So I am happy to report that after two weeks, yours truly is rocking the 4.0 GPA (lol). Based on the quality of posts in our discussion threads for each course, I’m also probably one of maybe 3 students who put in that amount of effort in understanding, reiterating and applying what’s learnt and I’m sure I could still pull off pretty impressive marks with much less effort. But it’s not in me to do less. Which is weird, because I’m generally a big fan of the path of least resistance, but this time, I REALLY want it. I find myself reading through other students responses to see if there is a concept or thought that I missed someone. I guess, when you’ve wanted to do something for 10+ years and the opportunity presents itself, especially when you’re paying lots of good hard earned (or borrowed as the case will be eventually) cash to do it, you don’t need much more motivation. So very cool. I’m sure I’ll be crushed when I fall from my place amongst the smarty pants, but the early success has been very good for me and given me a lot of confidence moving forward.

Two quick screen shots as proof:

COLL 148

CIS 115

- RoneTyne

Technorati Tags: bachelor’s degree, DeVry, grades

So as most of you should know, I am going back to school. I’m taking a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Science from DeVry in Calgary. The program goes year round and I will take 5 or 6 courses per semester. Each semester is broken into 2 sessions and each session is 8 weeks long. I will be able to focus on one of these tracts when completing my degree; Business Management, Computer Forensics, Database Management, Information Systems Security, Systems Analysis and Integration, Web Development and Administration or a Flex Option which lets me take any course offered at the 300 and 400 level totalling at least 16 course semester credits.

The official start date was July 5 for my first session and as such my first week of school is just about complete. This session I am taking CIS115 – Logic and Design and COLL148 – Critical Thinking and Problem Solving and so far so good. The Logic and Design course is very similar to one I had taken at SAIT back in the day when I started taking computer programming there. DeVry actually gave me credit for this course but I decided to take it anyway, as this is a foundation to all the programming we will be doing later, and given that it was 13 years ago that I took it and I haven’t really used it since, I thought it best to make sure I was very familiar and current with it.

The delivery of the courses is done all online putting the onus on the student to actually log in and do the work. The first work was probably a little more difficult than usual only because I spent a lot of time navigating the websites used and taking orientations and figuring out where I need to go to do all my tasks etc. The unique part about online schooling is that it is hard to judge participation since there isn’t a physical classroom to show up in, and since one of the best learning tools in a degree is the actual conversation that occurs between the students and instructor. To emulate this the professor posts two graded discussion threads each week, each student is required to post 3 times a week or more on each graded thread. But you must post on 3 separate days to ensure each student is taking part in an on-going conversation. Each post is also graded for quality, full marks are given for posts that provide insight, references, personal experience or move the conversation forward in some way. At first I didn’t think I was going to like the discussion threads very much as it felt like you were being forced into some sort of artificial web community. But I have to say, so far, I haven’t minded it too much. I have found a few other students who seem to be keeners like me and we have actually had some pretty good discussions. The rest of your tasks are made up of reading, quizzes, labs and other assignments and tests.

So week 1 is coming to a close and I’m feeling positive about my courses so far. In my logic and design course I already had a student email me and ask me to help with his lab assignment =), to I guess that’s a good sign. I’ll try and post on a regular basis to see if I can keep a regular log going. I promise I’ll be better than Rob, but not much more than that.

- RoneTyne

Technorati Tags: bachelor’s degree, DeVry

Below is a list of things overheard in Vegas. These were either heard by us from other people, or said by someone in our group.

• Why are you tonguing your bagel?

• 4 days…

• When I see those, it hurts inside.

• What will $50 get me?

• Hello Ladies….

• Why are you touching your nipples?

• My lips have gone numb.

• You’re like my bestest friend ever.

• So the Limo is free, there is no cover, just a two drink minimum…
• Screw That!! Pull over and let me out.

• See what happens when you let Canadians play craps.

• It won’t work for me, I’m like a black vortex of bad luck.

• Sorry for falling on you.

• Sorry for knocking you out. I was shaking my head trying to tell you not to call me.

• OMG, I love Vegas!!

• Wow! Guy just did a cartwheel, I couldn’t even do that sober.

• Hey baby, want me to make your dick hard?

• Grab my tits already!!

• 3 days…

• The vagtastic cream cheese burger on a bagel – made hot, moist and ready to order.

• Wait, did I just lose $35 in 45 seconds?

• Turn the brightness down on the TV you retard, you’re making the baby cry.

• I’m going to go play the slots.
  Cool, I’m gonna go play the sluts.

• I’m mad strong… Don’t make me exuberate my strength, I might hurt’cha!

• Paul your stick is on fire!

• You can ignore them now that we’re here.

• Who knew dessert could be so dangerous?

• You shot the 12 year old!

• Why does it say DRAG on our tickets?
  That’s how we’re supposed to dress.
  Well at least Paul doesn’t have to change.

• Huzzah!

• Here, here! <drink> Ahh!

• Huzzizzle!

• Wench! More Pepsi!

• So are you free tonight?
  My boyfriend arrives tomorrow.
  So you’re free tonight…

• Boooooooooooooo!!

• Go #9, come on 9!!

• So, what’re you looking forward to most on this trip?
• Rhymes with ‘shboobies’!

• Noticing the airport advertising on shows:
  Oh awesome!
  What is… Cher?
  No, Manilow. What? I didn’t even see Cher. Cher would be good too!

• Dude, your bed is right there!
• Noooo, it’s too far!
• pic

• Instead of the fireplace channel, they should have this!
• pic

• If I drink lots of water, it should be fine…
• pic

• I can’t feel my face. No really, here, hit me.

• While waiting in line at the Gun Store and hearing the occasional customer dropping their ammo:
• Umm, of all the things to drop, that doesn’t seem to be the safest…

• IN THE FACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• People handing out advertising cards:
  No thanks… but those guys behind us want them.

• Wow, he’s been back there forever. Did he get the Champagne Room?

• Hey let’s go swim in the Bellagio fountain….
• Yeah, let’s do it!

• I feel a little sick…i’m going to throw up in the Bellagio fountain!

• Your shark has to spend the rest of the weekend in the bathtub.

• It’s all in your head.

• Wow, they sure whored up the pirate show.

• Read on a cardboard sign in the lap of a man on an overpass:
  Help needed: Lost my ID

• Spoken by one of two tipsy gal-pals along the strip:
  We’re not gay, we just like to hold hands.

• You packed your own iron!?

Technorati Tags: Bellagio, Vegas