BUS ADM 740 Blog

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to add what will probably be my final blog entry.  I hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day and got the chance to spend time with family.  I was able to get together with my mom, mother-in-law, and the rest of the family to enjoy a nice meal and fellowship... We made some really nice steaks, chicken, salad, and many other delicious items including several desserts! Yum!

Anyway, I am hard at studying these remaining two days before the test and our project deliverable.  Just reviewing all the material I can and making some last minute tweaks and improvments to my project.  I hope everyone's exams and final days of class have went well.  This is my only class, but it sure has kept me busy...

I enjoyed working with everyone and learning from you all.  I really did learn a lot, even though at times I felt overwhelmed.  Review and repetition for me is the key! 

Have a great summer and enjoy time with your families....

Blessings and success,

Tom Gessner

Hi Everyone:

After going through all the recent blogs, it is easy to see to see the common thread of frustration, tiredness, and the anticipation of the semester's end.  I can totally relate to the amount of time and effort we have all have put into this class.  This certainly has been no bowl of cherries! Like Dan said in his last blog post, we have only failed if we have failed to learn - even if it is through our mistakes.  So, don't feel too bad if things don't totally make sense - they sure don't to me at this point.

Anyway, I do have sometime tomorrow to work on my project and try to get this web service working with my application.  I am thankful that my program does work locally, in case the web service never works for me. 

As we are coming to an end, I have enjoyed this class, although it has certainly consumed more time outside of class than any other class in my life (my wife isn't too happy about that!).  I plan on spending some more time this summer reviewing the concepts we have learned and trying some practice applications to reinforce these concepts.  Most importantly, I am going to take the summer off and return in the fall, so I can spend more time with my family and newborn son.  I really need the break!

Best wishes to everyone on their project and final exam! It has been a ride!

Blessings and success,

Tom

Hi All,

Just checking in again... Not much to say on this end; just continuing to press through the project and gettting in as much study time as possible for the final exam.  I have the day off from work every Tues., so I try to really cram as much as I can before class.

I wish everyone well with these last two weeks of class.

See you later in the lab,

Tom

Hi All,

After reading all of the recent blogs, I understand everyone's stress at this time of year and with our class in general.  We are moving very quickly with many concepts, and trying to grasp them all is challenging.  I must say, I spend the majority of my time away from work studying and working on homework and reading, and reading, and reading! 

I agree that after chapter 6, this class took on a whole new level of difficulty.  Without any elaborate book examples, one must really dig...

But, hang in there everyone, we will make it! I just keep on asking questions and also putting my head together with my fellow classmates.  It really does help to get another peson's perspective on things.

Anyway, I am really tired from work, school, newborn baby, etc.  I love them all, but it just seems like there is never enough time in a day.

Have a great weekend and just take a deep breath... We're all almost done for the semester!

Tom

Hi Everyone,

Just needing some help here with lab 4.  I am trying to provide the code for the load and save functionality.  The lab assignment sheet says to "(see slides)".  For whatever reason, this is not helping me.  I keep getting a blue squiggly on the "(_filePath,...)" part of the New FileStream parameters that says "Name _filePath is not declared."  Does anyone know why or how to resolve this?  Please let me know...

Thanks,

Tom

Public Shared Function loadPatients() As Patient()

Dim mySerializer As XmlSerializer

Dim aryPatients As Patient()

Try

mySerializer = New XmlSerializer(GetType(Patient()))

' To read the file, create a FileStream.

Dim myFileStream As FileStream = New FileStream(_filePath, FileMode.Open)<<<<< blue squiggly

' Call the Deserialize method and cast to the object type.

aryPatients = CType(mySerializer.Deserialize(myFileStream), Patient())

Return aryPatients

Catch ex As Exception

Return Nothing

End Try

End Function

Public Shared Function savePatient(ByVal aryPatients As Patient()) As Boolean

Dim mySerializer As XmlSerializer

Try

mySerializer = New XmlSerializer(GetType(Patient()))

' To write to a file, create a StremWriter object

Dim myWriter As StreamWriter = New StreamWriter(_filePath)<<<<< blue squiggly

Return True

Catch ex As Exception

End Try

End Function

End Class

Hi Everyone:

Were you able to access the Assignment #4 class library and .cab file?  I get a "page not found" error.

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Everyone,

Just checking in again.  What a nice day we had! Warm, sunny... I can't wait until summer.  Anyway, besides enjoying the nice weather and a nice meal at the Olive Garden with my wife and son after church, I spend a better portion of my day beginning to code my project.  I am still learning how to properly use the classes, arrays, etc. and implement them into my project.  The restaurant information for my application is being hard-coded into functions, which is taking an extremely long time, since I am going into a good amount of detail.

