19/7/2018

Today I came into college to complete and finalise unit 23 to make sure it's all correct and that I can pass the criteria for it. This was kind of stressful because in order to make one change I would have to make some changes to the criteria that I had already past. I think tomorrow will be my final ever day at college because I will be waiting for resubmissions and finishing off any SOAs that I have not filled in.

17/7/2018

Today I worked on outstanding tasks for the majority of the day. In the afternoon I had a meeting with my careers adviser that helped me create a CV covering letter which will be extremely useful in the near future. I am going to make a start on applying for jobs this week.

16/7/2018

Aims: To complete unfinished work for U35
To complete any unfinished work for all other units
Outcomes:
Complete resubmissions and unfinished work for U35
Complete and hand in U35 SoA and end of unit survey
Complete any other unfinished units, including SoA
Complete Summer reviews
Complete exit interview

Today I handed in part one of assignment 3 for unit 35 so now only need to complete part two. To do this I need the results for my survey so that I can reflect back on my graphics and state what I could do to improve them. In the meantime for this, I can complete any resubmissions that I have to do and I also have unit 23 to change too. A strength is that I know exactly what I should be focusing on but I weakness is that I still have lots to complete before the end of the year.

13/7/2018

Lesson Aim:
To finalise tasks for Assignment Three
Submit A3 to a good standard, work on resubmission of prior assignments
Complete outstanding SoA and U24 assignments

Learning Objectives
Complete Assignment submissions
To work toward completion of Assignment Three

Today I completed all resubmissions that are due except for U23 work which means I am yet another step closer to finishing college. The only pieces of work that are on my mind now is finishing unit 23 and 35 which may or may not take me lots of time to complete. I did not get much sleep last night so found it a challenge to stay focused today but still managed to get more work completed than I thought I would.

10/7/2018

Work on outstanding resubmissions
Clarify any comments on U3 work
Present data in an accurate and easy to read format
Identify outstanding work
Prioritise outstanding work
Set share settings on documents to anyone with the link can comment

Today I came into college in the morning and completed lots of work for Unit 35 which means I am almost caught up on my workload for the rest of the year at college. On the other hand, I may need some extra time to complete this as it is due today but I will try my hardest to complete it from home. I am very happy that the end of the year is approaching for me so I will be able to move onto full time work somewhere but I still need to work as hard as I can to complete everything ASAP.

9/7/2018

Aims:To be able to create digital graphics for an interactive media product following industry practice
To review the digital graphics created
To complete unfinished work for U35

Outcomes:
Create interactive media graphics for an interactive media product following industry practice
Create interactive media graphics for an interactive media product to a good technical standard following industry practice, showing some imagination 
Create interactive media graphics for an interactive media product to a technical quality that reflects near technical standards following industry practice, showing creativity and flair, working independently to professional expectations
To collect four or five reviews on your digital graphics
To describe any further improvements that can be made to the graphics
Complete resubmissions and unfinished work for U35

Today has been a very productive day for me because I have been determined to complete lots of work. I managed to complete all resubmissions that are due soon (except for U3 A3T2) and also had plenty of time to work on unit 35 digital graphics. I am really pleased with the way my graphics have turned out to be which might be due to the amount of time I spent planning them.

My next piece of work due is a resubmissions for Unit 3 which is A3T2 and this is due tomorrow.

6/7/2018

Lesson Aim:
To finalise tasks for Assignment Three
Submit A3 to a good standard, work on resubmission of prior assignments
Complete outstanding SoA and U24 assignments

Learning Objectives
Complete Assignment submissions
To work toward completion of Assignment Three

Today I came into college and completed many resubmissions including some for unit 3, 14 and 29. A strength of this is that it means I am more ahead on my workload so I can concentrate on what I need to do next. A weakness of today was that I only had £1.88 for lunch which was enough to buy a bag of doritos and a dip (which is unhealthy).

The next piece of work that I have due is a resubmission for unit 29 which is A4T2

29/6/2018

Lesson Aim:
To continue with development of Assignment Three
To demonstrate your robot for A3
Submit A3 to a good standard, work on resubmission of prior assignments

Learning Objectives
Develop skills writing code in NXC
Demonstrate the robot
To work toward completion of Assignment Three

Today I came into college to finish off outstanding works and managed to complete a resubmission for unit 3 and almost another one for unit 14. The last SMART target that I set myself was To review all of my SMART targets at the end of this term to make sure they are SMART (Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely). I will do this as well as other resubmissions over the weekend so I am more ahead of my work schedule.

The next piece of work I have due is a resubmission for unit 14 which is A3T1 (due Monday 2nd July).

