A13JenniferCarlson

A13JenniferCarlson

To-Do

Please Answer the following Questions: provide a brief rationale for your answer — not just yes/no answers

1. which classes did you take outside of your chosen discipline?
   1. how did you select these classes?
      1. based on interest
      2. based on requirements for your degree program
   2. did would you evaluate the “outside classes”?
      1. a waste of time
      2. okay
      3. an enrichment of your education
      4. if you had a choice: would you take more outside classes?
2. to be a well educated graduate in your respective discipline — what do you consider the most important objectives?
   1. did CU offer classes for you to meet these objectives?
   2. have you pursued these objectives outside of classes (in other settings at CU; outside of CU)?
3. what do you consider the most important impact of new media and human-centered computing on YOUR education?

which classes did you take outside of your chosen discipline?

I'm studying Linguistics, and so far I've taken a few CSCI courses including Intro to Programming, Data Structures, Discrete Structures, and this course.  I've also been taking Chinese classes; I'm currently enrolled in advanced Chinese.

how did you select these classes? (e.g. based on interest or based on requirements for your degree program)

I'm taking Chinese out of personal interest; I studied Mandarin on my own for two years, so I wanted to improve my grammar by taking formal classes in the subject.  My degree offers a certificate in Human Language Technology, so I'm taking CSCI courses in order to fufill the requirements for this certificate and enrich my understanding of the field of computer science.  I've chosen to go for this certificate out of personal interest, and I also think it will be valuable for me to have skills in this subject. I feel as though taking these classes is helping me to shape my education and attain more broad and versatile skills.

how would you rate the “outside classes”? (e.g. a waste of time or an enrichment of your education)

I think all of the classes outside of my field have enriched my education, especially the programming classes.  Since the economy is slow, I think that having a deeper understanding of these various subjects will make me a more appealing candidate for positions. Chinese has not only been enjoyable, but my knowledge of the language also contributes significantly to my studies in Linguistics.

if you had a choice: would you take more outside classes?

Yes, I would definitely take more outside classes if I had more opportunities to do so.  If I had more time in my schedule, I would like the opportunity to take a class in sociology, anthropology, or I would begin studying another language.

to be a well educated graduate in your respective discipline — what do you consider the most important objectives?

The most important objectives in being a well-educated graduate is good analytical and critical thinking skills, and good communication skills.  I think that many aspects of linguistics require looking at larger patterns in language and language use, and it's critical in any field to be able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

did CU offer classes for you to meet these objectives?

Yes, CU has offered many classes for me to meet these objectives; most of them have been in the linguistics department, but I also think that learning programming has improved my analytical skills and ability to organize information in an easy-to-read format.

have you pursued these objectives outside of classes (in other settings at CU; outside of CU)?

These are skills that I often use at my work, where I collect and analyze data and do some event coordination for the Center for Asian Studies.  This requires administering surveys and organizing large amounts of information, as well as finding a balance between the different tasks I have to accomplish.  I also do volunteer English tutoring in my free time, and I think this requires good communication and critical thinking skills in order to be an effective resource.

hat do you consider the most important impact of new media and human-centered computing on YOUR education?

The most important impact that human-centered computing has on my education is the idea of creating meta-design environments.  I'm also going to apply the knowledge that we've learned about motivating consumer participation in my work and create a more meta-design environment at the center so the community feels more involved and invested in what the center can provide.