I still have a ways to go, but I am making progress.  I look forward to getting Assignment #4 done quickly so I can focus on this project.  I still have to figure out the best way to format the output for my restaurant info., since I do have quite a bit of info.

Anyway, it's pretty late, and I will be signing off.  Have a great night!

Tom

Hi everyone,

Just wanted some feedback on my initial GUI and project plan.  I am not sure if I am trying to cram too much information or not into this project. 

Screen 1:  User enters in zip code, choose cusine type and presses Let's Eat button.

Screen 2:  Based on those entries, restaurants in the chosen cuisine type appear on Form 2, with location info. as well as the option to get additional details about the restaurant.

Screen 3:  Screen 3 displays the additional info. (Seating capacity, popular dishes, hours of operation, etc...)

Any feedback is welcome! I am hoping I can code all this... If not, I may have to eliminate some information...

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to get some feedback on the design of other people's projects.  I have created three separate forms (basically screens that the user will reach in sequence as the processing of the application continues), but am wondering if I am going to far?  Are most of you just creating your main form, along with some forms to contain the class libraries? 

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Everyone:

I wish you all a Happy Easter! I can't believe it snowed - again! I thought we were in the clear... guess not.  Anyway, I have a few questions on the project.  On the Project Milestones page (introduction), located on the course website, it says we are to use two forms or more. I am not sure if I know how to use multiple form objects.  How do we do that?

Secondly, I was trying to set up the web service, talked about in Prof. Haines recent blog entries, but I am not able to do so from my home computer.  Do we have to do this at school only?

Thanks for your input!

Tom

Hi Everyone:

I just am having some difficulty in getting the question in the textbox to wrap correctly on the screen of the emulator.  The questions or requests for data get cut off on the right side of the screen and the user cannot fully view it.  Does anyone know how to correct this?  Please let me know...

Thanks,

Tom

Hello again:

Just checkin' in, since it has been several days since I last wrote.  Been quite a busy week, with work, parenthood, and of course - school.  Just up late right now getting some reading in after a long day at work.  Working weekends is definitely something I don't plan on doing the rest of my life, which is why I am continuing my education.  Someday soon weekends off will be a reality!

Anyway, I'm looking forward to Spring and I believe we had a nice taste the past few days, with sunny weather, temps in the 40's, and the chance to roll down our windows in the car more than a crack.  We're almost there....

As far as how things are going in the class, I feel pretty good.  I definitely rely a lot upon my book to help me understand the concepts introduced in class; the book really, in my opinion, does a wonderful job for us beginners.  I am thankful that I accidentally ordered the comprehensive version of our book, since it has 5 additional chapters, that are helping me understand our functions, procedures, and arrays a whole lot better.  This is a case when you really do learn from your mistakes (pun intended :)....

See y'all next class,

Tom

Has anyone figured out how to get the .cab file into the program files of the emulator? I have spent the better portion of my Sat. trying to figure this out....

Tom

Hi Everyone,

I am almost finished with lab #2, but like was mentioned in class, the cab file has caused some difficulty.  I did write down as much as I could regarding the resolution of the issue, but now that I have arrived at this juncture of the project, I am stuck.

I have completed step 6 of the lab, up to building the project, which is debug mode.  I assume that Windows File Manager means the dialog box that appears when the debugging begins and shows files being installed on the mobile device.  So, I have checked there, and do not see any .cab file extentions. 

I do have Active Sync installed on my computer and running and I have looked on the mobile device's program files, but there are no .cab files that have been transferred during deployment.

Any suggestions are welcome at this point. Please help...

Thanks,

Tom

Hi Everyone,

Not much new on this end besides studying for the exam, thinking about my project idea, and completing Lab #2.  I am probably overdoing my preparation for the test, but since this is my first class at UW-M in a completely new field, I really want to do a good job.  I am much more comfortable now then when I first began the class, as many of the programming concepts were very foreign to me; now it makes so much more sense.

I look forward to the weekend to have some more off time to focus on taking the test and finishing the above-mentioned assignments.  It really can be a challenge when you work full-time, are a parent, and are involved in other activities.  I'm sure we all can relate. 

Anyway, have a great weekend and see you all next class meeting!

Tom

Hi Everyone,

Just checkin' in since it has been a few days.  I am still studying and working hard to prepare for our exam; chapters 4-6 seem to be my focal point at this juncture, since creating the GUI and using the various property controls is not that difficult.  Overall, things are going well in the preparation process, as I am going over vocabulary, doing all the execises in the back of the book, etc.  I sure have spent a lot of time with this book of ours! But, it has been very helpful.

Reading some of the other blogs, I too am ready for Spring even though it seems as though it will never come.  I sure can't wait for that first 60-70 degree day.

Anyway, it is late and I am going to bed.  Long day at work and studying after 10 P.M becomes quite difficult. 

See you all in class!

