Week 12

 Week 12 (3/26-4/1)

Project 1: LDPM

With whom did you work? Wootark Kim and Michael Sorensen

What was your strategy for solving the assignments? reading the prompting a few times and analyzing the logic and data structures and line-by-line implementing methods

Did you start writing code right away? Did you plan it out on paper? I did not start right away, and yes, I used paper for methods() names, types, and access modifiers. I read the prompt first, then looked at the UML piece by piece and had it on the side to keep looking at it for the access, types, and names for the methods; then I started writing fields, autogenerated constructors, setters/getters and started working on the most challenging methods first and left the easiest ones to the end

What was THEIR strategy for solving the assignments? It seemed like they also followed line by line and added internal comments in their methods to help them not get lost

How would you change your strategy having worked on the assignment? Maybe work on the easiest methods first and then the most challenging ones to the end, it gives room to leave the frustration to the end and not the beginning

According to your classmate(s): how well does your code follow the Google Java Style Guide? When I showed them my classes, I didn't have the Javadoc fully developed, so they suggested that I finish the documentation before the submission

Did you know you can automate applying some of the style guide rules? I learned that while working on the project.

What was the most challenging part? attackModifier(), I used hashmaps and a helper method but then I realized that it applied a lot more lines of code and gave me trouble later on, the TA suggested removing the helper method because it didn't follow the Java style guide

What was the most interesting? the attack(), attackModifier(), sub classes, calculateAttackPoints(), toString() and the setType()

What are you the most proud of? passing all tests.

How did you celebrate completing the assignment? I actually celebrated by starting the Jotto Guess Word game right away :( this class goes by way too fast to be able to even celebrate.

Week 11

 Week 11 (3/19-3/25)

Summary of my feedback

What are some trends when evaluating others' code? Was any part of the code a struggle for YOU? Was any part of writing the code easy for YOU? What is your biggest victory?

It seems like most of us struggled with attackModifier(). This includes me. I implemented a helper method. Luckily, I joined the office hours with the TA, and Pol was so helpful to let me know just by looking at my code real quick to fix the helper method because it did not comply with the Google Java Style Guide, so I was able to fix it a day before submission. Can't say there are many trends, we all used different approaches when implementing methods, maybe setType() was a bit similar.

I struggled with passing setType() especially the expected -1, it was the one i had a hard time with because i was not setting the highestModifier in the attackModifier() but in the setType, at first, I used hashMaps in the attackModifier so i switched it to else if, which is not as effective but it helped my setType to be set up more simple.

The constructors, auto-generated setters, and getters are clearly the easiest part to write. After that, the toString(), getPhrase(), and setPhrase(Monster monster) methods are used.

My biggest victory was, like most people would say, seeing all the tests pass.

Peer feedback: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uS3zxM_Za1-Uj1ZNxaYKUX4BqJhvcUr2izGR-tkuKME/edit?tab=t.0

Week 10

 Week 10 (3/12-3/18)

Homework 1 (Markov text generator) Which unit test was/is a challenge to pass, which was easy, what was the thing you were the most proud of completing?  

When working through Markov method, the most challenging part to work with for me was the addWord method because I had the statement as if (words.containsKey(prevWord)) and the test kept failing, then I realized that the prompt was asking for the opposite if (!words.containsKey(prevWord)) then the test passed. I also had a hard time digesting getSentence until I used StringBuilder. The fields were very straightforward because of the UML in the prompt. What I am most proud of completing is passing all tests; I thought I would spend a while debugging, but it was quicker.

Write a paragraph or two about what you worked on during week 1

I worked on the CodingBat in week 1. It took me longer than I expected because I worked on more questions than I anticipated without realizing it. I had a hard time breaking down some of them. Check-in 1 for Project 1 was not too bad. When I was making my first commit, I realized I didn't create a branch in the beginning until later, so the entire time, I was working on the main branch. Luckily, after looking it up, I found a way to add a branch after writing code from the terminal.

