Improve Social Networks in Schools

Part of growth and development of any person is the improvement of social skills, so, they can be better and cooperative members of the society. Thus, it is highly encouraged that students have sports and other social events in school to encourage their social skills.


In collegiate levels, fraternities and sororities are formed where members share similar interest and form allegiance as a team.

This is also true in military organizations where their affiliation is manifested through  military rings   among others.

Social skills are as important as technical skills in any job. Thus, if you feel shy or simply restrained social skills, widen this in your school and next thing you know it, you are somebody else’s common buddy.

Integrate SQL in Your Database Programming

SQL is a powerful language that allows you to create databases and tables and create relationships when necessary.

There are different versions of SQL but in compliance with ANSI standards, there are some major commands that work the same way. Before you start your integration, it is a must that we get oriented with the basics of SQL  commands.



Assume our  Persons table has the following fields and records:

Lastname        Firstname         City
Smith            Will                  Los Angeles City
Jolie              Angelina          New York City
Aniston         Jennifer            New York City
Willis            Bruce              Appleton City

SELECT – is used to return queries. The following are different use of SELECT.

SELECT  * FROM PERSONS

Returns all the fields and their records
Lastname        Firstname         City
Smith              Will                 Los Angeles City
Jolie                Angelina         New York City
Aniston           Jennifer           New York City
Willis              Bruce             Appleton City
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SELECT Lastname FROM Persons
The output shall be:
Lastname
Smith
Jolie
Aniston
Willis

SELECT * FROM Persons where City =”New York City”
This command shall return records that satisfy the condition.

Lastname                 Firstname               City
Jolie                        Angelina                 New York City
Aniston                   Jennifer                   New York City

SELECT Lastname,Firstname FROM Persons ORDER BY Lastname
This shall return all the last name and first names and arrange them by their last name.

Lastname                   Firstname
Aniston                      Jennifer
Jolie                          Angelina
Smith                        Will
Willis                         Bruce

Let Us Learn SQL 101

SQL is a standard computer language for accessing and updating databases and all tables in these databases.

The following are the distinctions of SQL:

• SQL means Structured Query Language.
• SQL allows the access to and queries in our databases
• SQL allows retrieval of records from the table
• SQL allows adding of records into the table
• SQL allows deletion of records from the table
• SQL allows editing of records in the table. 

In spite of the different version of SQL, there are major keywords that can be used the same way:
SELECT, UPDATE, DELETE, INSERT.

Enforce Your Teaching

My present teaching loads for the first semester have been quite cumbersome as I handle Operations Research for five (5) IT and Computer Science junior college students and Theory of Automata and Computation for the other Computer Science students.  

Since I have all my subject loadings cramped in Monday - Wednesday - Friday schedules, I have to talk for straight 6 hours per day that at the end of  all my classes, I could only feel beaten.

It could have  helped me if we have available multimedia projector and computer or computer with big TV on  widescreen furniture   to aid the instruction.

When teachers only use the conventional lecture medium to teach, students are most of the time bored and idle. However, if there are multimedia instructions, the works of the teachers are lighter and students get to learn more.

If only schools can allocate technology resources for each classroom, teaching can be quite easy and comfortable.

Have Good Study Habits

Schooling in any level is never easy; in fact, if without the right discipline and good study habits, students can't possibly make through without difficulty.

So, if you want to have those high grades or at least have passing marks, you can try these practical tips:

• Find time, an hour or two, to review the subject matter discussed for the day. Review any doubt or enforce the learning through added inputs from other sources;

• Go through the subject outline ahead of time to prepare you;
• Make and submit requirements as early possible to devote exam hours for review and time for relaxation;
• Stay with friends who have equal motivation about schooling that way you can be more inspired to study;
• Find time to relax when necessary to get you re - boosted;
• Create outlines for your reading, so, it would be easier to review on them for exams.

With the right discipline and intrinsic motivation, earning good marks can be achievable. 

Professor, Find Time to Relax

The title can be a total understatement but quite powerful to most of us teachers who have to endure endless test papers, lectures, projects among others.