26/6/2018

Use a SQL commands to interrogate a multi table database
Present information in a suitable way

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Export data from DBBrowser
Identify how data may be suitable, accurate and relevant
Refine the search using SQL commands
Identify specific data from multiple tables as requested
Identify valid but inaccurate data
Interrogate edit large sets of data to present useable information
Interrogate large sets of data to present accurate, valid and usable information
Manipulate data in Excel to produce useful information
Evaluate information to present it and justify the methods you have used

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Develop SQL query skills
Present data for a purpose
Edit and process data for a purpose

This afternoon I came into college in order to complete outstanding resubmissions that are due soon. In my attempt at this, I only managed to complete most of one resubmission because today has not been very motivated really. I spent some of the time today thinking about my target grades for each of the units and decided that I only really need to go for Passes on most the units this year to achieve the grade that I want for this course (MMM). If however I change my mind and go for distinctions in the rest of the units then I will only achieve a DMM. 

The next assignment I have due is a resubmission for unit 3 which is A2T3 due 28th of June.

25/6/2018

Aims: To be able to create digital graphics for an interactive media product following industry practice

Objectives:
Create interactive media graphics for an interactive media product following industry practice
Create interactive media graphics for an interactive media product to a good technical standard following industry practice, showing some imagination 
Create interactive media graphics for an interactive media product to a technical quality that reflects near technical standards following industry practice, showing creativity and flair, working independently to professional expectations

Today I started working on my actual graphic designs for unit 35 and managed to already complete 3 of them. I am really happy with how well I have spent my time creating these because they did not take me ages and look very good from my own point of view. A weakness of today is that I felt less motivated in the afternoon so did not complete as much work as intended.

My next assignment is due today which is A3T2 for unit 03.

22/6/2018

Lesson Aim:
To continue with development of Assignment Three
To demonstrate your robot for A3

Learning Objectives:
Develop skills writing code in NXC
Demonstrate the robot
To work toward completion of Assignment Three

Today I managed to finally complete writing and testing the code for my robot. After doing this, my robot was observed by my Tutor and it scored 40 out of a possible 75 which I am really happy with but I could have massibly improved this if I altered and then tested higher movements speeds. A weakness of today was that I was late to college by about an hour and fifteen minutes because my alarm did not go off this morning. Despite this, I was still able to come into college to complete a substantial amount of work!

My next assignment is due on Monday 25th which is U3 A3T2 and John has kindly given me an extension for this so I have more time to complete it.

19/6/2018

Use a SQL commands to interrogate a multi table database
Present information in a suitable way

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Export data from DBBrowser
Identify how data may be suitable, accurate and relevant
Refine the search using SQL commands
Identify specific data from multiple tables as requested
Identify valid but inaccurate data
Interrogate edit large sets of data to present useable information
Interrogate large sets of data to present accurate, valid and usable information
Manipulate data in Excel to produce useful information
Evaluate information to present it and justify the methods you have used

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Develop SQL query skills
Present data for a purpose
Edit and process data for a purpose

This afternoon we carried on with U3 Assignment 3 Task 2 and I managed to complete two queries in this time. A weakness of today was that I was going to come into college early this morning but decided to work from home instead. I am happy that this assignment was given an extension for tomorrow because I still have lots to complete for it. I will be coming into college tomorrow to catch up on more work.

The next assignments I have due are U3 A3T2, U35 A2T2,T3 which are all due tomorrow.

18/6/2018

Aim: To be able to generate ideas for digital graphics for an interactive media project

Objectives:
To understand the importance of design tools
To create a moodboard for interactive media products for a stated client.
To create a mind map for interactive media products for a stated client.
To create sketches for at least one concept for interactive media products for a stated clientTo create sketches for three different concepts for interactive media products for a stated client

Today I completed the specification plan for my graphics so I know the exact settings to use for each image with reasons. I also worked to completing U35 A2T3 which is all about copyright and the ethical issues that a designer has to consider before making graphical images. This is important because as a professional designer you do not want to get fined or hurt anyone's feelings through segregating their race or gender for example. A weakness of today is that I still believe I am behind on work as I have not yet done my sketches for my digital graphics so still have lots of work to complete before wednesday.

The next piece of work that I have due is U3 A3T2 due tomorrow 19th June.

15/6/2018

Lesson Aim:
To continue with development of Assignment Three
To investigate line following techniques 

Learning Objectives:
Investigate the use of sensors in NXT Robot design
Develop skills writing code in NXC
Investigate different methods of line following in NXC
To work toward completion of Assignment Three

This morning I am happy to say that I have finished the first version of my code which is working, I say first version because there are so many improvements that can be made such as the speed in which it moves. I am really happy with the amount that I did in the space of this morning because I thought that it would take extra lessons to get this far into the assignment. My SMART target for today was to remove distractions when working on assignments to give 100% of my focus on my work for the next two pieces I work on.

