This week, we learned about ethics, ethical frameworks, and held a discussion about an infamous contemporary ethical scenario. After reading through this week's material I feel as if I have a much better understanding of ethics in society, and the motives behind people's decisions whether good or bad.
I'll admit I didn't pay much as much in depth discussion to Edward Snowden when he originally leaked all that information back in 2013, but after this week's discussion it really got me thinking about proper ethical behaviors in society and made me question much privacy I actually have as a US citizen.
Note: NSA, if you're reading this, say hi to my friend Chris for me.
He's around the DC area somewhere and I'm sure you've run into him a couple of times. I swear he's a nice guy and doesn't bite.
Time Management and Studying
I am getting much better at concentrating while working on papers and studying material. Unfortunately, I should've been more thorough in the readings for this week (especially ethics vs. morals) because I bombed the ethics quiz. However, every cloud has a silver lining and this gives me motivation to study ethics even harder so I can write a good paper. The one studying tip that needs improvement in my life is varying my studying techniques. I'm a haptic learner, and if I don't find different ways to study physically and mentally I end up getting distracted too easily.
I've kept pace with the amount of time I should've been studying and spending time on assignments this week, but it's been a little harder than usual since my job picked up the amount of work they wanted me to do this week as well.
A Reflection on Readings
Ethics is a major driving force in what people do in society. Most people make ethical decisions based on general frameworks, yet their actions are not governed solely by one, and usually fall under several. Morals and ethics blend together constantly-they also evolve, just like society and its viewpoints. What is considered a virtue in one decade might become a vice in the next, or vice versa (no pun intended). Both of these societal concepts are more complex than I thought before I entered this class, and it seems you can devote your entire life to studying ethics or morality. I'm more aware of the ethical motives behind the decisions I've made or possibly plan to make in the future, and I hope the things I've learned will make those decisions better.
On another subject, I thought the article detailing things every computer scientist should know was very well written and thoroughly researched. It got me interested in certain topics that I didn't know were useful to general programming, such as studying graphics techniques to learn code optimization "hacks". However, I think the breadth of the topics the author insists students should study during a bachelor's course is simply too ambitious and long for 4 years worth of studying. I can see someone studying most of the material pursuing a master's or PhD, however, and ending up as a great computer scientist as a result.
I'll admit I didn't pay much as much in depth discussion to Edward Snowden when he originally leaked all that information back in 2013, but after this week's discussion it really got me thinking about proper ethical behaviors in society and made me question much privacy I actually have as a US citizen.
Note: NSA, if you're reading this, say hi to my friend Chris for me.
He's around the DC area somewhere and I'm sure you've run into him a couple of times. I swear he's a nice guy and doesn't bite.
Time Management and Studying
I am getting much better at concentrating while working on papers and studying material. Unfortunately, I should've been more thorough in the readings for this week (especially ethics vs. morals) because I bombed the ethics quiz. However, every cloud has a silver lining and this gives me motivation to study ethics even harder so I can write a good paper. The one studying tip that needs improvement in my life is varying my studying techniques. I'm a haptic learner, and if I don't find different ways to study physically and mentally I end up getting distracted too easily.
I've kept pace with the amount of time I should've been studying and spending time on assignments this week, but it's been a little harder than usual since my job picked up the amount of work they wanted me to do this week as well.
A Reflection on Readings
Ethics is a major driving force in what people do in society. Most people make ethical decisions based on general frameworks, yet their actions are not governed solely by one, and usually fall under several. Morals and ethics blend together constantly-they also evolve, just like society and its viewpoints. What is considered a virtue in one decade might become a vice in the next, or vice versa (no pun intended). Both of these societal concepts are more complex than I thought before I entered this class, and it seems you can devote your entire life to studying ethics or morality. I'm more aware of the ethical motives behind the decisions I've made or possibly plan to make in the future, and I hope the things I've learned will make those decisions better.
On another subject, I thought the article detailing things every computer scientist should know was very well written and thoroughly researched. It got me interested in certain topics that I didn't know were useful to general programming, such as studying graphics techniques to learn code optimization "hacks". However, I think the breadth of the topics the author insists students should study during a bachelor's course is simply too ambitious and long for 4 years worth of studying. I can see someone studying most of the material pursuing a master's or PhD, however, and ending up as a great computer scientist as a result.
Hi Cody,
ReplyDeleteBalancing work and school can be very difficult. Personally, I made numerous mistakes before I was able to make it work. The hardest part is making sure your study time does not get consumed by work. Sometimes you have to work overtime and if that messes up your study schedule then it is hard to recover. Working a "harder" shift can also effect your ability to perform in school.
I recommend setting strict time tables. Communicating your educational goals with your supervisor can also be beneficial. Constantly reassess your job in terms of "how is this helping me with my college career?" If you find that they clash far too often then you may have to make a hard choice. A good supervisor will respect your educational pursuits, (and should encourage them) and work with you to figure things out. It can be a very hard problem. We all want to succeed at work without making concessions. I wish you best of luck in your studies and career!
-Chris P.
Hey Cody,
ReplyDeleteI commiserate with the struggle to find good studying techniques. While my situation may be slightly different, trying to get into a good rhythm with school can always add an additional layer of difficulty. When you compound this with work, the affect can be frustrating.
My suggestion would be to simply persevere. Sometimes the most important part of succeeding isn't the exact methods you're using or the circumstances you're facing, but it's keeping yourself motivated. Finding that motivation and keeping your sights forward will ensure that you don't give up and fall behind.
You may have plenty of motivation, but I just wanted to throw it out there in case it was an issue (as it has been an issue with myself when the going gets tough).
I hope work eases up for you (but not too much, of course) and you can hit that stride in the program.
See you at our meeting!
-Nathan Warren-Acord