Over the years, I have used many Excel reference books to continually try to find new tips and tricks. There have been several that have been pretty good. Some were too basic, others just not helpful.
This book is aimed at the intermediate level users. This feature made the book attractive as I don’t need pages of introductory material in Excel.
The book has great descriptions of methods to analyze and manipulating data — perfect for accountants. It also has tons of practice exercises for those wanting to use the text in the classroom.
A recent Buzzfeed article (https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/wikipedia-fake-academic-journal ) claimed that a new website would convert any Wikipedia page into a PDF that looks just like a respected journal article. It even gives users the appropriate MLA or APA citation with a preview of what a professor would see if they clicked the link.
So, I had to try the website myself.
The first thing I see on the website is a field to enter a link the Wikipedia link. So, I put in the URL for the Blockchain site.
M-journal first page
After a few short seconds, it gave me a view of a PDF looking file, complete with ink blotches of an article on blockchain. Weird title, but possible.
Initial view of copied article
To get the citation, a student clicks on the button and different formats are provided. An URL is provided as part of the link.
The second button shows what an instructor would see if they viewed the link.
Instructor view
The page looks like a valid journal at first glance it looks like a legitimate journal, complete with a fake ISSN number. From what I can see, the article is pretty much a straight copy of Wikipedia.
So, this leads the question. Would you rather have the student cite Wikipedia directly, than trying to falsify the source? At least then the citation could be judged on its own merit.
I hope all of us want to be better teachers and help students learn. That starts with students feeling comfortable in the classroom. Part of that is knowing that you care, or at least notice them.
This Chronicle of Higher Education blog gives 3 ways that you can do this. Guess what? They are all pretty simple.
Get to learn students names. Sometimes we may make an error, but show that you are trying.
Respond to emails in a timely manner. Along with that, teach your students some basic e-mail etiquette.
Show up — for office hours, that is. Be there when you say you will be there.
There is a global cybersecurity skills crisis. The threat continues to grow as there is a shortage of experts to reduce cyber attacks.
Computer Security
One expert believes the field is changing too fast that this issue will not be solved in the classroom. Certifications and other static methods lag behind the latest techniques used by hackers.
The most important skills for a cybersecurity to develop is creativity and curiosity, as well as thinking on one’s feet, skills that are rarely honed while in the classroom. The best learning will be by doing as real attacks are occurring.
The VLOOKUP function is widely used to retrieve information from a range of data. Although that function works great, most of the time, it does have some limitations.
This article gives a great summary of when to use INDEX/MATCH vs the VLOOKUP function. https://excelzoom.com/3109-2/
Of course, soon in Office 365, this will all go away with the XLOOKUP function
Dark data is all of the data an organization has collected or has access to, but does not use. There may be many hidden gems for decision making in this hidden data.
This short video describes dark data for the new user.
As I started my first academic job, it seemed I had more things to organize and keep track of than ever before. Since then I have developed a suite of tools that have helped and allowed me to focus on research.
I hope you find something on this list to help you. I have provided my favorite reusable notebook to citation/PDF manager, as well as editing service.
