I decided to pick 5.1.1 - Introduction to Excel because this skill is where everything we have learned so far in the entire chapter 5 has stemmed from. I liked this part because it felt like opening up a newly bought book with that fresh 'book smell'. It marked our end from the previous chapter but in a not-so-harsh way. We did not get flooded with complex new information and instead, the 5.1.1 helped us get the hang of the basics before delving into the more complicated features of Excel.
On the topic of Excel, I think that I performed decently on the Phase 2. However, I feel like it wasn't nearly as good as how I performed in the Phase 1. But I would not be harsh on myself, because as I said; Excel is unfamiliar and new, we made a lot of its new information and features fit in our memory in a limited amount of time. So, if you were just like me who felt like you performed worse than before, please don't fret because you still did well for someone who is presented with new, complicated information to learn! :)
With that being said, I really enjoyed doing A6 Spreadsheet Analysis with Trailer. I had fun with the designing aspect of it while simultaneously learning about Excel's functions because of the contents that the table needed. I think it was a very fun, hands-on assignment that is not too rigorous nor boring.
A lot of the skills we learned in Phase 2 is practical for application in a lot of things outside the class. If I was working in an office setting, I could definitely use Excel. However, I have no job so I would be using Excel for budgeting. I like to sort out my budget and have certain amounts allocated for the necessities. Excel would surely help me with that.
I believe that I have already been trying my best to do more than what is required by doing 'too much' on the creativity aspect of assignments and projects. But I will keep doing it until this semester ends and until after I graduate. Going above and beyond in things will surely make one's chances at being more successful succeed.
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A little side note about what the title means:
Instar is a stage in the life of an arthropod that they have to go through before they 'grow' and transform into something better.
Hi Chae, I really liked reading your reflection, especially the way you explained the “Instar” meaning at the end because it actually connects well with how Phase 2 felt for a lot of us. I also agree with what you said about Excel introducing more complicated features without immediately overwhelming us. Sometimes it felt difficult, but looking back now, it is interesting realizing how many things we can suddenly do in Excel that seemed impossible at the start of the semester.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to say that sitting near you in class, I could actually see how much effort you were putting into your assignments and projects. Your work always looked very organized and creative, especially during A6. You always seemed focused on adding extra details and making everything look polished instead of just doing the minimum to finish the assignment. I think that really matches what you said in your reflection about going above and beyond creatively.
Your point about using Excel for budgeting and organizing things in real life also felt very realistic because that is honestly one of the most practical skills from this class. At this point, I think Excel slowly changes the way people think about numbers, organization, and even problem solving in general. Hopefully Phase 3 goes smoothly for both of us.
Intro to Excel = fresh "book smell"? A very creative perspective on the most daunting Microsoft Office application :-)
ReplyDeleteVery glad to hear you enjoyed doing A6 Spreadsheet Analysis with Trailer, Chae ^_^
Well said about "going above and beyond in things will surely make one's chances at being more successful"!
Hi Chae, I completely agree with you that Excel is much more useful outside of class than many people think. And honestly, with your positive mindset and dedication to always go above and beyond, I am really sure you will succeed in everything you decide to do in the future! Never be too harsh on yourself. Also, I know I keep repeating myself haha, but I really love the references you use for your blog topics.
ReplyDeleteHi Chae. Excel can be useful for budgeting in life. Doing that will help you with making the best choices in spending.
ReplyDeleteHI Chae, The A6 Spreadsheet Analysis with Trailer was fun until I kept missing small details in the cosmetics of the Spreadsheet, to me the functions were the easy part, it was the small details that I was glancing past.
ReplyDeleteThe little fun fact from the words you use always makes me happy. I like little easter eggs like that (I don't know if you count them) but it's something notable in your blog posts. It also gives more idea that you really like deep see creatures like the one you presented (even though I haven't seen it, I saw the photos in Prof. Wu's blog post). That said, it is actually good that you didn't beat yourself up too much when learning something new, I also said that to myself since I want to give myself some slack when learning something that I don't know.
ReplyDeleteAlso I am A6 was actually interesting and it's good that you enjoyed doing it, I think that helps a lot on doing those kinds of assignments instead of rushing it, which I did and I had to redo it multiple times. More power to your future endeavors and hopefully you find a pearl washed up in a beach.
Hi Chae, it is important to give yourself grace especially when learning a new task. It's nice that you don't have to work on top of going to school, it can be so tiring. Budgeting is more important than you realize it's good to get into saving and investing at a young age.
ReplyDeleteHi Chae, a lot of the skills from Phase 2 are very useful outside of class, especially in office environments where Excel is used all the time. Even for personal use, like budgeting and organizing expenses, Excel is really helpful because it keeps everything clear and structured. It’s great that you’re already thinking about how to apply it in real life.
ReplyDeleteHello Chae, you phrased it so wonderfully going into Excel was like opening a new book that's such a fun way to look at the new phase.
ReplyDeleteHello Chae. Phase 1 for me was less stressful because lots of the information we learned was stuff I already kind knew before, so I can relate to doing better there than in Phase 2. I'm glad I'm not alone in that feeling! A6 was kind of fun, a little confusing but fun. Keep on going beyond!
ReplyDeleteHey Chae, I think you make a great point! I was hard on myself for not performing as well as I did on excel like i did on word. But I also was forgetting excel was something completely new to me compared to word. That insight gave me a better outlook on things.
ReplyDeleteHi Chae, I honestly agree that Excel would’ve been way more overwhelming if Chapter 5 just threw all the complicated stuff at us immediately. Also the budgeting idea is smart because Excel actually feels useful once you start applying it to real life things.
ReplyDeleteHello Chae. It's nice you found a way to apply Excel with budgeting! Going above and beyond is a great mindset to have!
ReplyDeleteHey Chae! I also plan on making a budget sheet using the skills I learned from Excel!
ReplyDeleteHi Chae, yes you are in the phase of growth to something better and it shows by your understanding of the A6 Spreadsheet, which was a real test of skill. Keep doing your best and you will definitely succeed towards your goals!
ReplyDeleteHey Chae, I would say the first phase was a 10/10 my fire was bright, then 2nd phase was a 9/10 there was a lot of effort put in from everyone but We made it through, Nice job!
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