Working hard on Sorting

Today, we continue to work hard on the sorting classes. I have completed the selection sort class but there are several other algorithms for sorting such as bubble sort which I expect we will be learning soon. It is almost time for the weekend and I am excited. The last few questions in the Array of Objects Assignment can be mastered now that the Selection Sort of the Simple Object Class is completed and the sorting algorithm is known.

Selection with Switch

Today, we learned Selection with switch also known as the switch-case. The Case statement is used only when the integer is known as a definite constant and not a variable. The first time where break; is crucial in programming is found in case statements. This is a modification of the if statement with cases with several possibilities. The switch-case will be useful for the students working on the Panther Pantry as there are several items that have similar characteristics. I am completed my Selection Sort Class and hope to get rid of the run-time errors.

Selection Sort of the Simple Object Array

Today, I continued working on the selection sort class. A compareTo method is needed however there is one under the Super Class and the programmer can create one as well. This advice given by Mr. Arkin really was useful. I had an idea of converting strings with capital letters to lower case Strings as a temporary variable, but when comparing, the compareTo method recognizes this difference. I also realized that we can use some of the methods that we created in the Array of Objects Assignment. I hope to complete this class today for homework.

Back from the Long Weekend

The class was split into two groups today: “Selection Sort” group and the “Panther Pantry” group. I began in the Panther Pantry group but in a few minutes, Mr. Arkin decided to transfer me to the “Selection Sort” group. The Selection Sort Algorithm is a very useful algorithm in computer programming and real life. To sort N items, you need to make N passes through them. We began with a simple problem of sorting an array of integers. Now came the challenge. The assignment was to sort an array of Simple Objects containing a string and an integer. The input is read from a file and the method of sorting was left for us to decide. It seems like a lot to do but if we break it into chunks, the work load seems lighter.

Guest Speaker - Jack Gao

We had a guest speaker, Mr. Jack Gao, today in our class. Jack is a former VP student who graduated last year from IB. He is doing Computer Science in Waterloo and Business at Laurier. He is also going to California for Co-op which threw me back in my seat as I was surprised to hear a first-year university student being so involved. Apparently, HL courses can act as transfer credits. Being involved in extra-curricular activities for a new experience and making friends were emphasized. A lot of topics such as recursion and sorting were written on the board to prepare for computing contests. A friend of Jack, Jacob Plachta, is a known person to me. From grade 6-8, I went to Programming club at Woburn CI and Jacob was our leader. A lot of inspiration was taken from this presentation and I enjoyed it greatly!

Remedial Plan Day 2

Today, I created steps in improving myself. Practice makes perfect is a well-known statement. That was my first step. Being familiar with vocabulary terms and understanding the code would assist me well. If I do find something new while coding, I should look into it in detail as it may help me in the future. For the past few days, we had a guest teacher and I hope that he gave a good report on us to Mr. Arkin not to mention that our behaviour was acceptable for an IB class. Tomorrow, we are having a guest speaker!

Remedial Plan Day 1

Today was the first of two days that we had a guest teacher because Mr. Arkin was celebrating Passover. We were expected to create a plan to improve our mark and performance. I looked over my test once again to see the areas where I lost marks. This gave me a rough idea of the areas that needed some work. I will continue to create steps tomorrow.

Test Returned

Everyone was quite scared about getting their test back and when I got back, it was like a bomb was dropped on my head. I was pleased with myself for majority of the test until the thinking section. However, it was expected as I ran out of time. Over the course of the period, we went over the model answers and I made a note of the things that I need to remember to do better in the next evaluation. Our mid-term marks were also posted and I was satisfied with my mark but I know that understanding and learning is more important. More practice will make performance better.

Java TEST

We wrote the Java test during the last period of the day and today was Friday so a little disappointed. The test was clear and seemed short until I turned the page over and I realized that there were still two more questions. I reviewed a lot of definitions which helped me. There was 5 minutes left and I had just started the last thinking question. I tried as hard as I could to write fast but the bell rang and I had to put my pencil down. I didn't do as well as I hoped to do. I guess I have to wait for the test scores now.

L'avare

Today, all the Grade 11 French IB students went to downtown, Toronto at the George Ignatieff Theatre affiliated with the University of Toronto to watch the play L'Avare written by Moliere. This play was written centuries ago which explains the bizarre costumes worn by the professional actors. The theatre gave a dramatic experience and the stage had beautiful sets. This two and a half-hour play was filled with comedy throughout with the greedy father and his children who have fallen in love. The daughter fell in love with the lackey and the son is in love with the young bride-to-be for the father. Who knew that there were family ties between the lackey and the young bride and the hilarious chef. A mishap occurs at the end where families join together and the money box is retrieved. I enjoyed the play very much, but I have to study for the test tomorrow.

