From the start of this course, I was not very familiar with my computer, how to use certain applications, and was not at all familiar with coding. I was quite nervous about what this course could bring, if I could handle and understand it, and if I would be successful. So far in this course, I have proved myself wrong. I have learned how a computer works, how to be more comfortable when using my computer, and learned concepts of coding. At the start of this course, I was a bit nervous about using my computer, downloading certain applications, etc, since I didn’t want to accidentally get a virus on my laptop, and mess something up significantly. Especially since at the beginning of this course, I was a bit behind from being out with an illness, I was behind and unaware. However, with a little bit of help and catching up, I was able to quickly learn how to input command lines into my terminal and open files using codes. This course has taught me how to experiment with my computer, and learn more about topics that I was unfamiliar with, and hesitant to try.
One important thing that I did not know before this course was what my terminal was and how to use it. When I first heard the word “terminal”, I thought I would have to download it and would need a lesson on how to use it. Once I found out how easy it was, following the scripts and command lines we would practice in class, I eventually got the hang of it and never imagined myself using this. Another important thing that I learned from class that I was unsure of before was how powerful Ai is. Before this course, I felt neutral with Ai. I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it. I still feel this way, even though I have learned a lot about it, have analyzed texts with it, and more. Ai is such a unique tool, unless used irresponsibly, which is why I am glad we have had the chance to learn about its mechanisms, and discuss with our peers. Additionally, I did not use generative Ai to help me with this blog post, but I have in the past to assist me when creating outlines for papers for other courses I have taken, and have found it to be very useful.
Something I found to be interesting while taking this course was how it aligns with another course I am taking this semester, which is Introduction to Communications. We had a discussion about how Ai is ruining our communication skills with one another, since we are just asking the internet to do everything for us. We discussed how we now have features on our iPhones called “Apple Intelligence”, where it will give you an automated response to the text you just received, just in case you don’t want to type out your own message. This made me think back to our discussions that we had in our groups a few weeks ago, where we talked about our opinions of Ai, and see if they changed from the first day of class when we first asked each other this same question. I remember telling my group that I thought Ai was cool if used correctly, but it is also scary how it is slowly taking over our world.
I would say that enrolling in this course has only helped me become more familiar with my computer, and the applications that come along with it. When I first started this course, I was unsure of what was to come and what was expected of me. Now I can confidently say that I feel more confident with coding, inputting applications and journals into files using codes, and so much more. I find these skills to be important to learn since it involves my future career, which is a teacher. I should be more familiar with the computer I am using, the software I am on, etc. With the help of this course, I feel a lot more prepared for becoming an educator, and operating technology that I will encounter. This course has only made me more excited to use my computer everyday, and connect with those who feel the same way.