As mentioned in my last post, I'd like to briefly discuss the rest of the classes I took in Fall. First is Introduction to Database. This class laid some great groundwork in helping me understand how databases are set up. Granted, the ones we did for our projects were simple in comparison to any I have seen in a work environment. But as with most things, the basic concepts must be understood before complex databases can be build. I found it amazing how fast even the simplest databases started to get complicated. Just adding a few fields or tables of data create a multitude of new questions regarding the database structure. In my opinion, it takes a keen eye and a good mind for organization to keep a database working. I'm looking forward to taking these concepts to the next level in the Spring semester.
Next is the Website Development course with HTML. I was initially not sure how I would react to this course. But after only a few weeks with it, I immediately loved creating web pages. In this class we learned how to write HTML code in a simple text editor. Initially I used Notepad, but switched to Notepad++ halfway through the semester. I found it very exciting to be able to create web pages using HTML. I absolutely cannot wait to learn how to take my web development skills to the next level and learn how to make dynamic web pages that interact with both users and servers. This class was one of my favorites of the semester.
Finally, I also truly enjoyed my Introduction to Programming with JavaScript class. Not only did I enjoy learning about programming, but I also enjoyed using JavaScript. As with Introduction to Database, we only did what I consider simple projects. But again, these projects covered the fundamentals that will be the building blocks of everything else I do in programming. A lot of duplicate ground was covered with the programming class I took when I was at the UW. But I also learned a lot more than I think I did in that class. Especially the concept of creating algorithms and documenting code. I suppose some of that is attributable to that class having been taken over 15 years ago.
I also really enjoyed this class because I had one of the best instructors I've had in a long time. Eric Knapp did an excellent job not only of teaching the class, but also of providing valuable information on the programming career as a whole and on offering general advice on our choices at MATC. I felt I learned twice as much in this class as in any others and this may have been my favorite class of the semester.
The Spring semester starts next week. I'm ready to go! My books are all but packed in my backpack already. Spring will be more of a challenge than Fall, but I feel I'm ready for it. Not only will the classes be more challenging, but I will be on campus at MATC four days a week nearly all day. Mondays I will be there all day as well as staying for a night class. Also in Spring, my wife and I are expecting our second child. I absolutely cannot wait for our new baby to arrive! Spring is going to be a very memorable semester indeed.
I'll post again once the semester has started and I can offer feedback on the new classes.
