FAQs by Program Directors about Computer Matching

What does a computer matching program do?

A matching program serves as a clearinghouse to help applicants obtain supervised practice positions of their choice and to help Dietetic Internships (DI) obtain applicants of their choice. It eliminates unfair pressures and premature decisions in appointments by programs and acceptance or rejection of appointments by applicants. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has contracted with D&D Digital to facilitate matching through a computerized process.

Computer matching simulates all the steps of the traditional selection process using the rank order lists submitted by applicants and programs, but eliminates the pressures in making decisions. As a result, each applicant receives a position with the highest ranked program that offers the applicant a position. Each program is matched to the maximum number of positions to be filled with the highest ranked applicants who do not receive offers from programs they prefer.

Who screens applications and decides which candidates are acceptable to a particular program?

Each DI screens its own applications and submits a priority listing of acceptable applicants to D&D Digital, along with the number of positions to be filled. The program's priority listing should include more names than there are positions available to ensure that all positions are filled.

Programs are encouraged to rank all applicants that they would accept into their program on their priority list. A program will not be matched to an applicant whose name does not appear on the program's priority listing. Nor will an applicant be matched to a program that is not on the applicant's priority listing.

Will the applicants or programs know how the other has ranked them?

No. All information submitted to D&D Digital is kept confidential. Each applicant is given the final result of the matching. Each program is provided with the names of the applicants it obtains in the match. Programs and applicants are not told how they were ranked by each other.

Who is responsible for the acceptance and rejection notice to applicants?

D&D Digital provides personal notification of placement or lack of placement to each applicant via their website. It also provides each program director with a list of applicants matched to its program. Applicants who receive a match are required to notify the program by appointment day to accept or reject the appointment.

What can a program do if computer matching does not fill all its positions?

D&D Digital sends a listing of unmatched applicants who have agreed to release their names to each program following the matching. Programs may contact unmatched applicants or return to their applicant pool to fill positions only after appointment day has occurred (see Dietetic Internship Program Director Responsibilities for entire process).

Who pays for computer matching?

All costs are borne by the applicant. Applicants must pay a $50.00 fee when submitting their rank order lists to D&D Digital.

What do students need to do to be considered for a DI appointment?

Students should be advised that there are two components. First, they must apply to each DI for which they seek admission. Most programs use DICAS, the online application. The second component is the appointment process. Most DIs are participating in computer matching. The remaining programs accept applications only from individuals employed by the sponsoring institution. These individuals should not be participating in computer matching. These programs are noted as exempt from computer matching in the directory of accredited programs.

Can a student apply to more than one track of a single program?

Yes. There are programs with more than one track. These may have two or more computer matching codes, one for each option. The applicant needs to rank the options according to preference when they submit their priority choices.

Is there a limit to the number of programs that one can apply to and rank for computer matching?

There is no limit to the number of programs selected. However, the applicant must submit an application to each program. Many programs charge an application fee and DICAS charges a fee for each program selected to submit an application.

What process is used for the matching?

Before matching begins, the applicants' preference lists and the DI preference lists are "cleaned." If a program does not rank an applicant, that program is removed from the applicant's list. If an applicant does not rank a program, the applicant is removed from the program's list. Then, the matching occurs using the student's prioritized list and the programs' prioritized lists until all possible matches are complete. The process is explained in detail on the D&D Digital website.

If a student submits the priority choices and fee for the computerized match process, but changes his/her plans, how should this be handled?

If the student has submitted the priority choices and then changes his/her career plans, he/she must notify D&D Digital in writing or by email prior to the deadline date of their decision to withdraw from the matching process. Applicants must check the Computer Matching Calendar to obtain deadline dates each matching cycle.

Do some students receive matches to more than one DI?

No. Students are given only one match, the highest priority choice on their list for which a program match occurs.

Can a program require acceptance into a graduate program in conjunction with the DI and still participate in computer matching?

Yes. Applicants should be advised to submit the application to the graduate school at the same time the DI application is submitted. The program's list of preferred applicants should include only those who also meet the graduate school requirements.

Our program admits applicants during each of four academic quarters. It is difficult for us to participate in a selection process with only two appointment dates.

You can request two different codes for each of the two appointment dates. The codes will correspond to the quarterly admission dates for your program. Thus, you will be able to select students for summer and fall start dates in April and for winter and spring start dates in November.

Which DI programs are participating in computer matching?

All DIs are participate in computer matching except those programs granted an exemption from computer matching because they only accept applications from individuals employed by the sponsoring organization. The online directory of Dietetic Internships notes those participating in computer matching and those programs that are exempt. Applicants to these programs are not expected to be applying to other supervised practice programs or participating in the computer matching appointment process.