This afternoon we looked at the our robots and discussed why they need to transfer any analogue signals into digital. I know that computers only understand signals that use binary so I based my hypothesis from that. We were also introduced the new merit criteria assignment which was about how and why these Lego robots use signal conversion.

The next piece of work that I have due is a resubmission for Unit 3 which is A2T1 and actually a day late so I need to resubmit this as soon as possible.

11/6/2018

Aims: To be able to generate ideas for digital graphics for an interactive media project

Objectives:
Explain the importance of designs
Create a suitable design brief for a stated client
State what legal and ethical considerations need to be considered when creating interactive media products
To understand the importance of design tools
To use design tools (moodboard, mindmap, sketches) to start to design interactive media products for a stated client
Today I worked into completing U35 A2T1 and I am really happy with the amount of work that I did on it because I only have to write the conclusion to finish it off. A strength of today is that I am happy with the decisions that I made when planning because I gave good reasons for why I would chose to use something like a specific setting for an image. This has made me more prepared for the next assignment in Unit 35 because working through this has given me ideas for what graphics I could create.

The next piece of work that I have due is A3T1 for unit 3.

8/6/2018

Lesson Aim:
To continue with development of Assignment Three
To investigate line following techniques 

Learning Objectives:
Investigate the use of sensors in NXT Robot design
Develop skills writing code in NXC
Investigate different methods of line following in NXC
To work toward completion of Assignment Three

This morning I finished off my flow charts for unit 14 so I am almost caught up with my workload for this unit. I also made some sketches of my robot and labeled parts of it to achieve the criteria for the assignment (I hope). In the afternoon we had a tutor hour about how IT could effect our jobs in the future and I found out there is a 22% chance of my dream job being taken over by robots. My SMART target for this week was to come into college for two extra days next week to ensure I am caught up on my workload.

The next piece of work that I have due is today which is U35 A1T1 and I have almost completed it.

5/6/2018

Use a SQL commands to interrogate a multi table database
Present information in a suitable way


Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)

Import data to DBBrowser
Export data from DBBrowser
Identify how data may be suitable, accurate and relevant
Refine the search using the WHERE command
Use logical operators to be more selective in SQL
Identify specific data from multiple tables as requested
Reformat a field in a table
Identify valid but inaccurate data
Interrogate edit large sets of data to present useable information
Interrogate large sets of data to present accurate, valid and usable information
Work towards completed assignment 3Manipulate data in Excel to produce useful information


Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Develop SQL query skills
Present data for a purpose
Edit and process data for a purpose

Today I made a start on breaking apart and altering the three different tables which were part of a games sales database for unit 3. I really thought about what I could do in the database to make sure the data is kept accurate, reliable and useful to a company and I started to do things like remove blank fields and change the column titles to my liking.

The next piece of work that I have due is U35 A1T1 in which I need to put in lots of work for to hand it in on time.

4/6/2018

Aim: To be able to generate ideas for digital graphics for an interactive media project

Objectives:
Write detailed and clear reasoned article about the use of different colour spaces, optimisation and applications including suitable images (A1)
State what a design brief is
Create a suitable design brief for a stated client
State what legal and ethical considerations need to be considered when creating interactive media products
Understand and be able to explain the importance of legal and ethical issues when creating interactive media products

Today we reached further into Unit 35 which is all about graphics and legislations to protect your and other peoples work. The new assignment was added into the classroom however I have yet to make a start on it because I have been working on A1 for the majority of my day today. A weakness is that I am still majorly behind on my workload but I have opted in to come to college extra days this week to resolve this.

The next piece of work that I have due is a resubmission for unit 14 which is (A2T1)

15/5/2018

Use a range of SQL commands to interrogate a multi table database
Present information in a suitable way

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Export data from DBBrowser
Refine the search using the WHERE command
Use logical operators to be more selective in SQL
Identify specific data from multiple tables as requested
Reformat a field in a table
Consider how law impacts on databases
Identify valid but inaccurate data
Interrogate edit large sets of data to present useable information
Interrogate large sets of data to present accurate, valid and usable information
Identify flaws in a databases design
Manipulate data in Excel to produce useful information
Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Develop SQL query skills
Present data for a purpose
Edit and process data for a purpose

This afternoon we did some more practice work on SQL in preparation for the practical in a few weeks time. We used some new functions to identify specific users that signed up etc before a different date and also used some addition and rounding functions to calculate averages. A downside is that I am still struggling with SQL a little bit but I think that's down to having less practice to other people. I set myself a SMART target last week to practice SQL so I will try my best to reach that.

