CST300: Module 4 Learning Journal Post

4.1 Module 4 Lecture

LECTURES: 

4.1.1 ETS Major Field Test For Computer Science (Link)

This test consists of 66 multiple choice questions that helps improve the quality of computer science programs.This test looks similar to any standardized tests and looks at different topics such as discrete structures, programming, algorithms and complexity, systems, and software engineering. This test not only helps student analyze and solve problems, but also understand relationships and interpret materials. 

4.1.2 The 7 Career Goals You Need to Succeed (Link) 

There are 7 things that you can do to help with achieving your goals and they include: 

1. Self Assessment - Asking yourself are you happy with your job? You have to look internally here and ask questions whether or not you want to be over the long and short term and make the necessary steps in order to make that happen. 

2. Networking - In order to find jobs in the real world, the best way is to network. 

3. Tracking Accomplishments - Make a point to document all of the accomplishments and you do throughout the year as they happen so that your mind is fresh when documenting them. Also save materials that you will be using for a resume or a portfolio. 

4. Know Your Worth - Make sure that you are getting paid the right amount of money. 

5. Update Your Skills - One of the best ways to advance your career is to constantly be learning new sills.

6. Negotiate - Make sure you are getting paid what you deserve. For example, talk to your manager about your current job and review your performance in order to see where you are with your raise or promotion. Make sure to be in the right mindset and treat it as a business negotiation and counter offering etc. 

7. Allow For Downtime - Make sure you keep your batteries charged and avoid burnout. Make sure to spend time outside of your career so you can grow in other avenues. 

4.2 Module 4 Writing Lab 

4.2.1 Writing an Argumentative Paper

This lecture goes in depth about the different pieces of an argumentative paper looks like and the characteristics that it has. 

First you have the stakeholder, which is a person/group of interest who is impacted by the decision, whether it is a gain or a loss. In the paper, you need to define the stakeholder and their position followed by supporting information on what they thing will be gained or lost. 

Second, you have your different types of claims, which are statements that can be debated and they are presented by the stakeholders to indicate their support or opposition. They include fact, value, policy, definition, and cause. 

Fact based claims are assertions that something is true or false. Support for this claim must have sufficient and reliable data, current and accurate data, and be distinguished from inference. 

Value based claims seek to make judgments, express approval/disapproval, tastes, morals. They attempt to prove an action or belief, or condition right or wrong; trophy hunting is bad or abortion is murder. Defending this claim requires clearly defining the proposition and stating how it will affect this issue, establish a need for change, consider opposing arguments, and support the proposed change with data. 

Policy based claims that one action is superior than another due to policy such as gun rights should be abolished to protect citizens. 

Definition based claims assumes the audience agrees with the meaning of a term such as rewording "global warming" as "long-term cycles of climate change". 

Cause based claims describe the cause and effect of one event to another such as smoking leads to cancer or SUVs lead to pollution. 

Another important topic to remember is removing bias in the argument by only supporting factual information from both views, not including your own. 

REFLECTIONS

Part One: Set Your Educational Goals 

After all the readings this module, set and write down your educational goal(s) in the CS program (and beyond if you like).  The goal should be vivid enough that you can envision yourself achieving it; it should be exciting enough that you feel driven to achieve it; it should be specific enough so you know how close you are; it should be short enough so you can remember it.

My educational goals from the program i as follows:

• Get my B.S. in Computer Science 
• Maintain a GPA AVG above a 3.75
• Connect w/ Faculty and Students
• Have an internship/job before graduation
• Make a portfolio for my projects
• Make an App
• Make a website
• Be proficient at Python

These are my goals so far and I will add them as I continue my career. Vividly, I picture myself working in tech before I graduate. I think the key is to network and build my portfolio and take the time on my own to hone my skills and show off what I can do and how I think..

Part Two: Set Your Career Goals

After all the readings this module, set and write down your career goal(s).  It won't be easy, don't spend too much time on it, but force yourself to envision the goal; don't worry if the goal is too grandiose or too modest.The goal should be vivid enough that you can envision yourself achieving it; it should be exciting enough that you feel driven to achieve it; it should be short enough so you can remember it. 

My career goal is simple. I just want to work for a company who respects and values my work and input. I want to be in a place where I can continuously learn and grow. I want to be part of a team who is very encouraging and supportive. I doesn't matter how much I make or which company I work for. What I want and need is worth more than a paycheck at the end of the day. 

Part Three: Take a wild guess of your percentile of the ETS Computer Science test

After viewing the ETS page, the test description and sample test, how do you feel about taking the test in 18 months?  What percentile you feel you will get, why?

I think after the end of the program, I would feel good about being in the upper percentiles because most of the courses in the curriculum are going to be covered. Just need a little bit of self study in order to brush up on subjects that I took at community college.