Last Minute Review before the Test

The title of today’s post speaks for itself. Due to the french field trip tomorrow, today was the only day for clarifying doubts with Mr. Arkin before the test. As a preparation, we were given the array of objects assignment. I was reviewing the concepts taught in class so I can prioritize what to put on my reference sheet and what not to. I had a few problems with the array of objects assignment and I hope I can solve them soon.

Thumbs-up for the Simple Object Class

Today, we created a simple object in class with four constructors, two accessors and two mutators. This class was supposed to accept an integer and a String. I was able to complete the source code and the Javadoc in time for a peer to test my class. I received a thumbs-up for my class and now I had to begin preparing for the test in a couple of days. Now that I know my strengths and things that I need to remember, I need to complete preparing my reference sheet for the test.

Last Day for IO Assignments

Today was the last day to complete the IO assignments. I was constantly facing a runtime error with my string tokenizer but with Mr. Arkin's help, I was able to fix it and complete my assignment. Now, we have to study for our test on Friday and prepare a reference sheet. Lots of Studying to do!!!! Also, the truth tables were provided to us and I am sure that we are going to use it in the future while writing programs.

Reaching the Finish Line

Today, the class was like any other day. There was not much to be done except for continuing the Input Output Assignments. I realized that the output for Assignments 4 and 5 need to be written to another file so I just modified my program to fix the problem. I am going to fix any run time errors for homework and hopefully it works successfully! However, I am extremely sick so I cannot stare at the computer screen for a long time. :(

Casting and ParseInt

Casting and ParseInt both serve a similar purpose of changing the datatype of the variable but casting does it for the specific variable however, Parse is used to analyze a literal string and store them in different categories. I am making my way towards the end of the Input Output Assignments. I was debating with myself whether I should listen to Mr. Arkin's private lessons to certain students but I decided to continue with my assignment and clarify doubts with him when I get them. I have to upload all my errors into my Error Blog, as they are piling up!

Spirit for IO and VPCI

Today, we had our spirit assembly in the Double Gym and it was definitely full of spirit with lots of cheering and loud screaming. The scheduled timings were quite humourous: Start- 9:21, End- 9:52. After the assembly, we made it back to our classrooms and continued working on our I/O Assignments. I made it to my 5th Assignment.

* is not the same as mutliplication

Programmers are used to typing an asterisk for multiplication and a slash for division however non-programmers can not comprehend these symbols therefore Unicode hexadecimal is used to display the operators. These values can be assigned to constants. Methods that help you perform work are called utility methods and to minimize repeated code, methods can be used. I am still working on the Input Output Assignments.

Modifications and a Fresh Start

Today, I finished my modifications on my program that displays messages of cold and warm to guess the magic number. The program compiles and runs successfully. I am hoping to finish the program where the previous scores of the user are displayed. I began working on the Input Output Assignments and creating methods for each assignment in one main method is a lot easier. The String Tokenizer also helps in completing the code. I am making sufficient progress on the assignments and I am learning a lot of new things along the way.

Glued to the TV

Today, being Saturday, April 2, 2011, I was glued to the television to watch the finals of the ICC World Cup 2011. It was India vs. Sri Lanka and India had a rough start in the beginning. Sri Lanka started off first with 274 runs and I was excited. Nearing the end, it was a critical situation but with the last two hits, India won the World Cup. I was delighted and excited at the same time and I read that 4 billion viewers were watching it live. I wanted to be with my family in India as the celebrations were massive with fireworks throughout the night!

Loads of happiness!

Today was April Fool’s Day and I was shocked to hear an announcement on the PA system. The OSSLT which the Grade 10’s wrote yesterday was leaked on the internet therefore scheduling a retest for Tuesday, April 5, 2011. I was horrified to hear that I had to rewrite the 3-hour exam. However, the afternoon was different. First off, what a party! I loved it because everyone was committed to bringing something whether it was food, drink or music. A great big thank you to Mr.Arkin for bringing the wonderful carrot cake. It was delicious! Half-way through, I decided to do some work so I could enjoy the weekend. At the end of the day, as I went to check the  list, there was a sheet that said “April Fool’s Day”!