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Computers: History, Components and Future

When you think about computers, you probably think about your home computer, your laptop or even a notepad. Your home computers can do everything from send a letter to plan your next vacation to Disney World. You can download music and watch movies!

Cartoon Computer Image - Science for Kids All About Computers

Your home computers can do everything from send a letter to plan your next vacation to Disney World. Find out more all about computers below.

The first computers weren’t so fancy. In fact, one of the first computer was an abacus. Invented in Babylon in 500 B.C., the abacus was made of string and beads. Its only purpose was to count and keep track of money and other things. In the 1600s, two inventors made calculators that ran with gears and wheels.

Abacus Computer Image

In fact, one of the first computer was an abacus. Invented in Babylon in 500 B.C., the abacus was made of string and beads.

In 1833, Charles Babbage invented all the parts a modern computer uses, but it wasn’t until 120 years later that the first modern computers were invented. These first computers were huge and took up a whole room. The beginnings of computers as we know them happened in 1980 – only 30 years ago.

main-parts-of-computer-hardware image

Main parts of computer hardware.

Fun Facts about Computers for Kids

A computer is a machine that takes input from the user and gives output. So, you give the computer a command and it follows it to produce a result.

Computers have a microprocessor that can make calculations instantly. Lots of things have microprocessors, such as your car, your washing machine, your dishwasher and even your television.

Computers have memory or RAM, which stores items on the computer when they’re not in use. The processor stores everything your computer needs to run.

As computers run, they get hot. Computers have fans to keep them cool.

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Part of Computer

If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.)

The following illustration shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system might look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them into a single, notebook-sized package.

                                                                                            Part of Computer

Picture of a desktop computer system                                 

Desktop computer system

Let's take a look at each of these parts.                           

System unit

The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.

Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device or device.

Picture of a system unit

System unit

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Storage

Your computer has one or more disk drives—devices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.

Hard disk drive

Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk—a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.

Picture of a hard disk drive

Hard disk drive

CD and DVD drives

Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD; many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.

Picture of a CD

CD

DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.

Tip

If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important files to CDs or DVDs. That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data.

Floppy disk drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also retrieve information more slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some computers still include them.

Picture of a floppy disk

Floppy disk

Why are these disks called "floppy" disks? The outside is made of hard plastic, but that's just the sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.

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Mouse

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.

Picture of a computer mouse

Mouse

A mouse usually has two buttons: A primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.

Picture of mouse pointers

Mouse pointers

When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer. For more information, see Using your mouse.

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Keyboard

A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:

The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on where they are used.

The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly.

The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within a document or webpage.

Picture of a keyboard

Keyboard

You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse. For more information, see Using your keyboard.

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Monitor

A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.

There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and the newer LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter.

Picture of an LCD monitor and a CRT monitor

LCD monitor (left); CRT monitor (right)

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Printer

A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to print e‑mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other material. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.

The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home. They can print in black and white or in full color and can produce high-quality photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.

Picture of an inkjet printer and a laser printer

Inkjet printer (left); laser printer (right)

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Speakers

Speakers are used to play sound. They can be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

Picture of computer speakers

Computer speakers

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Modem

To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.

Picture of a cable modem

Cable modem

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Disadvantages of internet

1) There is a lot of wrong information on the internet. Anyone can post anything, and much of it is garbage. 

2) There are predators that hang out on the internet waiting to get unsuspecting people in dangerous situations. 

3) Some people are getting addicted to the internet and thus causing problems with their interactions of friends and loved ones. 

4) Pornography that can get in the hands of young children too easily. 

5) Easy to waste a lot of time on the internet. You can start surfing, and then realize far more time has passed than you realized. Internet and television together of added to the more sedentary lifestyles of people which further exacerbates the obesity problem. 

6) Internet has a lot of "cheater" sites. People can buy essays and pass them off as their own far more easily than they used to be able to do. 

7) There are a lot of unscrupulous businesses that have sprung up on the internet to take advantage of people. 

8) Hackers can create viruses that can get into your personal computer and ruin valuable data. 

9) Hackers can use the internet for identity theft. 

10) It can be quite depressing to be on the internet and realize just how uneducated so many people have become in today's society.

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Advantages of internet

1) Information on almost every subject imaginable. 

2) Powerful search engines 

3) Ability to do research from your home versus research libraries. 

4) Information at various levels of study. Everything from scholarly articles to ones directed at children. 

5) Message boards where people can discuss ideas on any topic. Ability to get wide range of opinions. People can find others that have a similar interest in whatever they are interested in. 

6) The internet provides the ability of emails. Free mail service to anyone in the country. 

7) Platform for products like SKYPE, which allow for holding a video conference with anyone in the world who also has access. 

