Advice For Future Computer Skills Students

I will admit, last year I wasn't too happy about not passing the computer test and having to take Computer Skills. I didn't really have time in my schedule, and I thought I was pretty proficient in my computer abilities. Well, I was wrong. Computer Skills has proved to be a really great class that has taught me so much about Excel, Word, Photoshop, Expression Web, and more. I learned so many tricks with Excel that make things a lot easier and help me get stuff done much faster. I also learned how to navigate around the toolbars in Word and Excel, so Windows Vista no longer frustrates me! I also learned how to use Photoshop and Expression Web, which I had never used before. So, don't be bummed that you have to take this class. I'm so glad that I took it because I feel very confident in my computer skills now.
Some tips that I have for you are...
1. Go to class! This class is very straightforward and can be very easy, but if you miss class, it's hard to catch up and teach yourself whatever Ms. Belisle went over in class.
2. Do all of the assignments. The homework assignments are only worth a few points each, but they add up, so do your best to earn all the points because one or two bad homework grades can really bring your average grade down.
3. Stay on task during class. It can be tempting to get on Facebook, check your email, etc. during class, but Ms. Belisle goes through everything step-by-step, and if you miss a step you can get lost.
4. Have an open mind! Like I said, I thought I knew everything about computers that I would ever need to know, but I learned so much in this class. Ms. Belisle really knows her stuff, so pay attention and take in everything she has to teach you. It will definitely come in handy later on.

Website Comments

I was so impressed with everyone's websites! We only got to see a few in class, but the ones we saw were really great. Everyone followed the guidelines, and each website was very original, creative, and personal. One of my favorite websites was Kim's. Her site was so colorful and creative. I love how she included original comic strips, short stories, and hyperlinked pictures that she drew herself. That's awesome! Another favorite of mine was Nick's. The reason I liked Nick's website was because it was so professional. I think his black backgrounds and white font make the pages look very clean and organized. I learned a lot about Nick through his website, and I think he did a great job. Another favorite of mine was Emily's. Emily's website was also very clean and simple. I like that she included her resume, and I loved how she displayed her interests and favorite music and movies as pictures and hyperlinks. I found out that we like a lot of the same stuff! I wish we could have gotten to see everyone present their websites because it's always interesting to hear why people included what they did or why they chose certain pictures. I think everyone did a phenomenal job with their websites!
If you're interested, check my website out.... http://cs.trinity.edu/~jengel

PowerPoint Presentations Cont.

I thought the other three presentations given on Tuesday were amazing. I liked Elena's a lot because her background was so creative. I loved how she used different variations of the same picture and how the text appeared on the notepad. I thought her topic, Nanowrimo, was very interesting because I had never heard of it before. Jeff's presentation was really great. His topic was really interesting, and his visuals displayed his data really well. I also really liked Luisa's presentation. Her topic was interesting because it's actually a huge problem occurring right now. I also liked her background and the way she stacked all of her information. Good job everyone!