Learning and Continued Learning

Who ever said that learning stops when one graduates from school is definitely wrong.  For us educators, learning is an on-going process unless one opted to be blindsided with the current updates from technology, innovation and latest trends.

As an IT educator, constant skill upgrade and network association are a must. Gone are the old programming paradigms that my yesteryear teachers taught me. Now, the paradigm is visual and object - oriented. But, it pays off to keep upbeat with the latest era.

Being informed applies not only to us educators but also to anyone who does not want to remain in the dark especially if his health is at risk. Educators, and other professionals  do experience some form of moderate to severe pains. These may include joint and back pains, and  other pains from the job and from aging. 

As a computer educator for a decade at least, I spend much time sitting before my computer, class records, IT books and stuffs, and an equal time from standing before my class teaching. The day is always constrained with back and leg cramps, not to mention, eye constraints. But, I love teaching in spite of the physical setbacks. 

 I take ibuprofen and acetaminophen to  ease my migraine, back and knee pains. But, a massage on the ailing parts does help. 

But, there is another pain reliever that is widely known for its effect. This drug known as tramadol has been advised by physicians to those who have chronic or regular pains. It comes in many forms including capsules, tablets , suppositories, effervescent tablets and powders, ampoules of sterile solution among others. 

On a doctor's prescription, tramadol 50 mg can ease the aches just like opiate but with less side effects.  The drug intake may cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and dizziness but these are only temporary. However, an overdose dosage of this medicine is quite fatal. Thus, it is never recommended to drug - abuse dependents.

So, for legitimate users, they can buy tramadol from tramadolbluebook.com faster and at lower rates since different pharmacies and their rates are compared with one another.

With the consequences of aging, lifestyle and occupation, any expert will say that correct diet and lifestyle,  exercise and regular check-ups can make our living more comfortable. Thus, we should never rely on chances especially if our health is at risk. We owe this to our loved ones  and to ourselves at least.

Students Got Their Computer Society Day

January 29 was a class - suspended day for STI Gensan, an extended educational branch of STI National.  The students enjoyed the day to celebrate Computer Society  with activities of contest, exhibit, games, viewing and more.

The teachers on the other hand, just had a day off to relax, to prepare for the upcoming midterm test, and to wander around with the students.

I still had to head to school for my attendance and just consumed the time reading as I waited for my students to show up. But,  I only saw five (5) against the 40 students I missed. I guess they too would rather be elsewhere than remain in school for a day. LOL!

Come Monday, we shall all be cramming again as we conduct the term test. I only hope my students shall review well.  

Getting Education Assured

College education is never cheap in the Philippines. Although there are state universities and colleges, still, education requires resources that the underprivileged may opt for skipping school and simply go to work.

It is by this reason that most parents or families go for insurance like education and life insurances to at least alleviate the burden.

I have to get one for my kid and personal accident insurance to at least help the family once I am gone, sick or hurt.

Thus, it is a wise investment to go for saving for your future while you are still healthy, working and young.   There is now  life insurance quote that anyone can just check and get that future more certain for you and your family. 

It can be an added expense but I think of insurance as future investment or safekeeping until it is highly needed.

Java's Thread

Java makes use of Thread to allow multi-tasking or programming. Threads can be created either through extending the Thread class or implementing Runnnable interface.

The program below shows a simple use of a Thread. It shall display  n number  "This is a sample one." and another n number of  of " This is a sample two."  With multi-threading, there is no precise pattern as to the output since OS will determine the resources including time to which activity shall be done first and for how long.  Thus, multiple runs of this program may produce different results. 

[+/-] show/hide

class SampleThread1 extends Thread
{
public void run()
{
  for(int x=1;x<=25;x++) System.out.println("This is a sample one!"); }}  

class SampleThread2 extends Thread
{
public void run()
{
  for(int x=1;x<=25;x++) System.out.println("This is a sample two!"); }}  

class SentenceThread {

public void main(String[] args) {

SampleThread1 myFirst= new SampleThread1();

SampleThread2 mySecond= new SampleThread2();

myFirst.start();

mySecond.start();}}  

You Want to Get Hacked? Try these Passwords!

As I read some updated news from Yahoo, I came across this article that net users shall be more than delighted to know.