Tom

P.S.  I was wondering if anyone wouldn't mind sharing website links that they have found helpful to their IT educational path.  I am trying to learn as much as possible as I am taking on this new career path.  Any other software related links are also welcome.  Thanks.

Hi class,

Hope everyone is doing well and having a great day.  I am just spending sometime here before work studying and getting ready for the exam.  I am pleased that I was able to code the Assignment #2 project in a few hours, which for me is really good.  I think it took me a combined 6-8 hours of time over serveral days for the first one.  So, I am certainly no master yet, but I feel I am making some adequate progress.

I sure am glad that we have some extra days to study for the test and we have the option of taking it up until Sunday night.  Thank you, Prof. Haines!

I look forward to working with Loops and Select Case statements more and in finishing the Ch. 6 Guided Development project; practicing these concepts over and over is helping me out a lot.

Anyway, I wish everyone well on the test and hope you all have a great weekend!

-Tom

Hi everyone, I am almost done with my coding of the application, but this stinkin' icon is causing an exception problem in debug mode.  I am thankful to Majdi for offering me advice, which is probably right on, but I cannot even get to the window where the mobile device is displayed to test and see if my coding is correct.  I get an error message in Code View with a highlighted green line.  I really don't know how to get past this.  I have looked at it and tried things for hours. 

The directions in the lab assignment say to go to Project - Resources - Name Icon - Draw It - Click Save, all of which I have done.  Yet, the Icon doesn't appear in design mode (which may or may not be necessary) and I am prevented from testing my coding.  Does anyone know what I am talking about or have an answer regarding this?

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks,

Tom

I know we have talked about it in the past, how can we import the title of each student's blog to Google Reader? I haven't figured it out....

Thanks,

Tom

Just thought I'd write concerning the 2nd lab assignment.  I am continuing to finish the lab, as I did not get too far in class last time.  For me, the more I immerse myself in the concepts and language of programming, the easier it is getting.  I did manage to code the Conversion button event handler, which I am happy about, including all of the error message boxes, etc.  However, I wasn't able to get my icon to come up on the GUI.  It is saved and can be edited, but for whatever reason, I cannot get it to appear when I go into design mode.  Any ideas or suggestions?

This weekend will probably include a good amount of reading and re-reading of the material for me.  I am feeling more confident with my knowledge and currently developing skill, but I know I am not where I want to be right now.  I am a big fan of the guided development exercises, and probably will do a few of those this weekend.

Anyway, have a great weekend everyone and look forward to seeing you all in class.

-Tom

Well, are we all ready for another round of lovely snow... another 8-10 inches?  I am honestly really shocked at the amount of snow we have been getting this year.  I know this is WI, but c'mon. 

Anyway, last class was very informative and I enjoyed talking about the path technology is taking in the coming years.  Our fast-paced world is about to get a whole lot faster.  Although I am not too familiar with mobile devices, I am sure I will learn more as this class progresses and as my business needs change.

Lacking any more words at this time, as I do some studying at a late hour (only real time I can get some peace and quiet), I wish everyone a great weekend and happy shoveling!

Tom

Just some more pics of beautiful places with warm weather... I can't wait to go on vacation and I am starting to make plans for this year.  I am so excited (my wife even more!)

Enjoy!

Tom Gessner

(I tried putting the titles in, but for some reason, it didn't work.)

From left to right, then down:

1. Honeymoon in Cozumel, Mexico (My wife, Felicia and me)

2. My wife and I on our first day in Kona Kailua, HI

3. We're at Akaka Falls in Hilo, HI

4. View from our rented condo in HI

5. Photo on the beach from resort outside Montego Bay, Jamaica

Hi there,

For some reason, I cannot find my completed homework assignment.  I completed the mock-up and was trying to send it to the J-drive and I can't find it anywhere.  A dialog box comes up and says it has either been moved or deleted. 

Honestly, I am a bit confused with all the files that are generated in VS.  For every project we do, there seems to be several folders and files, with which, I am having a hard time determining what is what. 

Could someone possibly break this down in simpler terms so that I can easily save and send completed assignments.  I'm sure it is here somewhere, but I can't locate it anymore.

Thanks,

Tom

Hi everyone,

I really don't have anything of great substance to write at this moment, but I finally have got some time to myself to do the homework, practice with the software, and progress in learning the vocabulary presented in the book.  Since I am new to the IT field, I am finding it helpful to write down all vocabulary words I am not familiar with, go through extra exercises in the book, and do some practice quizzes and tests that are offered online through our text.  For those who are new like me, I feel this is a good approach to gaining some confidence with the materail.

So far, I am enjoying the class, the great mix of students, etc.  I'm not sure yet if programming will become a passion for me, but I know it is too early to tell.  I do find programming interesting and I like the opportunity to create applications and put your own personal touch on them.  Our project looks to be a fun exercise!

