1.1-1.2 and 3.1, Due on September 1

1. The most difficult part of the material for me was the Theorem on page 68. The theorem makes sense to me but I got lost in the proof. I understand how it related to the Euclidean Algorithm but the numerous variables and their representations confused me. I think seeing it a second time in class will be helpful.
2. One thing that I thought of when I read the first two sections was in regards to online security. In the last two years or so I have often been asked to identify or decipher a message while typing in my password on certain web pages. When I check my Gmail I am asked to type in a 'word verification' before I can sign in. These words are often nonsense and upon reading this section I am wondering if these 'word verifications' relate to password security. Someone told me that they are meant to make sure a human is at the computer and not some computer trying to hack into my email. I don't know what the answer is but I do believe it has to do with securing private information online.

Introduction, Due on September 1

1. I am a senior this year, double majoring in mathematics and mathematics education. This is my last semester in Provo. In January I am moving to Washington D.C. to do my student teaching before graduating in April 2011.
2. I have taken the following post calculus math classes: Math 290, Math 313, Math 334, Math 341, Math 342, Math 352, Math 371, Math 300, Math 362, Math 570, and Math 450
3. I am taking this class because I have taken a class from you before and I think you are a great teacher. I need one more upper division class to graduate and when I looked at the options this semester and saw you were teaching this I wanted to take it. (I often choose my classes by teacher, not content. Last semester I didn't even know what Combinatorics was but when I found out Dr. Barrett was teaching it I signed up.) Dani Mendell took this class last year and recommended it to me as well. I am familiar with your teaching style, testing style and homework load, and I have found them to be very fair and conducive to learning.
4. I do not have much experience with Maple or other programs. I took a Math Ed class called Teaching  with Technology last year where we spent about six class periods on Maple, but that's the extent of my knowledge. I took Computer Science 142 (Introduction to Java) three years ago but I really struggled in that class and I don't feel very proficient in Java or computer programming. I don't feel too comfortable using computer programs for the homework (yet); however I understand computers are a big part of modern mathematics and I am very willing to learn to program or use Maple. I think it will be a valuable skill in the future and college is probably a good time to learn it.
5. My favorite math professor is Dr. Barrett. Once I discovered him I took everything he taught because I enjoyed his classes so much. What I enjoyed about him was his extreme organization and willingness to help. With some teachers I feel like when I visit them in their offices they are annoyed and make me feel less intelligent for not knowing what -apparently- I should already know. I never felt that with Dr. Barrett and he always put his students first. He also had a well organized homework and exam schedule so that we knew what the homework was going to be month in advance. 
6. Something interesting about myself is that I love to to travel and study abroad, and I believe in getting a very broad education (not just math) during my undergraduate years. Last Summer I studied Shakespeare and Theatre in London and this year I did an international development internship in Thailand for three months. I lived with a native, Buddhist family and got to travel all over Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. I taught English at a local Thai school in my village. I am trying to add variety to my math education and so far it's been providing me with a nice balance.
7. Your office hours work well for me. Thanks Dr. Jenkins. I look forward to this semester.