Friday, February 6, 2026

Personal Introduction

Hello everyone! My name is Ashton Turunc and this is my first blog post. I’m excited and a little curious to be starting this journey, especially knowing that anyone could be reading this. I’ve always been interested in technology and how it works. I feel comfortable using tech more than most people, so I’m looking forward to seeing how this class builds on what I already know while also teaching me new skills.

My first impression of IS101 was curiosity. Getting into the class, I honestly didn’t know exactly what it would be about, which made it interesting rather than intimidating. As I’ve started working through the material, I can see how the course helps students understand everyday technology and how to use it effectively and responsibly. It feels practical and relevant, which makes it easier to stay engaged.

For Discussion 2 Part 2, the LabSim skill I worked on was 1.4.15, Configure Privacy Settings in Google Chrome. I already knew how to adjust many of the basic settings, but this lab showed me more detailed ways to improve my security and privacy online. It helped me understand how small changes in browser settings can make a big difference in protecting personal information. I think everyone should know this. 

One of my main goals for this class is to complete the LabSim assignments efficiently so I can work toward finishing the course early. That would give me more time to focus on myself and my other class, English 102. Overall, I’m excited to keep learning, strengthen my tech skills, and see how IS101 can help me both academically and in everyday life.

16 comments:

  1. I love your goal to finish the course early and that you are excited to keep learning, Ashton :-)

    Yes, configuring privacy settings in Chrome -- any browser -- is something everyone should know and practice!

    May IS101-3003, Spring 2026 strengthen your technology skills and help you academically & in your everyday life ^_^

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  2. Hi Ashton, I noticed you really take privacy seriously because when I tried checking your blog it was hidden. I ended up finding it through Canvas instead of the comment section. I also agree that English 102 is not easy, especially since it focuses on writing. I almost failed that class before and had to go to the writing center several times. Back in 2017 or 2018, AI was not really available, so I had to draft everything on paper and let them correct it manually. I used to struggle a lot with prepositions and sentence structure. My English 102 professor was also very meticulous about citations and references, which made every small formatting mistake count. That class definitely pushed me to pay more attention to details in writing.

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  3. Hi Ashton, I like the way you described your first impression of IS101. It’s interesting how you mentioned that not knowing exactly what the class would be about made it more interesting rather than intimidating. That perspective can really help when approaching new subjects and learning new skills. I also agree that the course feels practical and relevant because it focuses on everyday technology and how to use it responsibly.

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  4. I feel like I am in concert trying to type this comment while hearing some pretty intense music with the background choice, or maybe a theatre? Nope, too many lights. I had a same goal as you of trying to finish the class as quickly as I can so that I can focus on other things and sadly, I was not successful with it. Although, doing it on your own pace while being on track hits different too as it doesn't snowball and would be hard to catch up. Hope to seeing more stage lights and blogs from you!

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  5. Hello Ashton, I curious if you ended up learning any other skills that you didn't already know? As in if there were any that stuck out in particular. It's great that you want to finish the course early. I just take it as I go. But that does get me in some stressful situations sometimes. It's better to be early than on time.

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  6. Hi Ashton, I think it’s smart that you pay attention to online privacy, so many people overlook that! It sounds like you’re on the right track with LabSim and managing your other classes. Good luck reaching your goals this semester!

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  7. Hi Ashton. I am into learning about technology too. I am studying to become a radiologic technologist. What degree are you pursuing?

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  8. Hey Ashton! Approaching content with curiosity is always the best strategy, especially with education, I agree that configuring privacy settings as 1.4.15 showed us is great, especially with the added depth!
    Best,
    Rafa

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  9. Ashton, your proactive approach to IS101 reflects a high level of digital self-efficacy, particularly through your strategic focus on advanced browser security configurations and your goal of academic acceleration to balance the demands of your English 102 coursework.

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  10. Ash, it's really cool to see that even though you are relatively knowledgable of technology you still are learning new things in this class. Regarding the task on google chrome privacy settings your insight on it makes me want to go over that assignment again as chrome is something I use on a daily basis the idea that I can make the experience safer while I'm surfing through the web gives me a sense of interest.

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  11. Hey Ashton, hope all is well, I agree with you regarding maintaining and configuring privacy settings on Chrome, I used operate on Chrome a lot in High School but that doesn't discredit the precautions to take when using any different browser so thank you for informing me to keep watch out for my privacy and assuring it isn't exposed. That Labsim is very useful giving insight on how to function on Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more, Hope you get what you can out of this class!

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  12. hello Ashton, I agree it is important for people to know how to manage their privacy settings in Chrome. It's a good goal to end this course faster than the set time, good luck with that and good luck with English 102!

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  13. Hi Ashton, it’s great that you already feel comfortable with technology and are curious to learn more. The LabSim activity about Chrome privacy settings is really useful because small changes in those settings can help protect personal information online. Good luck with the rest of the semester.

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  14. Hey Ashton! Nice to meet someone who's tech-savvy, now we'd know who to approach when we have tech problems :) Just kidding. But kidding aside, I agree that LabSim's lab stuff are efficient and really does work at making students learn effectively. It does feel practical and relevant. In fact, I was able to use the skills I learned here for a midterm research paper! And the contents are not boring and all about reading blocks of texts! which makes it easier to stay engaged like what you said.

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  15. Hey Ashton, this class is definitely practical and engaging because it can be used outside of school. I've also taken English 102 last semester and I thought I knew everything about Microsoft Word until I took the LabSims and learned there are way much more hidden shortcuts and things that can be useful. Best of luck and have a great semester!

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  16. Hello Ashton, learning privacy settings in one of our most popular browsers has been very beneficial. Totally agree everyone should know how to toggle with their settings, especially since everything is becoming digital.

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