CS1104-01 UNIT 1 LEARNING JOURNAL
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School
University of the People *
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Course
1104
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by MajorIron12152
Hi instructor,
I am glad to be a part of this class CS1104-01, a very interesting and engaging course. Well for
this week, I started by going through the learning guide where I learnt about the main topic of
study, Boolean logic with subtopics of Boolean algebra, digital and logic gates, and getting
familiar with Logisim simulator. By the end of this week, I am expected to be familiar with
elementary logic gates, Boolean algebra, and the use of Logisim simulator.
Having read through the learning guide, I proceeded to the reading assignment Computer
organization and design fundamentals (Tarnoff,2008) focusing on chapter 4 and 5, and chapter 1
of Elements of Computing (Nisan & Schocken, 2005).
I then proceeded to work on the discussion assignment, where I got the opportunity to gain a
deeper understanding of Boolean functions, composite gates, multiplexors and demultiplexors.
For example, I got to know that a gate is an electronic device which is used to compute a
function on a two valued signal (Electronics Hub, 2019). The other thing I learned is hardware
design concepts and how to implement them using primitive gates, Additionally, I got to know
about truth tables, and how the outputs vary depending on the x and y inputs. Having learnt all
these, I was able to finalize my discussion forum assignment and posted it in the discussion
forum.
The next thing I did was to download and install the Logisim software on my laptop, at first it
failed to run because I hadn’t installed the java runtime environment (JRE), which I did, and
finally was able to run the application. I then proceeded to simulate the various gates with the
while changing the x and y values according to the truth tables provided for the different gates.
To be truthful, I was anxious at the start of the course, firstly, the term started when I was so busy
at my workplace, and at the same time I was feeling a bit sick, typically I started my work late,
thanks to the various video and reading resources, I was able to quickly grasp the concepts and
push on.
I haven’t received any feedback yet, but reading what my peers posted, I believe I am on the
right track, my submission doesn’t differ much from what they posted.
Just like the past courses, the start is always tricky with mixed feelings, personally I fear failing,
so I need to do all it takes to make sure I understand the concepts being taught in this course.
To be sincere, I was surprised and left to wonder, I studied Computer systems while doing my
Diploma in Computer Science back in my country, looking at the approach we are using to tackle
this course, it makes me feel like what I studied then is a totally different course from what I am
studying now but I am positive by the end of this course, I will be a better student. I expect to
gain skills in designing basic digital circuits, and the application of different logic gates while
designing complex computer systems. The use of the Logisim simulator tool is particularly
interesting because it gives me the feel of a real-life scenario.
The one thing I am realizing about myself as a learner is that I take time to grasp concepts but
once I put in my time and concentrate, I easily pick up and never forget, unfortunately, the time
is limited because I have a full-time day job, meaning I must put in extra effort to complete my
assignments.
I have always been enthusiastic about how computer systems are formed, with the knowledge
gained in this week’s reading, it will help me to better troubleshoot computer system problems in
my current role as a User Support Technician.
Lastly, the one important thing I am thinking about in relation to this activity, is how best, I can
apply the concepts I am learning in this course in my daily work, and probably in future be able
to build my own system.
References:
Nisan, N., & Schocken, S. (2005). The elements of computing systems. MIT Press.
http://f.javier.io/rep/books/The%20Elements%20of%20Computing%20Systems.pdf
ElectronicsHub. (2019, June 19). Introduction to Logic Gates. Retrieved from
https://www.electronicshub.org/introduction-to-logic-gates
Tarnoff, D. (2007). Computer organization and design fundamentals.
http://faculty.etsu.edu/tarnoff/138292/
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