Sunday, May 3, 2026

Journey Through the Toughest Weeks in IS101

My Performance in Phase 2

I think that I did excellently in learning the major concepts in Phase 2: Microsoft Excel and URL Components & Social Engineering. However, some of the chapters were hard at first due to the complex steps that you had to memorize. What helped me with understanding these topics is taking notes on them and practicing on the concepts multiple times. This knowledge in Excel is what allowed me to enjoy working on A6: Spreadsheet Analysis with Trailer. What I liked about it was that it gave me practice in using Excel without the restrictions of the labs in CompTIA.

Studying Large Data Sets

The topic that I chose to talk about for my third blog post is Section 5.3.3 – Large Data Sets. A concept that is important to understand in this topic is freezing rows and columns. This helps people see what data is connected to what row headers and column headings. What is also important to understand in this topic is hiding columns and rows.  Doing this will help you ignore data that is not needed to answer a certain research question.

My Use of Excel Outside the Classroom

While working on Phase 2, I have learned about how to create tables. Excel tables will be helpful during my career as a radiologic technologist as they can perform calculations about multiple pieces of data about a patient. This will make solving certain calculations faster.  Freezing row headers and columns headings will also be necessary for studying these tables because they will allow me to see what data is connected to what patient as I scroll around the application.

Will I Focus on the Highest Achievement

Even though I had a high performance in Phase 2, I will not be able to focus on getting the highest achievement in class. However, I will work on A9: Query Options and If Statement, A10: Workbook Investigation and Bonus Quiz 14 so I can practice on complex features of Word and Excel that I am not familiar with. Doing these assignments might improve my knowledge of Microsoft applications for my resume to become a radiologic technologist. I will not work on A8: Improved Slideshow Presentation because I am already proud of myself for the presentation that I gave in my IS101 class. There is nothing I can improve on except speaking loud enough so my entire audience can hear.

16 comments:

  1. Hi Makkell, your post really shows how much effort you put into understanding Phase 2. I like how you explained that things were difficult at first but got better through repetition and practice, that is something I can relate to because my version of learning is usually repeat, overthink, then repeat again just to be safe. The part about studying large data sets stood out, especially freezing rows and columns, because it seems like a small feature until you lose track of your headers and suddenly everything looks the same. I also like how you connected Excel to your future career, it makes it feel less like a class requirement and more like something you will actually rely on.

    It is interesting that you are already thinking about how these tools will help you handle patient data more efficiently, that kind of mindset makes a difference long term. Your plan for focusing on specific assignments to improve your skills also shows that you are being intentional, which is something I am trying to work on instead of just reacting to whatever is due next.

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  2. My A6 gave you practice in using Excel without the restrictions of the labs in CompTIA? Interesting perspective, Makell :-)

    Freezing and hiding columns and rows definitely help you navigate through large data sets. Artificial intelligence can help with analyzing large data but learning happened with your notetaking and repeated practicing of the concepts and skills!

    I look forward to seeing more of your high performance in A9, A10, and BQ14 ^_^

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  3. Hi Makell, great work on Phase 2! I totally understand not being able to focus on striving to be the best in this class because there are so many other things to worry about in life as well. I'm sure you'll do well either way!

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  4. Hi Makell, having a career as a radiologic technologist sounds pretty awesome! It's great that you are going to tackle the additional assignments it shows that you have been very calculated with your progress and your goals.

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  5. Hi Makell. The ability to freeze rows and columns is a big help when working with larger amounts of data, I'm glad that they have that tool to assist the users. It's so interesting that you were able to use excel in your job, it really shows the variety of excel. I wish you luck in what you want to work on in the future!

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  6. As a radiologic technologist, do you run away when you start X-raying people so that you won't get radiation? Just kidding! Unless? Anyway, I agree completely with large data sets that you get from doing your job and it would be frustrating to go back and forth when trying to navigate through patient's data. Not all information is needed sometimes and it is understandable to hide them sometimes. Like you hiding behind a lead wall to prevent radiation :)

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  7. Hi Makell, I like how you connected Excel tables to your future career as a radiologic technologist. Being able to organize patient data and perform quick calculations is definitely important in healthcare.

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  8. Hi Makell. I am really glad that you are eager to improve your knowledge and skills by doing all the other optional assignments we have left in the course. Also, the Excel feature of freezing panes personally took me time to process it> At first I thought that I had to select the ones I wanted to freeze but I was wrong. I'm glad I realized before doing the exam haha.

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  9. Hello Makell, glad to hear you did well in this phase and you are able to take what you have learned on your new career as radiology technician!

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  10. I liked how you connected Excel skills to your future career as a radiologic technologist because it makes the class feel more useful outside of school. Also, freezing rows and columns became way more important than I expected once the spreadsheets started getting bigger.

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  11. Hi Makkel, it's very interesting to learn that a radio technologist uses excel and even better for you to kickstart your career having a great understanding on how everything works. Also best of luck on your A9 and A10!

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  12. Hello Makell. Radiologic technologist is a very unique career! I'm glad you'll be able to apply what we've learned about Excel into your job!

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  13. "Even though I had a high performance in Phase 2, I will not be able to focus on getting the highest achievement in class." And that should be okay, Makell! Just the fact that you are still wanting to do A9 which is optional, already shows that you are trying your best and hardest for this class. :)

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  14. Hey Makell, technical little options like being able to see the header columns and rows frozen, will make data understandable which is cool, Nice one.

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  15. Hi Makell, yeah I also chose not to work on A8 with the same exact reasons but it's great to know there was an option to improve on our slideshows. Radiologic Technology sounds like a very interesting career choice and hope you achieve that goal successfully moving forward!

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  16. Hi Makell! I'm excited to also use my Excel skills outside of the classroom!

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