The next assignment that I have due is a resubmission for tonight (U23 A4T1)

14/5/2018

Aim: To be able to describe/explain/comprehensively explain different file types, bit depths, colour spaces and optimisation

Outcomes:
Explain the differences between bitmaps and vectors with suitable images 
Identify three different colour spaces and explain how graphic designs would use those colour spaces
Write detailed and clear reasoned article about the use of different colour spaces including suitable images

This morning we were introduced to the new unit which is all about graphical media and design. I think that I will enjoy this unit because I am really interested about encouraging my skills in graphic design. On the other hand I feel that the first assignment is a bit repetitive because we have learnt about the file types and whatnot last year as part of unit 30. A weakness of today is that I did not complete as much as A1 as I would have liked to because I only managed to complete 1 out of 3 sections.

The next assignment I have due is a resubmission for Unit 3 due tonight (A1T1)

11/5/2018

Lesson Aim:
To introduce what is required to complete Assignment Three
To complete Assignment Two to a great standard
To investigate line following techniques 

Learning Objectives:
Investigate the use of sensors in NXT Robot design
Develop skills writing code in NXC
To complete Assignment Two
Investigate different methods of line following in NXCTo evaluate what is required to begin working on Assignment Three


This morning I made lots of progress on my work for unit 14. I managed to complete all of the testing for the code for my robot and it works great. This afternoon we had a tutor hour about the problems that our world will/is facing and what is causing them. I think that a big challenge that our society will face in the future is littering because more and more people are doing it day by day. This is a very bad thing because it can cause harm to animals and their habitats which also comes back to affecting humans. My SMART target for today was Complete 2 hours of more work on SQLite to make sure I am confident when it comes to the practical work.

The next assignment I have due is U14 A2T1 due tonight. I still have a lot of work to complete on it so will have to work from home tonight to get it finished.

1/5/2018

Use a range of SQL commands to maintain a large database

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Be confident using the interface for DBLite
Refine the search using the WHERE command
Use logical operators to be more selective in SQL
Identify specific data as requested
Delete records from a database
Consider how law impacts on databases
Identify how specific legislation can impact data storage
Identify valid but inaccurate data
Edit large sets of data to present useable information
Edit large sets of data to present accurate, valid and usable information


Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Develop SQL query skills
Edit and process data for a purpose

This afternoon we got past the stage of experimenting with SQL and started using it properly to manipulate a database with 1000 entries. I now feel more confident with SQL because we have been using it for a couple of lessons now. Something that I would like to do that would help me in the SQL practical is to make lots more notes on the work that we are using for practice. A weakness is that I am a little behind on my workload so I need to work as efficiently as possible at home in order to catch up.

The next assignment that I have due is a resubmission for Unit 24 tonight which is A2T1.

30/4/2018

Aim: To be able to complete unfinished work

Outcomes:
To complete most of the work still owing for U23
To complete all of the work still owing for U23s
To complete unfinished work from other units (U29)

Today I have spent the majority of the day working on outstanding work for unit 29 and managed to complete about 80% of a single piece of work. However I feel that I have been distracted for lots of the lesson so could have completed a lot more of it. To be quite honest, I did not really enjoy today because it has not been very productive.

The next deadlines that I have is today with 3 resubmissions (U14, U14 and U24).

27/4/2018

Lesson Aim:
To introduce and begin working on completion of Assignment Two
To Identify and utilise 3 types of sensor 
To compose NXC code that controls robot behaviour and utilises 3 different sensors

Learning Outcomes:
Identify different types of NXT Sensor
Write code that utilises at least one sensor
Explore the nXc coding language and how to interact with sensors
Transfer code to a robot and assess its behaviour

Learning Objectives:
Investigate the use of sensors in NXT Robot design
Develop skills writing code in NXC
To evaluate what is required for Assignment Two

This morning we worked on writing and testing more code onto our robots and I managed to complete a set of instructions for all 3 sensors; sound, ultrasonic and touch. After doing so, we had to video record them moving and responding based on this code. A weakness is that after writing individual code for each part we then had to combine all of them together which was difficult because they all had to interact with each other in some way. This afternoon we had a tutorial hour on refugees and I learnt that the UK have so far taken in 14% of refugees.

The next assignment I have due is U3 A2T3 which I have an extention for.

24/4/2018

Lesson Aims:
Develop a basic understanding of simple SQL commands.


Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)

Know the interface for DBLite
Use the SELECT keyword
Know the wildcard to select all
Refine the search using the WHERE command
Use logical operators to be more selective in SQL
Order results in SQL
Understand how to collect data from two different tables
Begin to develop their understanding of SQL
Work on outstanding tasks

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Research a topic independentlyProofread your work and submit
Collect and process data for a purpose

This afternoon we were introduced with a new type of data spreadsheet software and language called SQL. My opinion on this software is that I think it is okay but I don't like having to write code to display results etc because it takes a while. In other software such as Google Sheets you are able to select columns and order them with a few click of a buttons but SQL is used more in today's world. A strength on today is that I came into college early to work on outstanding work however I still have yet to complete it.

My next assignment is due today so I will need to complete this when I get home (U3 A2T3).

23/4/2018

Aim: To be able to design plans for back out procedures
To be able to explain the importance of the user acceptance process

Outcomes:
Create a templates for a range of backup procedures
State the importance of the registration and user acceptance process
List the steps required for the registration and user acceptance process
Write details with reasons of the registration process
Write details with reasons of the user acceptance process

Today we looked into the new U29 assignments which was about backup procedures and how they can be used to prevent data integrity. A weakness of today was that I actually was almost 2 hours late for college which was because I overslept due to my alarm not being set. On the other hand to make up for this lost time, I will be coming into college early tomorrow to finish some other work that I missed. A strength however is that I completed a whole assignment and made a very good start on another of them so I am making my way back slowly to being level with my work.

My next piece of work is U29 A4T1 which is due tonight.

20/4/2018

Lesson Aim:
To introduce and begin working on completion of Assignment Two
To Identify and utilise 3 types of sensor
To compose NXC code that controls robot behaviour and utilises 3 different sensors

Learning Outcomes:
Identify different types of NXT Sensor
Write code that utilises at least one sensor
Explore the nXc coding language and how to interact with sensors
Transfer code to a robot and assess its behaviour

Learning Objectives:
Investigate the use of sensors in NXT Robot design
Develop skills writing code in NXC
To evaluate what is required for Assignment Two

This morning we completed some conductive work on our robots and wrote more code to control what they will do. A strength of this is that I managed to make my robot move forward and an event will trigger if the touch sensor collides with something. In this afternoon's tutor hour, we looked at job interviews and discusses our past and recent interviews that we had. In my next job interview, I will make sure that I arrive 10 minutes prior to the start and that I know exactly how to answer each questions. For my next job interview, to do research about the company and learn how to answer different questions perfectly.

My next assignment is U3 and U29 in which I have extensions for Monday 23rd March.

27/3/2018

Lesson Aims:
Discuss a live example of questionable data ethics / security

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Identify how a company has/hasn't conformed to legal expectations
Identify how a company has/hasn't conformed to ethical expectations
Identify the impact that manipulative use of collected data can have
Analyse data and identify who is at fault for improper use of data
Discuss the methods used to collect and manipulate data
Research a live case study
From research form a well rounded and supported opinion
From research identify key points
Begin to develop their understanding of SQL
Work on outstanding tasks

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Research a topic independently
Consider the implications of data collection
Discuss a current news topic
Refine work based on peer feedback

Today we looked into and discussed about a case study about how a company supposedly harvested data to try and used it to have a physiological impact on the 2016 presidential election. They used a quiz on Facebook and took over 50,000,000 peoples information. For the rest of this afternoon I worked on completing outstanding work for unit 3 however I still have to complete lots of work over the easter holidays so want to stay on top of that.

My next submission date was last night for unit 29 A2T1 however the tutor has kindly given me an extension for next week.

26/3/2018

Aim: To be able to understand the requirements in preparing for a software installation and upgrading
Outcomes:
State the importance of preparing for a software upgrade or installation
Explain the steps required in a software upgrade or installation for home and business users
Today I looked at the potential risks of installing or upgrading software and how it could affect you as a home user or even business. We also worked in groups to create a flow diagram to show how you could prepare to install or upgrade software which includes factors like if you have the correct hardware to do so.

My next submission date is tonight for unit 29 A2T1 however the tutor has kindly given me an extension for next week.

