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Week 16: A Roller Coaster of Emotions on Presentation Day

The day of our final presentation for TrendTailor had arrived—a moment we had all been preparing for. Earlier, Sir Carl had encouraged us by stating that if our system met 100% of the requirements, we would be exempt from the final exam. This gave our team a boost of motivation. However, on presentation day, we could only showcase the designer and client dashboards, as we faced significant challenges with our database, which was built using MySQL.

Despite our struggles, a glimmer of hope emerged when Sir Carl informed us that we were exempt from the final exam and would be given another opportunity to present our system. The day was a whirlwind of emotions, but it ultimately ended on a positive note.

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Wrapping Up with Gratitude December 12, 2024

Wrapping Up with Gratitude

On this day, marked our final Software Design and Engineering class. We took a quiz on Topics 8 and 9, covering Data Mining and Data Visualization—finding patterns in data and presenting insights through clear visuals. Afterward, Sir Carl shared a heartfelt thank-you message, and we captured a group photo to commemorate the semester. Thank you, Sir Carl, for an enlightening journey!

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Exploring Data Mining and Business Insights November 28, 2024 (Wellness Period) December 5, 2024

On this last class before finals, we began with a quiz reviewing key topics like software reliability, quality management, ISO standards, and API basics. Following this, Sir Carl introduced data mining, explaining how businesses use data to understand customers, predict needs, and enhance services. We completed a 10-item seatwork to apply these concepts and later worked in groups on the Target Market Activity, using data mining techniques to develop strategies for better customer targeting.

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Understanding APIs in Action November 21, 2024

On this day, Sir Carl assessed our understanding of Topic 7: APIs through a brief seatwork. We explored API fundamentals, including their purpose as bridges for software to share data and functions, with examples like connecting apps to social media or payment systems. The discussion highlighted API types (public, private, partner, composite) and their role in handling system requests. A group activity followed, where we identified endpoints, defined HTTP methods, set parameters and headers, and addressed security measures for safe data retrieval.

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Ensuring Software Quality and Reliability November 14, 2024

On this day, our instructor led a class discussion and pre-test on Topic 6 which is the Software Reliability and Quality Management. This topic emphasized creating dependable software that meets user expectations by focusing on reliability—ensuring error-free performance over time—and quality management, which involves planning, testing, and improving processes. We also analyzed case studies after the discussion which serve as our activity for the day, which is about identifying software quality issues and proposing solutions to enhance reliability and performance, gaining practical insights into real-world applications.

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Quiz 2 - Part 2 Experience: October 3, 2024

On October 3, 2023, we had part 2 of Quiz 2, as part 1 was held online. This time, I found it a bit more challenging. There were too many thoughts running through my mind during the quiz, which made it difficult to concentrate fully on the questions. Despite trying to stay focused, I struggled to give my best performance. It was a valuable reminder of the importance of mental clarity during exams, and I hope to manage my distractions better in the future.

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Software Testing Insights: September 19, 2024

On this week, we had a discussion on Topic 4, which focused on software testing. I learned about various testing techniques and strategies, including black-box testing, which examines the functionality of software without knowledge of its internal code or structure, and white-box testing, which involves testing the internal workings and logic of the code. We explored several other techniques as well. At the end of the lesson, we had a group activity on user acceptance testing using John Brooke's technique. Although my group encountered some challenges, we divided the tasks efficiently to make the most of the time and successfully completed the output.

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Quiz 1 - Part 2 Experience: September 12, 2024

On September 12, 2024, we had the second part of our quiz, this time in a face-to-face setting. The first part had been held online, and I must admit, this second part was much more challenging. The moment I saw the questions on the screen, my mind went completely blank. It was tough to focus, and although I did my best, I'm not feeling very confident about my performance. It was a humbling experience, reminding me that I need to improve my preparation for future quizzes.

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System Design: Week 4 – Stepping Up!

During our Software Design class on September 5, 2024, Engr. Suasola emphasized implementation strategies as one of the topics he discussed. As our group prepares to build upon the functional system from the system prototype we created last semester, these strategies will be crucial for ensuring a successful outcome. By adopting coding standards and modularization techniques, we can enhance code consistency, readability, and maintainability. Coding standards will guide our team in writing code that adheres to best practices, making collaboration easier and reducing errors. Modularization will allow us to break down our system into smaller, self-contained components, improving scalability, testability, and reusability.

After the discussion, we participated in a group activity where we were tasked with describing the primary features and components of an e-learning platform, selecting appropriate design patterns, and drafting initial pseudocode and design. Although we faced challenges in completing the task within the limited time, the experience taught me the value of teamwork and working efficiently under pressure.

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Consultation Frenzy: Week 3 Insights!

On August 29, 2024, our group had a consultation session for our Software Design and Engineering course, specifically for Activity 3.4, which focuses on the implementation and the hardware and software requirements for our system. Two of my groupmates met with our instructor, Engr. Suasola, to review our progress. Following the consultation, we were advised to add images to the other categories of our hardware and software requirements.

My groupmates and I plan to discuss this addition, along with other necessary tasks, during our next meeting. We are aware that this is a challenging process, but we are committed to addressing all feedback and completing the requirements efficiently.

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Insights from CPE312: Exploring Software Engineering

On August 22, 2024, our journey in CPE312 deepened as Engr. Suasola introduced the complexities of software engineering. I learned that software development goes far beyond coding; it’s a structured process involving careful planning, execution, and maintenance. We explored how critical factors like reliability, maintainability, and scalability shape successful applications. Engr. Suasola emphasized the importance of tools like Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and the ACM’s code of ethics, reminding us that ethical conduct, respect for intellectual property, and user safety are crucial in our work. Becoming a skilled programmer requires research, innovation, and years of practice. Though challenging, the potential to create impactful software solutions is truly rewarding. At the end of our class, we had a group activity where we had to quickly analyze the context of a printed paper given to us. We divided the work among team members, each focusing on a different section. I really enjoyed the challenge of working under time pressure and collaborating to present our findings. It was a great experience to see how effective teamwork can be when everyone contributes their part efficiently.

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A New Beginning: CPE312 Orientation

August 15, 2024 marked the start of our journey in CPE312: Software Design and Engineering. As we gathered for the orientation, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Before our esteemed instructor, Engr. Carl Suasola, delved into the course specifics, we were invited to introduce ourselves and share our current favorite tunes. This lighthearted icebreaker served as a wonderful way to connect with our classmates and set a positive tone for the semester ahead. Engr. Carl Suasola then proceeded to outline the course requirements and expectations. His clear and concise explanations ensured that we were well-prepared to navigate the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead. It was heartening to know that our instructor was committed to creating a conducive learning environment where we could both excel academically and foster a sense of camaraderie. As we concluded the orientation, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and determination. The CPE312 course promises to be a transformative experience, equipping us with the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient software designers and engineers. I am eager to embark on this intellectual adventure and look forward to the exciting discoveries and accomplishments that await us.