New York Times has released more than 20 commonly used passwords in spite of security issues in Internet. I am only compelled to warn my readers to at least not to fall under the increasing statistics of users who keep their passwords not too secret at all.

The list is quite interesting and this made me wonder how they can actually quantity the passwords. Nothing is really hidden in the big WWW. Thus, we can only be more cautious.

Graduation and Vacation Soon!

My work in STI is unbelievably fun and since I do parttime work, I get to see my students only in the afternoon.   

But, we are now halfway done with the semestral work loads and quite anticipating the graduation this March. 

My family however, will visit our old home in Zamboanga City for a short vacation, and go to Singapore in June for another trip.

The students are only excited for that  long vacation after the school is over. We have been wanting to have a vacation abroad, perhaps soon there shall be Asian trips or Orlando vacations  once resources and time will allow them.

With travel promos, families and young professionals and students get to have the chance of travel experience elsewhere. 

So, come April, vacation shall be officially opened. 

Sigh, Weekend is Over!

This statement is quite shared by many who simply have a week of work and stuffs. My work as a teacher is lighter since I only do part time teaching but I quite put in extra time for preparing my lessons and works.  

Further, my weekend is devoted to writing test reviewers for the kids since every Monday is devoted for their long quizzes at school. This is added to household works  that I must do. 

But, it is more important that I get to have time with the family than during weekdays. Well, have a nice week ahead!

More Jobs for the Students

Just recently, POEA had announced that there shall be more jobs for Filipino graduates, students and professionals as countries like Middle East, Europe, Australia, USA and elsewhere demand for low and high - skilled workers. Over thousands of job offers are at bay for competent Filipino workers.

There are indeed high demand for   jobs in finance, health, IT, engineering, and education. Through the right agency with good educational and work backgrounds, Filipinos can just get these good jobs abroad.

Although, this is something we can't be proud of since more and more Filipinos opt to leave for another country because living in the Philippines is harder and tougher.

I hope the 2010 election can do more for this country otherwise brain drain shall continue to persist.

Preparing for Graduation

Once January starts, the schools begin to be more busy as they prepare for year-end requirements and eventually graduation.

My youngest sibling shall soon graduate from high school and their requirements are indeed piling up. Somehow, her school managed to convene the parents for graduation ceremonies.

In our school, STI, the graduating class had their assembly last week to set their batch officers, graduation memorabilia, parties and stuffs.  

I can only be more excited for them. But, graduation day is always a sad and happy occasion for us teachers. We get to be happy to see them all finally done with their education but we get to be lonely too since we will be missing them.

But, as teachers, we can only aspire best wishes for our students. So, come March, graduation shall be a happy ceremony for our beloved students. 

Students, Beware of Government - Unrecognized Schools

What could be more sad than getting robbed by establishments we believe will give better future?  This is indeed a battle cry for many families whose students fall victims of unrecognized programs.  With the mushrooming of schools offering various medical and technical-vocational programs, government agencies like CHED and TESDA hardly monitor them.

A dug article here says that a number of nursing schools remain opened in spite of lack of government recognition.

Students and parents only desire better schools for better future and employment opportunities. But, what if the school fails to uphold government regulation standards.   This can really be heart - breaking not to include the waste of time and resources poured in an enrolled course. 

Thus, it helps that students and parents do check from  CHED or TESDA the schools that offer legitimate programs just like what others do for their health, livelihood or recreation. This may include reviews  for school's or company's or  www.hydrolyzereviews.net  's legitimacy  among many things.

If only our government agencies can  do better with their monitoring, none of these unrecognized schools can continue to exist. 

Attention IT Professionals: 2010 Best Careers

Do IT jobs gone slim this 2010? I don't think so. This is actually confirmed by this article.   US Department of Labor has cited the following promising careers that promise sustaining opportunities.

IT professionals are indeed not scheduled for recession.