20/3/2018

Lesson Aims:
Describe the features and functions of information systems


Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)

Identify the features and functions of information systems
Identify the information systems used in a specified organisation
Identify the importance of features and functions in specific information systems
Create mind maps to help you recall information for Assignment two task two
Discuss the important aspects of features and functions of information systems Start A2T2
Research an effective diagram to describe the information system loop and justify why this is
Identify how consumer data can be used by a company
Understand how consumer data can be used by a company to gain a commercial example
Give examples of how a company may use customer data to change their business model


Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Research a topic independently
Consider the implications of data collection exhaustively
Provide useful feedback
Refine work based on peer feedback

Today I came into to college early to complete some outstanding work that was due this week. This meant that I am more ahead of my workload and now have a chance to work on other things. This afternoon we looked into information systems and the features of them. We 

23/3/2018

Lesson Aim:
To explore the LEGO NXT Mindstorms platform
To understand how sensors are used with the NXT Platform
To Identify different types of sensor
To investigate the nXc programming language

Learning Outcomes:
Identify different types of NXT Sensor
Write code that utilises at least one sensor
Explore the nXc coding language
Transfer code to a robot and assess its behaviour

Learning Objectives:
Explore LEGO NXT Mindstorms
Build a LEGO NXT Robot
Coding skills

This morning we practiced writing and downloading code onto our LEGO mindstorms robots that we previously made. Me and my partner made our robot move all motors at 100% power, causing it to move forward and spin the front tool. My partner then made it so when the back sensor touches something then it changes direction that it moves. This morning we also had a tutor hour about the United Nations which are an organization that promotes world peace by providing shelter, food and drink for countries that are at war or have economical outbreaks.

The next deadline that I have is U24 A2T1 which is due today. I need to put a lot of time into this one because there is lots of content to cover.


Lesson Aim:
Identify and work on outstanding tasks
Fully submit U13 for moderation

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Get some basic questions about U14/24 correct
Get most basic questions about U14/24 correct
Get all (or all but one) basic questions about U14/24 correct
Accurately submit U13 for moderation
Ensure all links on submitted SoA are set up correctly
Ensure SoA is completed correctly for U13
Identify all outstanding tasks and deadlines for U14/24
Work towards completing outstanding work for U14/24

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Rigorously check a peers work
Follow given instructions
Work independently

This afternoon we took a quiz which had questions from both unit 14 and unit 24 and I managed to score a good amount of them to be correct. Something that I am happy about is that I have fully completed U13 and submitted the SoA too. Based on the questions from the quiz, I know that I improve on calculating binary to hexadecimal.

16/3/2018

Lesson Aim:
To explore the LEGO NXT Mindstorms platform
To understand how sensors are used with the NXT Platform
To Identify different types of sensor
To investigate the nXc programming language

Learning Outcomes:
Identify different types of NXT Sensor
Write code that utilises at least one sensor
Explore the nXc coding language
Transfer code to a robot and assess its behaviour

Learning Objectives:
Explore LEGO NXT Mindstorms
Build a LEGO NXT Robot
Coding skills

This morning me and my partner worked on completing our robot for our unit at college. We managed to build the whole robot but have yet to code it. In today's tutorial hour, I learnt that there is something in the Olympic Games called the 'Olympic Truth' which is a rule that allows all countries to participate in the games and with safe traveling to and from them. The olympic symbol represents this because each ring is meant for a different country and they all lock in with each other. An example of how this applies peace is between North and South Korea in which they used one flag to participate. I think this could support countries currently in war because it will allow them to form together without causing any conflict. My SMART target for today was to make sure that my CV is currently up to date by adding more information to make me as a candidate more memorable by this weekend.

The next piece of work that I have due is a resubmission for Unit 24 (A1T3) which is due tonight.


Lesson Aim:
Understand the importance and structure of useful technical documentation


Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)

Justify the need for technical documentation
Identify features required in good technical documentation
Identify the qualities required in good technical documentation
Explain the benefits of proportional control systems
Describe the response of different control system types
Work towards completing outstanding work
Create an accurate contents page


Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Say why feedback systems are better than open loop systems
Know how to use a page break and why
Work independently

This afternoon I we went through M2 which requires me to make documentation for my painted program. This includes things like a change log, contents page and weakness in my program. 

12/3/2018

Aim: To be able to understand why software needs installing or upgrading
Outcomes:
Explain the difference between upgrading and installing software
To be able to state the prompts for upgrading or installing software
Explain the advantages and potential disadvantages of installation or upgrade of new software

Today I learnt what installing, upgrading and updating software are and how they differ from each other. We started the new unit today which is Unit 29 and was told that it would be quite simple to achieve the higher grades so I will at least have a go at the Merit and Distinction criteria. A strength of today was that I managed to catch up on all of my resubmissions and have finally completed unit 20.

My next assignment due is a resubmissions for Unit 24 due on Wednesday 14th. 

