15/12/2016

Aim: Create two animations with different techniques and supporting evidence.

Objectives:
Improve your Animate or Photoshop skills
Create two different animations
Reference any found assets you use
Write a production log of what you have created

Today I proceeded with continuing my P6 planning for my two animations that I will create for P7. For half of the day today, we continued with working on assignments while this afternoon we will be visiting Animotion in the Forum which is a place that shows you everything related to animation. I think it should be good to look around. A weakness of today is that I have yet to start working on my animations on P7 but I am coming into college tomorrow to finish it off. A strength is that I have done lots of planning and thought of multiple ideas for my animation so this should improve it.

14/12/2016

Create two animations with different techniques and supporting evidence.
Discuss the benefits of smooth .GIFS
Write a dope sheet for your looping animation
Create two different animations
Reference any found assets you use
Write a production log of what you have created


Understand the higher layers of the OSI model and their relationship to the TCP/IP model
Describe the TCP/IP layers in relation to their workload and responsibility for other layers
End of term Quiz

Identify the main differences between OSI and TCP/IP
Compare the OSI and TCP/IP models

Identify the main differences between OSI and TCP/IP
Compare the OSI and TCP/IP models
Can identify how data is transmitted
Can explain the differences between OSI and TCP/IP
Name and identify some network jargon
Name and identify most network jargon

Today I learnt about what a dope sheet is and why they are important to people and businesses. Most of the day, I was finishing off assignments and updating my list of due dates. I think this has made me much more organised as I am aware of when everything is due. One downside is that I have a lot of work still due before Christmas but I am determined to complete it to have a stress free half term break as I struggle to stay motivated while working from home.

9/12/2016

Aim:

To be up to date with all assignments for U01.

Objectives:
Recall how to convert between number bases,
Review your PDP,
Identify work that is still due for unit 01,
Mark an evaluation,
Use independent study time effectively.

Today I started the morning off by reviewing my personal development plan for this term and practised learning hexadecimal and Binary calculations. My weakness of today was struggling with these calculations because of the new method that we got taught but I think the method that we learnt with Terry is more easy for me to understand. Most of today after that was our independent study and which I managed to complete a few assignments. My strength of today is that I am now up to date with all unit 1 assignments except for the distinction which is not due until the new year.

7/12/2016

Aim: Explain key features for web animation.

Objectives:
Consider industry statistics
Describe or explain different aspects of key terminology for web animation
Create a working animation using Animate CC
Investigate how animators use Photoshop
Set yourself a target to achieve and reflect on how well you achieve it.

Aims & Objectives
Lesson Aim:
Understand the key components of a Computer Network
Learning Outcomes 

Use IP addressing schemes to allocate addresses to local computers
Use IP Config to identify the network settings on a computer
Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Produce a Network Map with relevant sub-net addresses
List what network connected devices are used in your family and Identify Advantages and Disadvantages

Today I learnt what auto crop is and how it is effective in reducing file size. It crops an image or animation so there is no background or excess space. We have started the assignment and I think it is very simple because we just have to write three hundred words explaining how auto crop and image quality effect the file size. We also started some work on network sub netting but it is very hard to understand for me which is a weakness.

2/12/2016

Aim: To write an evaluation

Objectives:
Recall key features of an evaluation
Plan what skills you will discuss in your evaluation
Find good examples
Identify strengths and weakness
Write an evaluation

Today I started the distinction assignment for evaluating my skills in three different areas. We also used three different types of planning to plan the assignment and I think the most beneficial one was the servery because it was the least vague and gave accurate answers to what I need to improve for the three areas. My weakness of today was going through my learner term review because it told me that I need to work on contribution and deadlines so this should be my next SMART target. Another weakness is that I have missed a deadline which further shows that I must improve on deadlines however, I am still updating my all word due list and working from home.

Inspiration

1/12/2016

Aim: Describe and compare different animation types. 
Objectives: 
Describe how file settings, types and frame rates impact the creation of animations for websites

Aim: Teach yourself the basics of Animate CC and create a manual. 
Objectives: Learn about key features of Animate 
Write a non-technical manual to demonstrate your knowledge Proofread your work before submitting it

This morning we completed a presentation around our given subject which was frames per second (FPS). My downside to our presentation was my interpersonal skills and the speed that I delivered the information was too slow and I stumbled on my words quite a bit. This afternoon, we looked at the features of Adobe Animate and I thought it would be similar to Photoshop but not a lot. I have just started to figure out how all of the features work and should watch some YouTube tutorials on how to use it. This week so far, I have been keeping track on all of my work and am constantly updating my list of work due but I feel that I am now getting a bit stressful because it seems like we are getting a new assignment at least once or twice a day. I will obviously try keep working on them in college and at home.

30/11/2016

Aim: Describe and compare different animation types.

