ASWIND SARVANESH VARMAN A/L SARAVANAN's Reflection
Project 2 was quite challenging as it was an individual project done by us. At first, I was even confused on what to do really because of all the Covid-19 tension. But after a while, I started to do research on more and more datasets and analysis. It took me some time to find a good data-set because most of the datasets were either too messy or too big to handle.
Finally, I found a good data-set on cereals to carry out my hypothesis testing and all. It was a concise and precise data which helped to complete my analysis without much problem.
I used R programming to do my calculations and also to plot my graphs. After doing the analysis, I could complete my hypotheses on certain conclusions about the cereals. Also, I was be able to do derive some insights about the effects of nutrients that are contained in cereals like sugar, calories, and fat.
Our project is mainly about e-learning and its usage among UTM students. As e-learning plays an important role in every student's life, we wanted to find out about the effectiveness and weakness of the system. We collected various data in google form by asking certain questions about the system. By collecting in google forms, it is easier to handle the data and we get to create many types of questions with different types of range.
By using R programming, we also got to make visual representations of the collected data in various graphs like dot plots, pie chart, and so on. In that way, it is very easy to see where the opinion of UTM students lies in terms of the system.
Our project may be small but we hope that this may be a stepping stone for the improvement of UTM's e-learning system.
Graduate success attribute is an unique subject. This subject is not about other things like computer science or history. But rather it is about us, the graduates. This subject taught us that there are seven important values that each and every graduates should possess. Some of the skills are enterprising skills, adaptability skills, effective communications, scholarship, teamwork and also employability skills. Our lecturer assigned each group to each topics and every week one group have to present on their given skills using slides and activities.
The assignment that was given to us was quite interesting. It was about organizing a four series program for 'Orang asli' or native students who doesn't want to continue to higher studies. The main purpose of program was to interest those children to study further and improve their way of life. Each group came up with interesting proposals with interesting activities. We also had meetings and discussed what we are going to and came up with a nice proposal. This assignment showed us how lucky we actually are that we got the opportunity to study in one of Malaysia's best research universities.
My first impression to this subject was why was I studying history again whereas I already studied that during my secondary times. I admit that I was even thinking of skipping the class a few times but I didn't. I went to each and every class. Every time I went, I learned something new. Something that I did not know previously. History is not my strongest suite and this class helped me to rectify that problem. Few weeks in, I got to learn about a ton of new things about the Malaysian history.
We also organised a campaign called ' Malaysiaku, Negaraku, Hatiku' where we tested the knowledge of UTM students on Malaysian history. We had crossword puzzles and online quizzes to test their knowledge on this matter. The main purpose of our campaign was to cultivate the patriotism in UTM Students and increase their knowledge in Malaysian history.
This subject is about the philosophy of life that is related to science. We learned a lot of ideologies such as communism, patriotism, and so on. This subject also taught us the meaning of life and religion.
This course explores the development of science and technology in human civilization from classical to modern.
The main focus is on the ecosystem of scientific thought that includes aspects of human and religious relations, the importance of the value and ethical systems, and the role of science in life.
The course also emphasizes paradigm shifts, holistic solutions to current issues, transformations and innovations, science and technology philosophies in the context of National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy in line with Industry 4.0 development and efforts towards humanizing science and technology.
Discrete structure was a fun subject for this semester. Not particularly complex as the other subjects. But it has own ways of complicating us through simple questions. We learned about probability, combination, permutations, and so much more. It’s all about calculating and determining the best answer. We had several tests throughout our semester and we learned a lot during that process. Our lecturer taught us the best way in finding a solution to an answer.
Studying this subject helps me to be more attentive, calculative and critical when it comes to thinking. It also helps me in my problem-solving skills. As an example, a question may ask what is the probability of certain event happening given the probability of another event. We can also implement this in our everyday daily life by calculation the probability risks of each of our actions. Like talking to our crush or going out on a date. Surely we will not be able to calculate the exact probability of our success but at least we can know if we are on the winning side. This subject is not all numbers and calculations only. It is also the real world applications that it contains.
Programming Technique 1 is a subject mainly for programming. But it is not just for typing codes and getting the input. It is about the techniques to understand the language, in our case, C++, and then implement them in a problem. At first, we just learned the basics of programming. The if-else statements, switch statements, looping, and all. It was something complicated at first but our lecturer gave us certain source codes to complete which helped us to understand the chapters even better.
The source codes for each chapter was long and time-consuming but it helped us to get a grasp on that topic a little more. We also had assignments of programming once in a while where we had to solve some problems given by our lecturer. We had to discuss with our team member to solve that given problem. This subject is a prerequisite for the upcoming subject next semester, that is Programming Technique 2. So, it was important for us to pass this subject with flying colors.
Technology and Information System is a subject all about the technology around us. From mobiles to microprocessors. From computers to RAM. Everything is covered in this subject. We get to learn about the many types of system units, softwares, hardwares, and so many other things. These topics are very essential for us as computer science students because it can help us in getting a better understanding of the tech world outside now. We also carried out a few visits. First was to CICT in the library where we got to see the old inventions such as printers, computers, and also memory banks. It was very informational for all of us.
Then, we went to the "Innovate Johor" exhibition to get to learn about the new innovations that are going to go into the market and also the technology. We did a poster with three of our chosen booths. We also did a report on the whole event and explained how it improved us and how attending the event helped us in this subject.
After that, we went to the Cool Code Academy where we got to learn about game development and how it all works. It was interesting to see how actually a game is developed under all that process. Usually we think it is a piece of cake but only after attending that academy did we learn that it involves many things and many people. From programmers to graphic designers to business sponsors, it was a huge process. Also, I respect how the UTM alumnis are back here at UTM working and serving their university. The games they demonstrated were also very fun. It was all educational and informative and it was appealing to the kids, I'm sure. Maybe I might design a game too.
For me, Digital Logic was the most challenging subject in this semester. This is due to the physical effort that we need to make in order to succeed our project. It is all about circuits, integrated circuits, logic gates and so on. We had to go certain labs to create certain circuits using the breadboard that they provided. The first few labs were okay but the last circuit was challenging and tough. But I'm glad I got that knowledge.
We also learned a lot about adders, multiplexers, and so in chapter 6, which was probably the hardest chapter of all. Luckily, the labs that we went helped us by giving us a better understanding and a clear view on how those circuits work and what makes the circuits tick. Some of the labs that we had showed us how real life applications such as printer, vending machine work. Each component and wiring has its specific purpose and making one small mistakes cause an error in the circuit. So, we had to extra attention to each wiring and each components carefully before fixing them onto the breadboard.