I've found it more efficient to create commits in the terminal and create a branch other than the main in the beginning. The quizzes are pretty straight forward and if I am following the lectures I am able to complete it before the estimated time. I also learned how to create Junit tests and UML by right-clicking in the class folder and showing a diagram. I also learned this only works with the Ultimate edition and not the Community edition because there is a plugin I found in Intellij called plantUML that helps you create UMLs in case you only have the Community edition. So far, so good!

Week 9

 Week 9 (3/5-3/11)

This is the first week of Software Design CST 338, and I got to work in CodingBat. I used this site before in community college for Java 1, which is a good refresher for this class. 

Discuss the process of solving the Coding Bat challenges.  A major part of software design is thinking about approaching a problem with the tools we have at our disposal.  What were the steps you took to solve some of these challenges? 

I follow a structure that involves reading the problem, understanding it, breaking it down or visually writing pieces down to help me understand it. Finally, I focus on what's needed. Then I put chunks of code in my head, write it down, and then organize and fix syntax.

Did you plan it out or throw code at it? 

I plan it out, and I need to understand it first to write code. Especially the conditions and what's being asked.

What worked? This approach works for me. Sometimes, I write it down visually or do extra steps to help me grasp the process. 

What DID NOT work? Sometimes, putting the code together in my head gets a bit overwhelming, so I try to visually write it down and write some pieces of code and then, lastly, put it together,

How many tries did it take? How many tries it takes depends on the subject. Map and String take me longer to write down, so more chances to get the syntax wrong. So, it took me more time to fix my process and syntax in those problems that involved more critical thinking. As usual, practice helps us master a subject.

Week 8

 Week 8 (2/26-3/1)

It is the end of CST 300 Writing Class, and I got to watch other teammates' videos below:

Lutra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHjqfArZh9c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF5O0Sj7gLI

1. is the topic well covered? 

Yes, they talk about BCI (brain computer interface) and Neuralink it is very well covered in many areas, such as healthcare.

2. is the presentation clear?

It is clear, and everyone used a decent mic to be able to understand them.

3. how is the quality of the research?

It is of good quality; they did a lot of research to present information about many areas in which BCI could help humanity. References were also provided in their videos.

4. how is the quality of the video production?

It is good quality for video production.

5. is the video engaging and interesting?

I would say yes and no. Some parts were a bit repetitive, and one of the team members talked with a flat tone that made me disengage a bit.

6. is the team work evident?

For the shorter video, teamwork is not evident because they used an automated voiceover, so I can't tell the team work. But for the long video, team work seems evident. 

7. is the video appropriate to the audience (either general public or technology professionals)

It is appropriate to both the general public and tech professionals.

Globe Tr'Otters:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9j7lscWYRo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjplkIYTEsg

1. is the topic well covered? 

Deepfakes was well covered. They even give real-life examples

2. is the presentation clear?

It is very clear; every member uses a clear voice and tone.

3. how is the quality of the research?

It seems like they researched, even on the news, and presented recent examples from the media and academic references.

4. how is the quality of the video production?

It has high quality audio and video. The only thing I want to mention is that at some points of the videos, the background music is a bit louder and overpowers the voiceover.

5. is the video engaging and interesting?

The visuals are very engaging; they used animation from pexels.com, and it engaged me.

6. is the team work evident?

Seems like everyone has a voice-over in the long video.

7. is the video appropriate to the audience (either general public or technology professionals)

It is for both general and professional audiences. The examples they give from real life make it really informative for both audiences. 

Code Busters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i3bgh1ClTs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4WZz3PkMGQ

1. is the topic well covered? 

The topic preventing cyber attacks with the use of AI is very well covered.

2. is the presentation clear?

It is clear because they also provide the script visually.

3. how is the quality of the research?

It seems like good quality because they were able to come with a lot of examples and ethical sides to it. And they provided a good amount of references at the end.

4. how is the quality of the video production?