1. Computer software engineers, applications 
2. Computer support specialists
3. Computer software engineers, systems software
4. Network and computer systems administrators
5. Network systems and data communications analysts
6. Desktop publishers
7. Database administrators
8. Personal and home care aides
9. Computer systems analysts
10. Medical assistants
11. Social and human service assistants
12. Physician assistants
13. Medical records and health information technicians
14. Computer and information systems managers
15. Home health aides
16. Physical therapist aides
17. Occupational therapist aides
18. Physical therapist assistants
19. Audiologists
20. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors
21. Computer and information scientists, research
22. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
23. Occupational therapist assistants
24. Veterinary technologists and technicians
25. Speech-language pathologists
26. Mental health and substance abuse social workers
27. Dental assistants
28. Dental hygienists
29. Special education teachers, preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school
30. Pharmacy technicians
    

Programming Stress Among Students

I did complain earlier that my students did not do well in their programming subjects. I could only identify few students who are really diligent enough to learn more and to challenge their potentials for greater learnings.

But, majority of the class does not really care except to have a passing mark without much hassle.  My class that has a time break makes my students not come back anymore for their laboratory schedules.  I have to exhaust other means just to make their attendance improved.

The students in eon years in our old school,  Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, NDDC then, were more diligent than the present era. In spite of the programming headaches, deprived sleeps or adult onset acne   somehow, they thrived with pride and honor.

IT programs are indeed difficult but they all worth the trouble when one becomes a good programmer or an IT professional for that matter. 

But, there is no easy way out for a deserved success. I only wish students learn this value.

 

2010 PSITE Convention

The Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) shall soon have their annual convention. This time it is slated on  February 24-27, 2010 at the Bohol Plaza Hotel, Panglao, Island, Dayo Hill, Mayacabac, Dauis, Bohol . This year's theme of the convention is "IT Academia in the Next DeCADE."

This association of IT educators is a good network for professional upgrades of Philippine computer educators. 

I did once become an officer of PSITE during Pilar College days and had been an active member. But, now that I am no longer the administrator, I encourage faculty to be active to this group for their advancement. 

Students and Teachers: TGIF!

What other day is better than a Friday? This is the usually uttered by many especially if it means having a weekend for rest and fun.

I remembered when I still went for my weekend masteral class in IT.  My weekend was the shortest that I could not really breath from extreme fatigue.

Now that I don't do graduate schooling, somehow, my weekend is more relaxed and devoted to making test reviewers for my kid and nephew. I get to watch classic films, to go window shopping, to man the store, and to read books just about everything including   colon cleansing   for colon cancer. 

Somehow, it helps that a weekend is there to get recharged for next week's work loads and possible stresses.

So, Thank God It's Friday!

Java's Random Access File

Processing of records is faster once there is an instant search for any of the record. Java provides Random Access File that extends from the Object class and inherits DataInput and DataOutput interface.

Do check the program below that allow an added input or entry to an existing file.

[+/-] show/hide

/*use of Random Access File */

/* program must add to end of data.txt the new text*/
import java.io.*;
public class RandAccessFile{
public static void main(String [] args) throws IOException{
BufferedReader in = new BufferedReader (new InputStreamReader (System.in));
System.out.print("Enter file name: ");
String str=in.readLine();

File file = new File ("\\Documents and Settings\\Rose\\My Documents\\NetBeansProjects\\SampleExercises\\src\\",str);
if (!file.exists())
{
System.out.println("File does not exist.");
}
try{
//open aa file for both reading and writing
RandomAccessFile rand=new RandomAccessFile(file,"rw");
rand.seek(file.length()); //seek to end of file
rand.writeBytes("This is my new text."); //write to end of file
rand.close();
System.out.println("Write successfully.");
}
catch (IOException e)
{
System.out.println(e.getMessage());
}
}
}

School Environment

As a teacher, it is imperative that students are in their best condition before they can actually focus on learning.

Thus, whenever one of my students is sick or something, I would rather advice him to rest because even health studies show that mental works like learning can aggravate health conditions when one is sick.

Also, academic researches reveal that students do have different learning styles. Thus, knowing the special environmental condition for the student where he can learn better can contribute to effective education.

Thus, some schools now assess their facilities and rooms that they fill in humidifier filters  to at least make the learning environment conducive for the young ones.   

Even adults don't work in a nasty environment. Think the same analogy for our students. So, if they insist that they can study together with music or TV or while standing up and all, then feel free to give in. At least, the TV and radio must be limited to home setups only.

File Class of Java

In Java, the use of File class is possible. One can actually check information about the file like its existence, modification dates, and size.

