CIW Certified!

Well, I passed WSV1 and procured my CIW Web Design Specialist certification.  When I finished the exam I wondered whether or not I had passed but fortunately I rec'd a 91%, which felt great. The actual exam was worded much more ambiguously, in my opinion, than any of the practice exams I had used to prepare.

The day was tricky, because I had come from several hours away, so I showed up quite early just in case. When I arrived at the testing center I was told that 3 of the 5 machines the facility used exclusively for Pearson VUE testing were down.  The proctors felt that as long as they didn't log those machines out, I "should" be able to test.

I informed them that I had come from 5 hours North and the look on their face didn't inspire confidence.  However they put me in the brake room with tea, coffee and candy and I simply went over the exam guide. I tested an hour late but it worked out; I was able to complete a surface reading of the entire guide and I truly think that helped.

The staff at the facility were true professionals and down to Earth.  Since my sister lives 20 minutes away I think I've found a good place for future tests.

On to Project+!

First Post

I started at WGU (Western Governors University) on July 1st, 2011 and thus far I am pleased. I've been learning a lot and by the 9th of September I should have competed my third class.

For my fellow WGU IT students this post is simply a requirement of WSV1 Lab 32-5, but what the hey? I might as well make it informative and useful, so I'll summarize my WGU experience thus far:

The curriculum and the various resources available to learn the curriculum are quite numerous and of good-quality. I enjoy the weekly chats with my mentor and I have utilized his knowledge to help plan my course schedule.  The current course mentor for WSV1, Adrian, is also an excellent resource and replies promptly to any question I pose.

I also enjoy the WGU forums ("communities"). One of the arguments credible individuals have made against online universities, degree's ect. is that they are or can be "anti-intellectual." My own feeling is that an intellectual will seek out intellectual experiences and the discussions that occur in some of the forum threads are as intellectual as anyone could desire. There now, enough of that word!

Once I finish WSV1 (Web Design) and earn my CIW Web Design Specialist certification, for kicks (and practical purposes) I will create my personal site/portfolio/resume page, for practice and exposure and with the idea of doing part-time technology consulting. My specific aim and short-term goal is to assist local seniors with all things electronic/technological, for a modest fee.

I'll do my best to update this blog with my progress (and setbacks) as often as time, my spouse, my daughters, my 2 Chihuahuas, work and school (of course) permit.

Thank you for reading!