But, since I only teach parttime, I should have a more flexible time at my disposal however, my choice to resume my masteral schooling in IT had cramped my free hours into nil. Now, I have to squeeze my 24/7 to teaching 18 - hours a week, masteral schooling on Saturdays, lecture preparations every other day, running in the morning, and programming in late evening. I could only breath now because my first masteral subject is already done and we are only starting with our second subject.

Since, I was absent from my masteral class last weekend, I had to cope with missed lessons and could only wish that I can still make through.

Somehow, my running becomes my de - stressor and my time in between job and home could help me slow down and get my momentum again.

When Students and Others Get Alcohol-Dependent

Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is not a disease but a crucial type of addiction that is equally dangerous physically and socially. It is not however exclusive to one gender like men as statistics shows that women have cases of alcohol addiction or abuse.


Categorically, when men spend two bottles a day and one for women, they manifest alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction. Alcohol addiction is a cyclic and uncontrollable behavior that requires individuals to consume alcohol in varying amounts in spite of their knowledge that alcoholism can severely cause serious mental disorders causing psychiatric disorders leading to anxiety, depression and eventually suicide. Other physical complications include cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, epilepsy, polyneuropathy, alcoholic dementia, heart disease, nutritional deficiencies, and sexual dysfunction.


It is believed that alcoholism can be attributed to family genes where the risk of alcohol dependence can be higher. Further, individuals like students experience alcohol at their young age, they tend to increase their dependence as they age.

Alcoholism if not seriously addressed can create a social stigma and discrimination which may turn worsen the emotional status of the drinkers. When alcohols overwhelm individuals, domestic violence and other crimes can be anticipated.


But, alcohol dependence is not a disease and can be cured. Support systems like group therapies and programs like  Florida Alcohol Treatment Program   can help alcohol dependents address their addiction. Screening can be done, usually through questionnaires if one is dependent and qualified for Florida Alcohol Treatment.


Parents, teachers and other concerned entities must responsively respond to cases of criminal acts, accidents and domestic violence attributed to alcohol abuse. Thus, if students, youngsters or even adults who are identified with alcoholism, it shall help them better if support programs like  Florida Addiction Treatment Program   are instituted.


Alcohol addiction is a serious issue and it can waste life and kill dreams. It is an issue everyone must proactively respond to.

Exam for Teachers Too

In a few days, I shall hurdle my very own exam from my masteral school in IT. This may be only acceptable if I am a full time student or when my work is my lighter but since the the present ordeal tells otherwise, I can only endure quite badly.


I still miss my early sleeps and morning jogs but this is one dream I wish to complete and have in spite of the circumstances. So, I can only manage my time as blogger, programmer, teacher, student, entrepreneur, wife and mom.

CollegeJokes: School Daze

source: www.unwind.com
SCHOOL DAZE
(To the tune of Battle Hymn Of The Republic)



Mine eyes have seen the horror
Of the ending of the term
It has poisoned all my spirits
Like an apple with a worm

It's infected all my freedom
Like an ugly cancer germ
The truth shall soon be known.

Chorus: Failure, failure, degradation,
Failure and humiliation,
Failure, failure, academia,
The truth shall soon be known.

I have listened to the teachers
But the homework leaves me cold
I have never done assignments
Although many times been told

I have even missed my classes
When I was feeling bold
The truth shall soon be known

Chorus: Failure, failure, degradation,
Failure and humiliation,
Failure, failure, academia,
The truth shall soon be known.

They are adding all my points up
And I haven't earned but few
In fact, I haven't even gotten
More than one or two

Oh, if I could only find an answer
Anything to do
The truth shall soon be known.

Chorus: Failure, failure, degradation,
Failure and humiliation,
Failure, failure, academia,
The truth shall soon be known.

On the lines of every gradebook
There is solemn news for me
The worst is yet to come when
Financial Aid ignores my plea

So I guess the only answer is
To drop my books and flee
The truth shall soon be known.

Chorus: Failure, failure, degradation,
Failure and humiliation,
Failure, failure, academia,
The truth shall soon be known.

Well, the end has finally come
And I have failed to pass a class
Though the fun and laughter, goofing off
Was really quite a gas

But I won't be in the numbers
Of the capped and gowned mass
The truth was finally shown.

Chorus: Failure, failure, degradation,
Failure, and humiliation,
Failure, failure, academia,
The truth was finally known!!