I have the program below to check whether a certain file exists.  It is however, important that if there really is a file, the location path must be correct.

[+/-] show/hide

import java.io.*;
public class checkFile{
public static void main(String args[]){
File f=new File("C:\\Documents and Settings\\Rose\\My Documents\\NetBeansProjects\\SampleExercises\\src\\","data.txt");
if (f.exists())
{
System.out.println(f.getName()+" exists.");
System.out.println("The file is "+f.length()+" bytes long" );
if (f.canRead())
System.out.println(" Ok to read.");
if (f.canWrite())
System.out.println(" ok to write.");
}
else
System.out.println("File does not exist.");
}
}

Appreciative Students

I quite like to dress up into something elegant but fancy. And my students can only praise what  I wear and put on.

But, I have to constrain my fashion style since schools prohibit excessive dressing. I  can only feel comfortable with my lady students that sometimes, I give them tips with how they should dress up and look like.

Although I say to my students that clothings are only superficial since how we perceive ourselves among others may make a difference in the way we manifest our personality.

Weight problems may  contribute to ill perception of their personality. Thus, strategies are there to help these problems addressed. These  can include supplements for weight loss,  diet,  and exercise.

So, even if I teach IT or computer education, somehow, I teach among my students values of self - preservation and respect too. This will  tell them they must not wait for others to appreciate them before they can appreciate themselves.

A Dreadful School Day

Just like my other regular school days, I did prepare for my today's lessons, brought my things and head to STI, my new school.

But, today was quite unusual because while I was writing on the board for some sample Java programs and headed to checking the class attendance, the school dean was quietly seated at the back seat. 

I was really caught off guard that I asked my students to stop writing and we directly proceeded to class discussion. 

I am only too glad that my students warmly joined me in the discussion and responded to my queries. But, the  pop-in observation really stirred my confidence and stamina for the day.

When the dean left, the entire class and I were just all smiling and howling for relief. I know I did well except for that preliminary lapse.  Truly, what a draining day  it is to be put on a microscopic observation. 

Student's Fuzz and All

I quite remember well when I was a student, a  lot of my friends and acquaintances were into various recreations, may it be dating, biking, drinking or more than normal says our Guidance Counselor. 

The last year in college was the most critical since we spent lots of time in completing our thesis works on programming. With sleepless nights and cranky hours on computer, fast food and more, one could only get migraine, unbathe for days, nasty looks with blackheads  and crumpled hair.

But somehow, students then were more responsible than our students these days. They don't care much whether they pass or fail their subjects without really putting much hard work. This can be saddening  but I only wish students can at least prioritize their schooling first before anything else.

Another Java Throw Program

 Here is another Java use of throw with exceptions.  

[+/-] show/hide

/* Creating Throwable Class */

import java.io.*;
public class RateCalc{
public static int calcInsurance(String birth) throws Exception{
final int year = 2010;
int age=0;
int birthYear = Integer.parseInt(birth);
age=year - birthYear;
if (age < 16)
{ throw new Exception ("Age is: "+ age);}
else
{
int drivenYears = age - 16;
if (drivenYears<4)
return 1000;
else
return 600;
}
}

public static void main (String[] args) throws IOException{
BufferedReader stdin = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader(System.in));
String inData = null;
System.out.println("Enter birth year: ");
inData = stdin.readLine();

try
{
System.out.println(" Your insurance is : "+calcInsurance(inData));
}
catch(Exception oops)
{
System.out.println("Too young for insurance!");}
}
}

Draining School Works Again

Since the resumption of school classes this January, my days and nights have been filled with lectures, quizzes, class records, hand outs and laboratory works.

I quite feel dragging from all the teaching works but work is work and I can't imagine myself doing something else other than business and teaching.

But, the feeling is not exclusive since some of my students fail to attend classes for something more fun. I wonder where they go whenever they are absent or skip class. 

The funny thing about college teaching is that I  get to teach various types of students, some are older than I do. This quite makes me uneasy especially when they began losing hair or something personal comes in the way.  I normally just around they like when I tease them about   hair growth shampoos   or that when I spend more time with them than their younger counterparts. 

It is always draining to teach but I shall remain in love with it.   I guess it is when my students see me off the school and still remember me after years of teaching them that makes the experience more worthwhile.