Hopefully, everyone returned home safely from the snow storm we had, and if you are like me, have had enough snow for a long time.  I can't wait to go on vacation somewhere warm, like Hawaii. 

(Photo I took last May in Kailua Kona, HI)

I logged into the J-drive to try to retrieve my homework assignment and am not able to.  Is that normal.  An error screen appeared and mentioned something about not being able to access it remotely.  I just am wondering if Mr. Haines can still get my homework?

Also, I am doing the "Hotel Room Selection" guided exercises to get practice.  I finished up to a certian point, and wanted to pick up where I left off, and somehow, I am not able to access it.  I transferred the folder from my desktop to my laptop to work on it and I can't even open it?

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Tom Gessner

After a long ordeal in obtaining the software, it looks like we all have downloaded our software and are ready to practice our VB skills... What a battle! Anyway, things are going well for me in grasping the material, thanks to our book, which makes it very clear and understandable.  I really like the review exercises at the end of every chapter, the online resources, etc. to help reinforce what I am learning.

See you all in class!

Tom

Here's the software link! :)

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee - BUS

ELMS for MSDNAA Software Center: This message has been generated
automatically from your ELMS. Please do not reply to this message
as you will not receive a response. Please click on the SUPPORT
link in your MSDNAA Online Software System for support contact
information on your campus.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Hello,

Welcome! You have been registered in your university/college ELMS
for MSDNAA online software system. Here you can download and
access a wide range of Microsoft developer tools, servers, and
platforms. There is no charge to download the software as long
as you are an eligible user in the System.

How Does it Work?

Your university/college is licensed under the MSDN Academic
Alliance Program which enables eligible students and faculty
members to access software available under the Program. e-academy
Inc., a partner of Microsoft, is providing ELMS for MSDNAA to you.
Simply log into the System using your username and password
included below and start browsing/ordering the software
available to you.

Your MSDNAA Online Software System can be found at:
http://msdn05.e-academy.com/wiscmil_bus

***** REMAINDER OF MESSAGE REMOVED *****
 

Hi Class,

With frustration mounting, I took it upon myself to contact the SBA Microsoft Academic Alliance myself and finally got a response.  Eric Dietenberger wrote me a return email and it is written below:

"Thomas – my error – I used an incorrect list for authorization.  You should receive an email to you UWM email account within 24 hours."

I apologize for any inconvenience.

Eric

Let us all rejoice!

Has anyone received there email yet for free software? Nothing on this end yet....

Tom

Just wondering if we are having class tonite? I haven't seen any cancellation yet.  Almost every school in Milwaukee is closed - middle school, high school, and college.

Please let me know...

Thanks,

Tom Gessner

Just responding to some of the blog entries I have read.  I agree, Majday, that working in groups of two on the programming (coding) part of our instruction would be helpful in gaining some early successes and confidence with programming in general (especially for me, being new to the field).

In response to Taryn, I also would like to know how to save the practice project of chapter two, dealing with the GUI, so I could alter it at a later date.

Mara, very nice first blog.  I must say, it was a long one! But, congratulations on your marriage and I wish you nothing but the best! Marriage truly is a blessing from the Lord...and having children makes it even sweeter.  Many blessings to you!

Well, see you all in class...

Sincerely,

Tom Gessner

Today I had my first taste of Visual Studio 2005, as I made a trip to the computer lab located within the business school.  Following our book's intructions, I was able to successfully and quickly complete the user-inteface mock-up for the Hotel Room Selections.  This was a lot of fun for me, and I look forward to learning more in the days to come.  I really am thankful that our book takes a step-by-step approach in explaining the process of creating the GUI and in defining terms that I am seeing for the first time. 

While I did not really understand the coding we talked about in the first class, I am sure that as time goes on and I go through our text, this process will be made much clearer and understandable. 

-Tom Gessner

Just was wondering how I can use Google Reader to view all the blog entries at once.  I set up an account with Google and need a little help.

Thanks,

Tom Gessner

Hi Jennifer, I just read your message.  To get into the weblog, click on the Blog link on the left side of Mr. Haines' class website.  Once inside, go to the end of the page and click on the sign-in link at the bottom right, after all of the student weblogs.  Enter username and password as "admin".  You will then be able to click on the "Configuration" Tab and change the password to whatever you want.  I had to play around with it a little while but it finally worked.  I hope this helps.  Let me know.

See you in class,

Tom Gessner

Just thought I'd write and get my first blog entry in.  I am excited to be in Bus Adm 740 and begin my new adventure in MIS.  Although my background is limited at this point, I am extremely motivated to become knowledgeable and proficient in VB and Visual Studio 2005.  I find that the diversity of our class, with respect to employment experience and IS backgrounds, will be a great asset to us all! 

Until next time, everyone have a great week and see you next Tuesday!

- Tom Gessner