Colleges and Universities Hold Acquaintance Party

It has been a tradition and required event to hold a get – together party to know the rest of the studentry enrolled in a department and to get acquainted with the rest of the school personnel. So, when the new school year starts, strings of parties are actually scheduled among different colleges and universities nationwide.


My school - employer, STI – Gensan, shall hold our Acquaintance Party this late July but since the date will fall on a night run race, I have to however be late for the party to enjoy my passion for running. I have to however run alone as my co – teachers shall opt to join the party instead.


I can only be more happy that I get to have closer buddies in my school and running had made that possible. I can only wish we can do other recreational activities like beach fun with fancy  tan towel   to boot.


So, this month shall be a busy one for exams and parties and I am pretty sure, everyone can only be happier of the change.

Java Programming to Edit a Database Record

Editing an SQL record is possible in Java only if we have the connection and allowed an action event on our Edit (formerly Update button in our previous post). 

If the Edit button is selected, we deactivate our Add and Delete button to make the updating exclusive. After a click on Update button,  other buttons become visible and active.
We next make sure that the new updates are reflected in our table. The program below shows this procedure.


[+/-] show/hide

private void btnUpdateActionPerformed(java.awt.event.ActionEvent evt) {
// TODO add your handling code here:
try{
if(btnUpdate.getText().equalsIgnoreCase("Edit")) {
this.btnDelete.setEnabled(false);
this.btnAdd.setEnabled(false);
// this.btnExit.setEnabled(false);
btnUpdate.setText("Update");


} else {

SetConnection conn = new SetConnection();
Connection connect = SetConnection.conn;
Statement statement;

int row = tblComposer.getSelectedRow();


String query = "UPDATE composer SET composerlastname='"+txtLname.getText()+
"',composerfirstname='"+txtFname.getText()+
"' WHERE composerID = '"+txtComID.getText()+"'";
//confirm update

int result = JOptionPane.showConfirmDialog(getContentPane(),
"Are you sure you want to update Composition ID "+txtComID.getText()+" ?","Confirm",JOptionPane.YES_NO_OPTION,
JOptionPane.QUESTION_MESSAGE);

if(result == JOptionPane.YES_OPTION){
statement = connect.createStatement();
statement.executeUpdate(query);
composer();
}

//this.btnExit.setEnabled(true);
this.btnDelete.setEnabled(true);
this.btnAdd.setEnabled(true);
btnUpdate.setText("Update");

}// for if else condition
} catch (Exception e) {
JOptionPane.showMessageDialog(getContentPane(),"Error: "+e,
"Error Message",JOptionPane.ERROR_MESSAGE);
}

}

Teacher / Programmer / Entrepreneur / Blogger / Student / Runner Plus . . .

In my 34 years, I have played different roles but my current year is quite filled as I lead different roles and duties while I say 24 / 7 is never really enough, I somehow manage to make use of my time to blog and run as part of my anti – stress mechanisms.


Since I pursued my masteral studies again in IT, my duty as entrepreneur gets a downside. In fact, the business shall turn one year old this month but I fail to start a Thank – You promo for our valued clients. I wish to have balloons and flowers along with   anniversary gift baskets    to complete the fun.


I just have to delegate the job to my sister since I am all consumed with my other duties. I still have a pending exam next weekend and a database program to complete in two weeks and a race to complete the toil.
But, I shall never lead my life the other way because in spite of the busy and limited time, I have fun with friends and family.

Java Codes to Add a Record

 In my  previous post, the database system requires adding of record. I decided to include the codes per module, to finally complete the system.

The codes below an action event on Add that clears all the entry fields  for new inputs until a SAVE button is clicked. The rest of the buttons were deactivated too to allow exclusivity.


It is assumed that a connection with the database is made. In my earlier post, I added the set connection commands to do the task.

Keep abreast for the complete codes.