Exceptions are errors that may occur because of invalid input, logic mistakes or programmer's omission or commission.  But, in Java these can be handled through some methods or can be remedied with better programming solutions.

Using try . . . catch and finally blocks, exceptions can be thrown and caught. Check the sample program below that throws an exception message once a negative integer is tried for square root. 

[+/-] show/hide

/* Square Root of an integer */
import java.io.*;
class ThrowDemo1
{ public static void main (String args[])throws IOException{
BufferedReader br=new BufferedReader (new InputStreamReader (System.in ));
System.out.println("Enter an integer: ");
int num=Integer.parseInt(br.readLine());
try{

if (num<0)
throw new ArithmeticException();
else
System.out.println("Square root of "+num+" : "+Math.sqrt(num));
}
catch (ArithmeticException ae)
{
System.out.println("Negative number is not allowed.");
}
}
}

Driving to School

I did learn how to drive last year but I never get the chance to  drive regularly. I have been wanting to use the motorbike to the school and to  the store but I am only chicken out to drive. 

The problem with learning how to drive when they are older is that they feel fear more than the young ones. Sigh!

I told my family that perhaps I should learn how to drive the family van than the motorbike since I don't have to balance myself and more. Perhaps, I can enroll to  a formal driving education for better and effective  teaching and get some  efficient  cheap car insurance  to  complement everything.

My sister wanted to learn how to drive too. But, unlike me, she is more scared on the road. She wanted me to teach her but I am not indeed qualified without getting us both hurt.  Perhaps our youngest sibling who is just 16 years can teach her. What an irony!

ICT Proficiency for IT Students and Professionals

Since IT is a continuing upgrade and innovation, its professionals can only be equipped with updated skills and capacity. However, these skills are not typical especially in technology - constrained countries.

That is why, proficiency exams and certificates can only be promoted and encouraged among IT professionals and students. 

Apart from TESDA's competency - based programs and national certificates, National Computer Center or NCC offers another proficiency exam in system analysis and design and programming.  This exam is for IT professionals and graduating students at minimal rate.  Once the certificate is given, this shall remain binding for life.

Thus,  IT professionals can only equip more themselves with skills and nationally or globally recognized certificates for better employment opportunities.

Missing My Students

It is in the second week of January 2010 and we are all back to work and school from two weeks of holiday rest.

My students are all college students and with that comes understated freedom to do anything.  These include drinking, smoking, dating and marrying among other things.  Nice thing about college is that they are simply composed of various students from different tribes, status or age.

In my over ten years of experience with college teaching, somehow I had various stories to tell, fun and sad.

But, what I dreaded most is the fact that they too can be vulnerable to any form of pain. I heard that the risky side of college in the Philippines is also true to other sides of the world.  No wonder  medical, and legal professionals like  pleasanton motorcycle accident attorney  are badly needed. 

In spite of everything though, I  just love to teach and be with them as much as I can. 

Too Lazy to be in School

Forgive my title but a long stay of vacation can somehow make the sudden disruption unwelcoming. This very feeling is shared by my students. 

We did have our normal class today but a few of my students were dozing to sleep. I quite felt uneasy too that I just stopped in the middle of my lecture and just fooled with my students about sleepy heads. hahhahahah!

What a fun way to start the new year! I just hope we will have that academic mood soon.

Exception Handling of Java

Exceptions or abnormal disruptions or errors may occur in any program. But a well written and well thought program may reduce the occurrence of any error or at least handle gracefully these errors.

In Java, exceptions can be handled as if the errors did not occur at all. These are in the forms of user or inherent exception methods.

Typical exception can be invalid input, math errors, array out of size and many others. An exception can be thrown try the use of these keywords: try, catch, finally, throws, and throw.

For a program not to be interrupted  during execution because of wrong input format, a sample try and catch block like below can be given.

