Assignment 1

1.   What is your year in school and major?

            I am a senior studying Mathematics Education.

2.   Which post-calculus math courses have you taken?  (Use names or BYU course numbers.)

            I have taken Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Theory of Analysis, and Abstract Algebra.

3.   Why are you taking this class?  (Be specific.)

            Cryptography sounds like a it'll be a really fun subject to study and better understand. I look forward to learning the mathematics behind the algorithms we use to ensure data integrity.

4.   Do you have experience with Maple, Mathematica, SAGE, or another computer algebra system?  

            Sadly, no. 

5.   Programming experience?  How comfortable are you with using one of these programs to complete homework assignments?

            I have some limited experience with Visual Basic from years gone by. I don't know how well I might be able to complete assignments using this, but I do feel fairly competent as an amateur when it comes to the logic behind programming.

6.   Tell me about the math professor or teacher you have had who was the most and/or least effective.  

             One professor I quite enjoyed was Professor Williams from the Mathematics Education department. I felt he was able to teach the material very well and also was very interested in how well we learned it.

7.   What did s/he do that worked so well/poorly?

             I've had a lot of instructors that I really liked, and only a couple that could have helped me more. In each of these cases, though, I feel that the most prevalent reason was that the professor either did or did not show me that they cared about me learning the subject matter. If they would open themselves up to the class and made themselves approachable while requiring that the material was mastered, I did quite well. On the other hand, those who didn't really want to be there passed that sentiment onto me.

8.   Write something interesting or unique about yourself.

            I have a lot of interests. I really enjoy things like reading, cooking (especially the eating afterwards), and pretty much all sports. Hopefully this helps make me a more rounded person.

9.   If you are unable to come to my scheduled office hours, what times would work for you?

            I may not be able to make the given office hours. If this is the case, I could make it during the hour directly afterwards.