[+/-] show/hide

private void btnMyCompositionAddActionPerformed(java.awt.event.ActionEvent evt) {
// TODO add your handling code here:

try{

if(btnMyCompositionAdd.getText().equalsIgnoreCase("Add")) {
this.txtMyComID.setText("");
this.txtMyCompositionName.setText("");
this.txtMyComID.setEnabled(true);
this.txtMyCompositionName.setEnabled(true);
this.btnMyCompositionDelete.setEnabled(false);
this.btnMyCompositionUpdate.setEnabled(false);
btnMyCompositionAdd.setText("Save");


} else {

SetConnection conn = new SetConnection();
Connection connect = SetConnection.conn;
Statement statement = connect.createStatement();

String qry = "INSERT INTO composition (compositionid,compositionname) " +
"values ('"+txtMyComID.getText().toString()+
"','"+txtMyCompositionName.getText().toString()+"' )";

statement.executeUpdate(qry);
composition();
btnMyCompositionAdd.setText("Add");

this.txtMyComID.setEnabled(true);
this.txtMyCompositionName.setEnabled(true);

this.btnMyCompositionDelete.setEnabled(true);
this.btnMyCompositionUpdate.setEnabled(true);


}
}catch(Exception sqe){
JOptionPane.showMessageDialog(getContentPane(),"Error: "+sqe.getMessage(),
"SQLError",JOptionPane.ERROR_MESSAGE);
}



}

What High School Clique Did You Belong To?

You Were One of the Nerds

When you were in high school, you probably found it a little difficult to fit in. But then again, you probably didn't care! You didn't really feel like changing you are... and you still don't. Back then, no one had the maturity to appreciate your intelligence and cleverness. You were pretty misunderstood. Luckily, it's a nerd's world these days, and things are getting better all the time for people like you. Some may even consider you to be cool now.

What High School Clique Did You Belong To?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

How to Make Teaching Easy

Teaching for over a decade has made me more adept and flexible in practically teaching programming, business and management subjects along with technical writing and system analysis and design.


However, my teaching load for first semester caught me off – guard as I handle Operations Research and Theory of Computation for computer undergraduates. The new workload becomes more difficult as I spend my time completing my masteral studies in IT and working on required programming works.


So, to make teaching difficult subjects easier, I make a research of what is to be taught from online and offline resources and make use of multimedia technology including  lcd tvs samsung   to maximize my teaching time and spend more on the details instead of just writing endless stuffs on the board.


There are also occasions that I have to seek the inputs of other teachers who have expertise on the topic, so, as to support my limited knowledge.
Teaching is indeed a difficult job but having the right motivation of helping young minds and getting the right support systems, it can be a one fulfilling career.

Java Database Programming Again

an interface for a simple Java - SQL database system

I recently continued my masteral in IT and one of the subjects is Object Oriented Programming using Java. It was somehow easier for me to comprehend Java functions while other stuffs are still to be fully understood.

I have previously made a Ledger System for  our business and planned to make the Payroll system to complement the works. But, a two - week allowance for the job  can make the work restricted. 

The exams and and work load from teaching can only be endured as I pursued my graduate studies. I can only pray that I can finish all this with my sanity intact.

STI Teachers and Students Join Population Development Run

I have been running for years and even if in most times, I have to run alone, the fun and fulfillment of having a regular exercise can only overwhelm me.


My passion for running and running race for advocacies caught the attention of fellow teachers, they joined me in my calling to stay fit, lead a healthy life and to help communities at all times. So, my co – teachers along with our students joined a run for Population Development. The teachers conquered their 3km while I finished my usual 5km tracks.


When one age, losing weights can be quite a battle, good thing that there are weight loss remedies including diet pills, exercises, and surgeries. I am only more happy that I was able to influence others to stay fit and feel good.

Setting Java Connection with SQL

Java programming is quite utilized for web development and application systems. In my recent masteral project, we were asked to create a simple database application where MySQL was used as my back end.


We create the database in our SQL and create the link using the ODBC interface and driver. A use of Administrative Tools in Control Panel where ODBC   package was previously copied would allow us to connect with our database.


The program then below creates the connection.
[+/-] show/hide

package introtodbase;


import java.sql.*;
public class SetConnection {
public static Connection conn;
String url = "jdbc:odbc:music";
String driver = "sun.jdbc.odbc.JdbcOdbcDriver";


public SetConnection(){
try {
Class.forName(driver);
conn = DriverManager.getConnection(url);
}catch (Exception e) {
}
}

}