Class Observation First Draft
Meta-Commentary
When sitting in on the class, I basically jotted down things I observed. I observed things from the students, to the shape of the room, and the lecture that was being taught. When I didn’t understand what was going on I asked students to tell me about the lecture and their project. When taking notes I had to keep thinking about if this is what I really want to major in. Will these observations contribute to whether or not I decide my major.
From: Algeo Rosario
To: English 100 Participants
Date: October 2015
Subject: Observations on Information Systems Analysis & Design
Introduction
The class I visited was ITM 353: Information Systems Analysis & Design, taught by Randall K. Minas in the Shidler College of Business Room D104. ITM stands for Information Technology Management which combines aspects of Business and Information Technology. This course goes over analysis and design of systems in businesses. This course also includes general systems concepts, systems development life cycles, identifying systems requirements, logical and physical design. To be enrolled in this class you must complete ITM 352 and BUS 311 while also being enrolled in the College of Business Administration. This class meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 am to 11:45 am.
Noteworthy Findings
Before entering the classroom I had a hard time finding it. The Shidler College of Business is mapped out very intuitively yet odd, so I took a couple of paces around the building until I found the room. The door was indented in the wall and just by walking past it youʻll probably miss it. I entered the class exactly 10:30 am and Professor Randall is there already giving his lecture. I take a seat in the back and just observe the class. The first thing I noticed is that his voice was really loud. Louder than some of my regular teachers. This may be because of the way the room was shaped. It wasn’t a regular square room and the walls seemed to have been formed in a way so that sound waves can bounce around the room. There were 16 students and four of them arrived late. Sitting down I felt small. Mainly because this group of students were seniors. Most of them were paying attention, but others were distracted with social media and the wonders of the internet. The atmosphere was pretty laid back.
Today’s lecture was about risk management. What I got from it was that companies have a goal in mind but they need to predict risks that could possibly happen. These risks can range from inexperienced workers to unhappy customers. All of the students had a pretty good understanding of what was being said through their conversations. As for me, I had some trouble comprehending. They made business jokes and I failed to see what the humor was. What he went through during the lecture seemed intimidating because in business you have to expect obstacles and failures, but you have to work your way around through them. I had to realize that Business is also a team effort because you’re not going to be working alone in a business
Later on, the class were split into their project groups. This project consisted of them building something with technology and making a business out of it by the end of the semester. Their task was to come up with 10 risks that their project might face. The group I observed talked about their risks which included inexperienced programmers, lack of budget, and lack of time. They talked about technology but with a very high business attitude. The group talked to each other very comfortably and were on a mission to get this project done. Professor Randall was going around the class checking in on each group seeing what they come up with and possible solutions to those risks. After Professor Randall went around, each group shared their risks and possible solutions to those risks. From there, I realized that MIS is not just technology but the business aspect is prominent. My conception was that it was just using technology to better a business. I learned instead that you are apart of the business and you must make decisions and predict outcomes. Next class, the students are actually going to be by themselves working on their projects. After class was over, most of the students stayed back to talk about their projects which shows how much interest they have in this course.
Recommendations
If you like technology and you like Business then this is the course for you. If you really are considering Business as your major you should look into this if you have a interest in technology as well. I thought the class was interesting and very intuitive. As for me, the Business aspect was intimidating, so I may not choose this as my major. If you truly can love the balance between business and technology then go for it. Take ICS classes and take Business classes. Skill-wise your communication should be on point when doing business practices. Time management should also be imperative because deadlines are a must. If you can handle that, then ITM courses can truly benefit you.