9/3/2018

Lesson Aim:
To explore the LEGO NXT Mindstorms platform
To understand how sensors are used with the NXT Platform 
To Identify different types of sensor 
To investigate the nXc programming language

Learning Outcomes:
Identify different types of NXT Sensor
Write code that utilises at least one sensor
Explore the nXc coding language
Transfer code to a robot and assess its behaviour

Learning Objectives:
Explore LEGO NXT Mindstorms
Build a LEGO NXT Robot
Coding skills

Today we spent the morning playing around with LEGO robots by building and programing them. I think this time has been beneficial for me because it has slightly prepared me for when it comes to writing the assignment. I learnt that the language used to code the robots is NXC which is someone what similar to C. We also had a tutor hour about the positives, negatives and overall impact social media has on our lives.

The next assignment I have due is a resubmission for U23 tonight.


Lesson Aim:
Identify basic control system operations
Understand proportional control systems

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Identify open loop systems
Identify closed loop systems
Identify proportional control systems
Explain the benefits of proportional control systems
Identify the benefits of P,I,D control systems
Identify the benefits of combining PID control systems

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Say why feedback systems are better than open loop systems
Give an example of proportional control
Work independently

This afternoon we looked at the different principles of control systems and how they work. I learnt that a thermostat does not instantly reach a desired temperature because otherwise it would extend too far and would then have to drop back down. This is called overshooting. My SMART target for today was to learn the basics of NXC language over the weekend so I am confident in coding my robot to do what I would like it to do.

6/3/2018

Lesson Aims:
Understand legal and ethical issues relating to the use of information


Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)

Identify key legislation relating to information
Identify how the legislation affects the use of information
Identify clauses from legal acts.
Identify what the GDPR is
Understand the main purpose of the GDPR
Identify the differences between the GDPR & DPA
Give examples of how companies will need to comply with the GDPR
Give examples of how companies could be punished under the GDPR
Give examples of the impact of data breaches on companies
Identify case studies of data breaches
Explain the implications that a data break have had on a company
Identify examples of whistleblowing


Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Know the rights you and your data have under law - link
Provide useful feedback
Refine work based on peer feedback

Today I we looked at and presented our presentations about legal acts to our classmates. This has helped me understand the key differences between GDPR and the DPA and how they affect both companies and individual people. A weakness of this is that I was not very prepared when coming to perform my presentation because I forgot some of the parts that I had to talk about. This afternoon we also looked at case studies about data breaches and whistling.

The next assignment I have due is a resubmission for tomorrow which is for U13.

5/3/2018

Aim: To document the HCIs
To evaluate the HCIs developed

Objectives: 
Understand the importance of documentation
Create documentation of your HCICreate well structured documentation of your HCI
Understand the importance of evaluation
Look at your HCIs and state what the good points are
Look at your HCIs and state what the bad points are
Suggest some improvements for your HCIs Objectively look at your HCIs and suggest some improvements that would benefit the user experience

Today I came into college to progress with my outstanding work. Although I added a lot of work into what I already had, I failed to submit any pieces. This means that I need to complete lots of work from home because it is due very soon. Today we looked at how to structure the next assignment which is creating documentation on my HCI. I am unable to suggest improvements for my HCI as of yet because I do not have many responses to my survey.

The next assignments is due on tomorrow which is U23 A3T2.

23/2/2018

Lesson Aim:
To work on completion of A4T1 to a good standard
To investigate EDP with BBC Microbit

Learning Outcomes:
Create and transfer code to the Microbit
Create Event Driven code for the Microbit
Assess what is required to complete A4T1
Work on completion of A4T1
Complete and submit A4T1 to a good standard
Learning Objectives:
Explore the Microbit
Research skills
Coding skills

This morning I used my logical thinking skills to come up with ideas of how to improve the user experience for my program. An example of one of these is perception because I changed the colour of the error messages to red. This gives a sense of danger or warning to the user telling them that they did something wrong. A weakness of today is that I am still behind on my assignments because I need to finish both U14 A4T1 and U24 A1T3 before the end of today.

Identify key attributes of good technical documentation
Work towards completing U24 A1T3 and U14 A4T1 to a high standard

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)

Identify the difference between user and technical documentation
Discuss the difference between user and technical documentation
Analyse current work to identify missing content
Identify what makes a technical document good
Discuss what makes a technical document good
Work on outstanding tasks
Demonstrate technical skills developed in A1
Explain in detail number systems, logic, logic operators and data types
Be able to convert numbers between key numbering systems
Refresh/Develop programming skills


Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Identify areas of weakness from covered content
Identify outstanding tasks
Peer review workProof read work and check it meets the required criteria

This afternoon, we had a Tutor hour dedicated to discrimination against genders. I found out that it is against the equality act of 2010 to be transphobic and commit to genderism because they both involve invalid beliefs about genders. This afternoon, I also continued to improve my U14 A4T1 and managed to fully update my program to create a good user experience. My SMART target for today is to To think of at least four different ideas of how I could improve my Paint Job program for the Unit 14 assignment which is due today.

