Monday, October 3

Intro To Programming using Visual Basic

In my case, VB 2010, but the text & workbooks for the class were both written for VB 2005 software. Now I don't know exactly what the differences are between the 2 versions, but I do know there are some. Included in those "somes" are different screen layouts, and little differences with some of the buttons on the toolbar on top. Some of the menu items are different too. I thought that there was (is) enough things in common that I could just read/do the stuff in the workbook and cross whatever I learned about VB 2005 when I started actually using the 2010 version to do programming. Now I'm not so sure. It may just be me though. Not making a huge deal out of it, but I'm starting to think that the main reason I just do not seem to be getting this Visual Basic stuff is because of the ongoing effects of my last MS exacerbation of dizziness and nausea (and possible MS brain fog). Rain agrees that those things may indeed be causing me to struggle a bit to grasp the programming language. As much as I just want(ed) to "power through" it, I'm not doing so well in that regard. Although I'm currently carrying a 96%(4.0) grade point average, I don't feel it's a true 'A' grade. Know what I mean? I have sent an email to my college teacher and updated him on what's happening with my MS. He said he is familiar with MS symptoms, which is great to know. He asked me if I thought the symptoms would 'stabilize' within the next 3 weeks of class and I told him I didn't know. Don't really expect much in that regard as it's only been 3 weeks and exacerbations typically last 6 weeks or so for me. I also asked what he suggests I do in this situation. I haven't heard back yet, but I did just send that email a couple of hours ago. I also sent him an email explaining that because I'm not only having to learn the programming language itself, but I'm having to also learn the Visual Basic program too, so that may be a reason for getting a little behind with my homework. He hasn't wrote back with anything about that either.
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I really did mow for the last time this season. Even doing that was a bit of a struggle though. Even making big circles around the place, I had to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel so I didn't get dizzy and fall off. LOL.
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Now I'm in the process if uninstalling some of the programs for school that I don't need at the moment, to increase the processing speed of the VB program as well as the computer overall. We shall see.

Todd out.

Rambleman

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

So did they skip you a class? Needing to learn the language as well as the program seems a bit intense for a second semester class--in my experience they sucker you n bit before blowing your brain--different schools maybe bit still seems a bit intense. It really sucks that you do not have "timely" communication with your instructor. Just keep in mind that not all classes are going to be this irritating.
On a different note, I saw a bobcat today. It would have been real neat if it wouldn't have had onee of my chickens in its mouth. I wasn't reeal happy about it.
They are not aware

Todd said...

I have not received a reply to my email asking for his suggestion on how I should handle the class right now. Thank you for saying that you too think that having to learn a new language and a new program is a bit much, cause I definitely agree. Sheesh, he's giving us 3 assignments per week of writing/creating small programs, plus a short writing assignment. So 4 assignments total.

That's cool about seeing a bobcat. Not so cool that it had one of your chickens though.

Anonymous said...

Have you talked to your school counselor? You should. Honestly, it might not help, but then again it might.
I think I have my sticky key problem fixed this time; can't see the GD'd squiggly red lines right now. I get so irked when I see after I post that I have doubled up letters. I only seem to have that problem with the netbook--it is embarrassing (to me).
Back to the school thing, I had a math class that I did not ever feel I understood a certain section about midway through the semester. Of course, everything after that was based on what I felt I did not understand. I was getting a good grade but I had no clue what I was doing. Instructor said I was doing fine no matter what I felt. I got an A+ on the final--it was bull hockey. The exam covered 9 chapters and I only did 8. I am glad I do not ever have to have him as an instructor again but have been a bit scared to take the next level math class because I know I really ought to retake that one--bbut then, I do not think I should have to pay for the cost of it again and that is a whole 'nuther thing. it sure gives mixed emothions when your grade is good but you just feel confused about the material.
They are not aware

Todd said...

I talked with a student counsel this afternoon. They suggested I talk to the teacher to see if I can get an extension, which would give me 4 more weeks of the class. They also such I ask for an incomplete, but I forget now (I know. Sigh) whether that is the same thing as an extension, or if I just restart class. I did send the instructor a message asking if it would be possible to get an extension and how an incomplete would workout. I know he's online right now (1:14 PM), so hopefully I'll find out before tomorrow. I might just "get through" the class and hope for a passing grade without an extension or whatever. It's up in the air at the moment (obviously).

Anonymous said...

Any news yet on what is gonna happen?
They are nat aware

Anonymous said...

It's not the same, but related: my ex (a computer programmer) got a book called "Learn C++ in 21 Days." We gradually came to call it, "Learn C++ in 21 Weeks." "...in 21 Months." And finally, "Learn C++ in 21 Years."

Good luck - I think it is very confusing at first for everyone, if that is any consolation.

Todd said...

Not really. He said he'd look into the extension/retake. That was earlier in the week. There's only two weeks left and I'm still getting a 76%, so I'm not too worried about it.

I still can't see myself *needing* to know much programming/Visual Basic IF I become a professional Web Designer after I graduate though.

Todd said...

It's not exactly the same, but thank you. I was/am starting to think I just am not learning visual basic as quickly as 'normal' people do. Yeah I know I'm not normal by a big stretch of the imagination, but I thought I was a good learner/student anyway. Rain tells me not to sweat it. And i am learning it some, but if someone asked me to write them a program, or fix a program, or anything like that, I'd have to refer then to someone else I'm afraid.