The video is good quality, the audio is clear, and the slides are straightforward.

5. is the video engaging and interesting?

I would say yes and no because they read their slides, which made me disengage. They did not provide any visuals or animations to engage their audience.

6. is the team work evident?

It seems like everyone is talking equally in the videos, so teamwork is evident.

7. is the video appropriate to the audience (either general public or technology professionals)

It seems like it is appropriate. However, I would say that it could be more interactive for the general audience to keep them engaged. 

Week 7

 Week 7 (2/19-2/25)

1. Reflect on your team's Final Research Video Project Planning.  How did you collaborate?  What tools did you use to communicate and produce? Is the process smooth, what will you do differently next time in large collaborative projects?

Our team's collaboration for the Final Research Video Project was both productive and insightful. I played an active role in proposing the structure of the video, suggesting that we divide it into three main components to effectively cover the AI race between China and the U.S. This structure included an introduction, a detailed analysis of each country's advancements in the political, technological and economic component (with at least two minutes dedicated to each team member's contribution), and a conclusion to tie everything together. Splitting the video into distinct sections minimized the risk of overlapping content and ensured that each team member could focus on their assigned part without redundancy. This approach also helped us meet the project guidelines efficiently.

To facilitate communication and planning, we used Discord for team meetings, where we discussed and shared bullet points outlining each side of the AI race. I took the initiative to conduct extensive research on the topic, which allowed me to contribute well-informed ideas during our discussions. After finalizing the structure, we moved forward with scripting and are now in the process of recording the shorter video, for which we already have a completed script.

Overall, this experience has been a valuable lesson in teamwork and project management, and I look forward to applying these insights to future collaborations. The only thing I would change is to know the guidelines of this video in advance so that we can plan and come up with more solid ideas. 

2. Please reflect on the Lecture readings in this section and what you have learned from this week's activities.

After watching the video Life After Death by Powerpoint, I want to highlight how important it is to keep the audience engaged, and creating presentations that are long and overwhelming is the best scenario to disengage people.

I chose the video on TED talk: the wonderful and terrifying implications of computers that can learn.

https://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_howard_the_wonderful_and_terrifying_implications_of_computers_that_can_learn

It discusses the incredible advancements in machine learning and deep learning, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges they present. Computers, which once required detailed programming for every task, can now learn from data and perform complex tasks like playing games, recognizing images, translating languages, and even driving cars. For example, machine learning powers Google’s search algorithms, Netflix’s recommendations, and self-driving cars. Deep learning, inspired by the human brain, has enabled computers to surpass human performance in tasks like image recognition and medical diagnostics, even discovering new scientific insights in fields like cancer research. However, these advancements also raise concerns, as many jobs in service industries, which make up a large portion of employment, are now at risk of being automated. The rapid, exponential growth of machine learning capabilities means society must rethink economic and social structures to adapt to this new reality. While the potential for innovation is vast, the impact on employment and human roles in the workforce is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention.

Week 6

 Week 6 (2/12-2/18)

1. At this week's meeting, our team discussed focusing the capstone project on developing an App. We are unsure yet what kind of App, but we agreed on not making a video game for a few reasons. After taking upcoming classes and interning in some companies, we will be able to decide what type of app to build.

2. This week, I worked on the Portfolio; I decided to create it on Webflow to give it a visual and more friendly interface and develop some UI/UX design skills. Sadly, if I include more pages, I will get charged a yearly fee, so I will try to work with what I have. I am working on a cover letter, looking for one I recently sent to a company when applying for internships.

Also, our team decided to make the video next week. We will gather bullet points for ideas on the current AI race between China and the USA. We are motivated because it is a very controversial topic that happened a few weeks ago. Making many economic, political, and technological changes to the country. We want to follow a structured introduction for the professional video, including the Chinese and U.S. sides, the ethical impacts, and the conclusion. Next Wednesday, we will meet to put all the information together and work on the recording and visual components.