20/2/2018

Lesson Aims:
Understand legal and ethical issues relating to the use of information

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)

Identify key legislation relating to information
Identify how the legislation affects the use of information
Identify clauses from legal acts.
Identify what the GDPR is
Understand the main purpose of the GDPR
Identify the differences between the GDPR & DPAGive examples of how companies will need to comply with the GDPR
Give examples of how companies could be punished under the GDPR
Give examples of the impact of data breaches on companies
Identify the ethical considerations of using information
Discuss the specific ethical considerations for a specific case study
Understand how to progress with A1T1

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Know the rights you and your data have under law
Know how to proceed with A1T1

Today I came into college this afternoon and we did research on the laws of Data and how the effect people. I found out about a new legislation called the GDRR which will be introduced in May of this year. It is more strict and has more rules and punishments that apply to it. I also found out about someone that worked for the NSA that leaked data.

The next assignment that I have due is U14 A4T1 and U24 A1T3 which are both due on the 23rd of February. All U3 work is also due on the 27th of February.

19/2/2018

Aims: To test the HCIs created
To create a user survey

Outcomes:
Create input and output HCIs
Write some well-structured questions
Write a thorough list of well-structured questions that can be used to test and review the HCIs created
Create a user survey for the HCIs
Send out the survey to a minimum of 3-4 peers so they can review your HCIs

Today I worked to the best of my ability to work towards finishing some of the A3T1 before it was due. A strength of today is that I have organised all of my work for A3T2 so I can pace through it at a later date. I will not leave this assignment to the last minute because it is very straightforward to do. A weakness of today was that I didn't manage to complete all of my survey questions.

The next assignment that I have due is tomorrow which is a piece of U3 work.

9/2/2018

Lesson Aim:
To work on completion of A1 (T1/T2/T3)
Analyse what is required to complete A4T1

Learning Outcomes:
Finalise writing for A1T1
Use research to finalise writing for A1T2Utilise research to complete A1T3
Submit A1T1
Submit A1T2
Submit A1T3
Create a work-plan for A4T1

Learning Objectives:
Utilise Research to complete Assignment 1
Complete Assignment 1
Analyse A4T1

This morning I worked at a constant rate to complete and submit A1T1 for unit 14. I am proud of the pace that I was at to finish this because it allowed me to complete it very quickly. After lunch, I will need to complete unit 3 A1T1 because it is due today so this is my main priority.

Lesson Aim: Demonstrate understanding on completed content Work towards completing U24 A1T3 to a high standard Develop programming knowledge Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do) Be able to express numbers using some of: binary, hexadecimal, Binary Coded Decimals (BCD), ASCII Work on outstanding tasks Demonstrate technical skills developed in A1 Explain in detail number systems, logic, logic operators and data types Be able to convert numbers between key numbering systems Refresh/Develop programming skills Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes) Identify areas of weakness from covered content Identify outstanding tasks Prioritise outstanding tasks for U24 / U14 Proof read work and check it meets the required criteria

This afternoon I used my time to benefit my knowledge in Unit 14 with a test that we took. I received 11 out of 31 marks which is a weakness because it shows that I need to improve in some areas of this unit. In Tutor Hour today we signed up for linkedin. I already was signed up so I just updated my profile so it is now up to date. The SMART target that I set myself today was to to review the test that we took today and answer the questions correctly over the half term.

The next assignment that I have due is Unit 3 A1T1 which is due tonight but I am having difficulty with it so I may have to speak to my Tutor.

6/2/2018

Lesson Aims:

Understand how organisations use business information

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)

Discuss what a data flow chart is and decide on a definition
Analyse different aspects of data flow charts
Create a data flow chart 
Understand the role of the different functional areas inside a company
Identify the main purposes of information
Understand the different purposes a company may use information for
Give examples of how companies use information for operational support
Give examples of how companies use information for analysis
Give examples of how companies use information for decision making 
Give examples of how companies use information for gaining an advantage
Identify the characteristics that make good information
Explain how these characteristics make good information

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Know how your data may be used by companies
Brake a problem up into smaller parts

Today I came in to college this afternoon and we looked at what is included in the next assignment. I have been using and updating the notes document which has been very useful to me. This is because I am able to store lots of random parts of information when it comes to writing my assignment. I also created a data flow diagram to show the processes in ordering an item on Amazon.

The next assignment that I have due is Unit 41 resubmissions which are due tomorrow.