. It gave a clear introduction to Excel’s layout and key features, which made the lessons easier to understand. It helped reduce my anxiety and showed how practical Excel can be in real life.
ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm
Protocol – ftp://
Sub-domain – aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd
Actual name – .eee
Generic top-level domain – N/A
Country code top-level domain – .us
File system structure – /fff/ggg.htm
My experience with A4 fun with functions, was really good. I really liked the concept it helps you think logically and understand how functions works. I did get stuck on one of the formulas. Even though it gave the correct result, it seemed off until I cleared the cell content and retyped it. After that, it worked perfectly.
At first, learning more about the advanced features of Excel was a bit intimidating, especially when it came to using functions. However, I now feel comfortable and have a good grasp of more features to use. I had only used the basic features of Excel, such as creating data charts and using the Sum function. Watching the Excel Primer video was a great introduction and helped me become familiar with what I was going to learn during this phase.
ReplyDeleteftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm
Protocol : ftp://
Sub-domain : aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd
Actual Name: .eee
GTLD: N/A
CCTLD: .us
File System Structure: /fff/ggg.htm
The A4 Fun with Functions Workbook was a nice change of pace compared to doing LabSim assignments. I must give a lot of credit to the Digital Literacy Program Director for creating this for us students to work on. I really had to think about what I did wrong on a couple of them. For the ones I got stuck on, I just kept trying different ways of entering the function until I got it right.
I'm so glad my classmates did so well on their MO-110 exam! That 100% pass rate on the first attempt is amazing, and having two perfect scores is incredible! It’s really motivating to see everyone succeed. I found A4 very interesting—I thought the worksheet was a little quirky, but it was super helpful. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and grow alongside all of you!
ReplyDeleteProtocol: ftp://
Subdomain: aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd
Second-level domain (Actual Name): eee
Top-level domain (TLD): .us (which is a ccTLD, country-code top-level domain)
Directory (File system path): /fff/
File name: ggg.htm
Hi Professor,
ReplyDeleteWith word excel I definitely struggled. I have used it a little bit with my accounting class but not to the extent of the things I am learning right now. I feel more confident using excel. I am also comfortable with using spreadsheets now.
While watching the Excel Premier video i've learned how incredibly useful it is specially for the degree I am going for.
URL - ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm
Protocol - ftp://
Sub-Domain Name - aaa.bbb.ccc
Actual Name - ddd
GTLD - .eee
CCTLD - .us
File System Structure - /fff/ggg.htm
A4 Fun with Functions Workbook was a struggle to me because I was using the macbook format. But once I switched to my pc It was easier to finish because I was in the right format.
Chapter 5, Microsoft Excel was very informational. Coming in I knew how to enter data and do basic formatting. After completing Chapter 5 my skills with Excel have increased like cell naming, charts, and formulas. Watching the Excel Primer video was helpful in understanding and distinguishing between relative and absolute cell references.
ReplyDeleteMy experience with A4 Fun with Functions was good. I would accidentally delete the formatting so it would cause some issues with my sheet but other than that it was fun see the cells turn green if the formulas were correct.
URL dissected below:
ftp:// – Protocol
aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd -Sub-domain
us – County Code
eee – Actual Name
/fff/ggg.htm? – File System
To be honest, I found Chapter 5 quite overwhelming. I knew some basic functions like SUM and AVG because of my older brother, but the rest was a whole new ballpark. What still blows my mind is the fact that there are still so many functions I didn't get the chance to learn about. If I am going to be honest, I still find Excel a little intimdating, but way less than before prior to my knowledge.
ReplyDeleteAt the time I am writing this post, I have already passed the Excel portion of IS101, but I wished I had watched this video before I began because I would have known about absolute value a lot sooner! I didn't know that was possible until the week of the exam!
ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm?
ftp:// - protocol
aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd - sub-domain
us - country code
eee - actual name
/fff/ggg.htm? - file system
At the time that I am writing this post, I remember that I didn't find A4 quite too challenging. A lot of it was formulas and it was the basic ones, so I was pretty fortunate to start off Excel with some background knowledge.
I was very overwhelmed with Chapter 5. Excel was very new to me, and I never touched a excel sheet in my life. I also started using excel at work so I am slowly learning.
ReplyDeleteI have thankfully passed my MO-110 exam!
ftp://aaa.bbb
I did need some help with A4 but I was able to get it done.
I think Microsoft Excel is different but not impossible. It was kind of like learning a foreign language but after a few practices it clicked and the material started to make sense. I didn't use Excel before so the challenge here was to learn something from scratch but I got it and will be using it more often!
ReplyDeleteIt was a good preview to Chapter 5 and the harder parts of Excel. I loved the change of mindset of rather "I'm not good at math, this must be hard" to "This is simply a tool to help me do the math", that made me think about it. differently
URL: ftp://aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us/fff/ggg.htm
Protocol: ftp://
Sub domain name: aaa.bbb.ccc
Name: ddd
GTLD: .eee
CCTLD: .us
File system: /fff/ggg.htm
A4 was not too difficult, I eventually was able to finish it with 100%. Once I understood what to do and how to apply my knowledge from the LabSims, it was smooth sailing from there.
Now that I have done Phase 2 Excel and passed the exam I feel a lot more confident with Excel, I knew some excel for my previous position but just the bare minimum. Honestly any new video I watch that contains information I’m learning is very helpful especially because I knew so little of Excel. The six parts would be protocol (ftp), sub-domain (n/a), actual name (aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd.eee.us), generic top-level domain (fff), country code top-level domain (ggg) and file system structure of the host (htm). My experience with A4 was difficult because I was behind on LabSim so I wasn’t familiar or didn’t know how to use a lot of functions yet. I got unstuck by reaching out for help and completing my LabSim.๐
ReplyDelete