[+/-] show/hide

/* program for try and catch */
import java.lang.*;
import java.io.*;
public class TryDemo1{
public static void main ( String args[]) throws IOException{
BufferedReader stdin = new BufferedReader(new InputStreamReader (System.in));
String inData;
System.out.println("Input an integer:");
inData=stdin.readLine();
try{
int num=Integer.parseInt(inData);
System.out.println("The square of "+num+" is "+num*num);
}
catch (NumberFormatException ex){
System.out.println("Wrong data! See error cause: "+ex);//to display the error msg

}
System.out.println("Goodbye!");
}

}

Dreading School and More

On Monday, schools and offices shall officially resume with their regular works. Students and personnel will sure have that feeling of resistance and resiliency after enjoying two –weeks of rest and luxury. Hahahhah! We shall be simply obliged to clean our dusty desks, glass tile tables, white boards and stuffs. I just dread dusts though since they trigger my rhinitis.

I have to however, bring my sleeping habit to its regular schedule if I don’t want to wake up like a zombie or drag my kid to be late for school.

Problem with too much rest is that you get used to it. My kid would wish that he graduates from school already so he can have more than two weeks of rest. The kid can sure share the same sentiments of the oldies. LOL!

Java's Polymorphism

Polymorphism principle allows the taking of  several forms for an object. 

Do check sample application.

[+/-] show/hide

public class Bicycle {

// the Bicycle class has three fields
public int cadence;
public int gear;
public int speed;

// the Bicycle class has one constructor
public Bicycle(int startCadence, int startSpeed, int startGear) {
gear = startGear;
cadence = startCadence;
speed = startSpeed;
}

// the Bicycle class has four methods
public void setCadence(int newValue) {
cadence = newValue;
}

public void setGear(int newValue) {
gear = newValue;
}

public void applyBrake(int decrement) {
speed -= decrement;
}

public void speedUp(int increment) {
speed += increment;
}
//the newly added method
public void printDescription(){
System.out.println("\nBike is in gear " + this.gear + " with a cadence of " +
this.cadence + " and travelling at a speed of " + this.speed + ". ");
}

}


public class MountainBike extends Bicycle{
private String suspension;

public MountainBike(int startCadence, int startSpeed, int startGear, String suspensionType){
super(startCadence, startSpeed, startGear);
this.setSuspension(suspensionType);
}

public String getSuspension(){
return this.suspension;
}

public void setSuspension(String suspensionType){
this.suspension = suspensionType;
}

public void printDescription(){
super.printDescription();
System.out.println("The MountainBike has a " + getSuspension()
+ " suspension.");
}
}

// create the RoadBike class. Because road or racing bikes have skinny tires, add an attribute to track the tire width. Here is the RoadBike class:

public class RoadBike extends Bicycle{
private int tireWidth; // In millimeters (mm)

public RoadBike(int startCadence, int startSpeed, int startGear, int newTireWidth){
super(startCadence, startSpeed, startGear);
this.setTireWidth(newTireWidth);
}

public int getTireWidth(){
return this.tireWidth;
}

public void setTireWidth(int newTireWidth){
this.tireWidth = newTireWidth;
}

public void printDescription(){
super.printDescription();
System.out.println("The RoadBike has " + getTireWidth()
+ " MM tires.");
}

}

Back to Teaching Again!

Two more days and our vacation shall be finally over. I am not yet ready with grades nor with my lectures. I still have to track some references and textbooks for my presentations next week. After checking my students’ term exams, I could only wring their neck. LOL!!!!! Students are now more irresponsible than our days. I guess environment takes much of the blaming. 

When I checked my attendance sheets, my class that has an in – between break earns higher absences than my classes of continuous schedules. This only proves that when they have a break, they wish they can have it longer. Tsk ! Tsk ! Tsk ! This can be acceptable only if they don’t put their school performance at greater risk.

I wish my student learn that school can be a top most priority among other most important things.

Computing Grades is Hell!

As a teacher, I find it delightful that my students earn good grades from hard work and from my teachings. But, what is more cumbersome is the fact that there are students who simply flank from the subject from poor performance.  My new school is not an exception to a global problem.

It would be all ok if that student is always absent or not at all attending, failing him is easier. But, if students flank because of poor performance, I just feel so disheartened that I have to find alternatives to help them. This can be so unconventional but I just don’t have the heart. Sigh!

Teaching is never easy, failing is more difficult.

Happy New Year!

It is still vacation time in the Philippines but come January 4, 2010, we are back to our usual school and working days. It has been a nice vacation that we wish it's longer but people have to earn a living, right?

So, I wish everyone a fruitful 2010 to everyone!

Custom Twitter Backgrounds