8) Friendships and love connections have been made over the internet by people involved in love/passion over similar interests. 

9) Things such as Yahoo Answers and other sites where kids can have readily available help for homework. 

10) News, of all kinds is available almost instantaneously. Commentary, on that news, from every conceivable viewpoint is also available. 

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Internet

Internet

  

Definition

A means of connecting a computer to any other computer anywhere in the world via dedicated routers and servers. When two computers are connected over the Internet, they can send and receive all kinds of information such as text, graphics, voice, video, and computer programs.

No one owns Internet, although several organizations the world over collaborate in its functioning and development. The high-speed, fiber-optic cables (called backbones) through which the bulk of the Internet data travels are owned by telephone companies in their respective countries.

The Internet grew out of the Advanced Research Projects Agency's Wide Area Network (then called ARPANET) established by the US Department Of Defense in 1960s for collaboration in military research among business and government laboratories. Later universities and other US institutions connected to it. This resulted in ARPANET growing beyond everyone's expectations and acquiring the name 'Internet.'

The development of hypertext based technology (called World Wide web, WWW, or just the Web) provided means of displaying text, graphics, and animations, and easy search and navigation tools that triggered Internet's explosive worldwide growth.

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Function of Programming

Functions

Functions "Encapsulate" a task (they combine many instructions into a single line of code). Most programming languages provide many built in functions that would otherwise require many steps to accomplish, for example computing the square root of a number. In general, we don't care how a function does what it does, only that it "does it"!

When a function is "called" the program "leaves" the current section of code and begins to execute the first line inside the function. Thus the function "flow of control" is:

The program comes to a line of code containing a "function call".

The program enters the function (starts at the first line in the function code).

All instructions inside of the function are executed from top to bottom.

The program leaves the function and goes back to where it started from.

Any data computed and RETURNED by the function is used in place of the function in the original line of code.

Why do we Write Functions?

They allow us to conceive of our program as a bunch of sub-steps. (Each sub-step can be its own function. When any program seems too hard, just break the overall program into sub-steps!)

They allow us to reuse code instead of rewriting it.

Functions allow us to keep our variable namespace clean (local variables only "live" as long as the function does). In other words, function_1 can use a variable called i, and function_2 can also use a variable called i and there is no confusion. Each variable i only exists when the computer is executing the given function.

Functions allow us to test small parts of our program in isolation from the rest. This is especially true in interpreted langaues, such as Matlab, but can be useful in C, Java, ActionScript, etc.

Steps to Writing a Function

Understand the purpose of the function.

Define the data that comes into the function from the caller (in the form of parameters)!

Define what data variables are needed inside the function to accomplish its goal.

Decide on the set of steps that the program will use to accomplish this goal. (The Algorithm)

Parts of a "black box" (i.e., a function)

Functions can be called "black boxes" because we don't need to know how they work. Just what is supposed to go into them, and what is supposed to come out of them.

When defining a program as a black box, we must describe the following attributes of the function.

Note: most documentation systems are just this, the attributes of a function with no code associated with it.

The Name - describes the purpose of the function. Usually a verb or phrase, such as "compute_Average", or just "average".

The Inputs - called parameters. Describe what data is necessary for the function to work and gives each piece of data a Symbolic Name for use in the function.

The Calculation - varies for each function

The Output - Usually one (but sometimes zero or sometimes many) values that are calculated inside the function and "returned" via the output variables.

Function Workspace

Every function has its own Workspace. This means that every variable inside the function is only usable during the execution of the function (and then the variables go away).

Having a separate "workspace" for each function is critical to proper software engineering. If every function shared every variable in an entire program, it would be easy to inadvertently change the values of variables that you shouldn't. Further, it would be hard to remember what "names" have been used elsewhere, and coming up with new names to represent similar ideas would be challenging.

A side-effect of function variables not existing after the end of the function is that the only way to get information "out" of a function is by "returning" that information via the output of the function.

Additionally, the function can only "see" the information that is "passed" to it via parameters. Thus the only way information can get "in" to the function is by using parameters.

Note: In certain object oriented languages (e.g., C++, Java, ActionScript), a function can also see all of the variables associated with its containing object.

Formal vs. Actual Parameters

When we create a function, it should represent a "generic" action that can be applied in many circumstances. For example, if we want to find the average grade, it doesn't matter if it is on a test, or on a quiz, or an assignment, or a midterm, etc... given any list of grades we can compute an average!

...but if it can be any list of grades, how do we know what the list of grades will be called? The answer: we don't care. You, the programmer of the function, provide your own name for the data. This is much the same as when a sales person calls you and reads a script trying to sell something to you, they say: Dear _insert customer name here_, let me sell you our wonderful product.

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