https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074 Financial Modeling and Analysis en-us 2019-03-05 17:21:01 UTC 2024-05-29 17:03:59 UTC hello@padlet.com john_douglas97 https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338022965 During my junior year at the University of Georgia, I took a mandatory course for my Finance major called Financial Modeling and Analysis. I chose this course specifically because the subject matter of this class was by far the most technologically involved than any of my classes in my entire K12 system and at the University. To get an idea, the course is all about the use of simple computer programs (i.e., Microsoft Excel) to create powerful statistical, analytical, and predictive analysis of a vast range of financial statements and other types of data. From that introduction, I was very intimidated going into the course, as I did not have any experience in such a realm beyond simple computational experience from previous financial courses. However, the professor used many different types of innovative and helpful technology to ensure that students were able to learn effectively throughout the course. ]]> 2019-03-05 17:24:29 UTC https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338022965 john_douglas97 https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338024410 The technology tool that this professor used that primarily stands out to me was his use of “virtual lectures” for every single concept and course work throughout the semester. As one could imagine, the amount of new information presented in this course was deep, and entirely too new for one to fully grasp at the first time they listen to it presented to them. To accommodate for this, this professor posted every single lecture as a video of his computer screen as he walked through every step of each analysis with a voice over explaining along the way. In addition, the students were able to listen to the lectures at a wide range of speeds; slower speeds were helpful for students trying to learn and faster speeds were great for those trying to review before exams. This helped understand the intuition and logic behind each analysis, and gave students a far deeper ability to learn the material, especially compared to learning from a textbook alone.]]> 2019-03-05 17:26:57 UTC https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338024410 john_douglas97 https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338024999 The next tool that my professor used was the assigning of group case studies including real world examples and data pulled from current databases (i.e., Yahoo Finance, Company 10-K’s, etc.). Unlike case studies in past classes where information was all presented to the students in a clean and easily comprehended table, this professor’s case studies required its students to use the advantage of the vast information readily available on the internet to download data and compute an analysis in a situation that was very similar to a real word context. In addition, the fact that the case forced the students to work together, organize themselves, and meet outside of classes, the students were made to work in a context that teaches them in spheres beyond just finance. It taught them how to work with others effectively and to collaborate in the real world. 

]]> 2019-03-05 17:28:00 UTC https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338024999 john_douglas97 https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338027448 While I enjoyed this class and was very impressed by the tools and technology used to help the students learn the coursework, there is always room for improvement and innovation. My first recommendation for a new tool to incorporate would be the use of virtual webcam sessions, similar to the FlipGrid reflections that I have used for this course and other course at UGA. These reflections force students to understand course information enough to the point where they need to be able to verbally explain a concept for hundreds of other students to see. While intimidating at first, this communication tool has been very helpful for me in many course at the University.]]> 2019-03-05 17:31:23 UTC https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338027448 john_douglas97 https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338027865 Another tool that I believe would be an effective collaboration tool would to have a public Google Doc or other type of shared drive for students to have access to. In many of my courses, shared Google Docs have been used and proved to be a source for entire classes of students to collaborate and teach each other different contexts when questions arise. Students with different expertises in separate realms are able to teach other students with lesser understanding. ]]> 2019-03-05 17:32:03 UTC https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338027865 john_douglas97 https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338030423 2019-03-05 17:36:24 UTC https://padlet.com/john_douglas97/hzhyevwjo074/wish/338030423