Objectives:
Complete U31A2T1 with clear advantages and limitations for .GIFS
Demonstrate good communication skills
Investigate different animation types
Compare DHTML, Flash animations and .GIFs to each other
Describe how file settings, types and frame rates impact the creation of animations for websites

Lesson Aim:
Understand the key components of a Computer Network
Learning Outcomes
Describe the OSI - Open Systems Interconnect - Model
Identify the items used at Layer 2 and 3 of the model
Use ip addressing schemes to allocate addresses to local computers
Use IP Config to identify the network settings on a computer
Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Produce a Network Map with relevant sub-net addresses
List what network connected devices are used in your family and Identify Advantages and Disadvantages

Today I learnt how to convert binary, decimal and hexadecimal to each other and vice versa. I found it very complicated and confusing because there are lots of calculations in the methods of converting them. A strength of today was completing the P1 in the same half an our that we received it, however I have yet to complete the Merit attached to that. I feel that I am managing my work load very well because I am continuing to complete assignments from home.

25/11/2016

Aim: To finish presentations to the best standard

Objectives:
Deliver an effective presentation
Correctly submit A2T1 and A2T2
Identify what makes an effective PowerPoint.
Leave constructive comments for improvement.
Improve your PowerPoint.

Today I completed my Presentation on the chosen computer system for a company. I received some great feedback from others and my strength of today was that I passed. However, I felt that I mumbled on my words only a few times. I think that I have defiantly improved my presentation skills. I have also been working on re-submission assignments but did not complete my SMART target of completing 3 of them. I still have a lot of time to complete them but just want to make sure they are done so I have more spare time on days off. 

24/11/2016

Aim: Explain the different uses of animation and their impact.
Objectives:
Consider the impact of ‘how’ for P2
Investigate different animations
Engage with group discussion and demonstrate good communication skills
Discuss the benefits of animations for different areas
Share ideas and vote for examples

Aim: Investigate the history of animation and explain key facts.
Objectives:
Complete the examples worksheet using Photoshop
Work well together in small teams
Create a poster for key facts about animation pioneers and developers
Write an explanation with references to demonstrate knowledge

Today we started two new assignments which were P1 and P2. The main strength of today was working in groups because that boosted my motivation as others needed me to commit my own research into finding out about Thomas Edison and his Kinetoscope. I learnt that it was the first ever camera and could be displayed in a video and it works by taking lots and lots of photos. Today I have felt very tired as usual college days because I probably need to get more sleep during night times. The other downside of this week is that we have already received four assignments and three of them are due in a week. I will try my hardest to get all of them done and submitted so I will not have to come into college during Christmas holidays.

My inspiration of today was a .GIF of a store opening on Black Friday. I just think it is hilarious that so many people are pushing and even fighting over goods in the sales, even if they are small discounts.

23/11/2016

Aim: Introduce the unit and consider frame rates.
Objectives:
Introduce the unit
Complete two surveys
Read the learning outcomes
Consider the positives of different .GIFs and discuss with your peers
Mind map about the term explain and discuss how you will achieve this
Aim: Explain how persistence of vision affects animations.
Objectives:
Define ‘persistence of vision’
Watch 2 videos and explain what they are teaching you
Consider other arguments and how you will explain key terms

Lesson Aim:
Identify steps to take when troubleshooting a PC
Identify information that should be recorded during troubleshooting
Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Identify the correct order to troubleshoot a system
Identify dangers to system when upgrading
Identify dangers to users when upgrading
Identify possible sources for solutions
Consider the steps they would take in a troubleshooting process
Justify the steps they would take in a troubleshooting process
Start to create a suitable log sheet to record troubleshooting
Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Understand methods to minimise dangers
Identify logical steps to troubleshoot a PC
Work effectively as a small team
Peer review work to improve the quality of work

Today we started the Computer Animation unit and started straight off with a Merit piece of work. I didn't mind this because I was easily able to understand the information so just had to type it up. The strength of today was starting to create my Troubleshooting Log because it looks very professional in my opinion and anyone could use it. A weakness of today was I have two assignments due today but will turn on my computer and submit them the second I get home.

This was my inspiration .GIF because it is very random and creative to see.

17/11/2016

Aim: Create a direct network 

Objectives:
Complete the word search
Decide how you will fulfill criteria
Create evidence to demonstrate knowledge
Work collaboratively to learn about criteria
Complete the Unit 30 SoA

Today I had to do a practical and write a plan for it which was our assignment. This included using Skype, a WiFi network and Bluetooth. We pretty much just filled this out all morning. The one thing I liked about this was that it was half practical work so it wasn't repetitive typing work like every other day at college. One strength of today was being more organised by updating my assignment checklist, however the downside to this was discovering that I have lots or re-submissions to complete but should get them done as soon as possible so I can relax at the weekend and recover from my cold.

16/11/2016

Aim: Assess the positives and negatives of wired and wireless networks
Objectives:
Complete the word match activity
Recommend IT solutions for two different scenarios
Work well with others
Discuss the positives and negatives of wired connections
Discuss the positives and negatives of wireless connections
Write a report for a given example
Proofread your work


Lesson Aim:
Identify strategies to approach common IT problem solving
Identify dangers a user may face when upgrading hardware in a system

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Identify dangers to users
Identify dangers to system when upgrading
Identify dangers to users when upgrading
Identify solutions to problems
Identify a range of solutions to problems
Justify why one solution would be better than another
Use the correct shapes to make flowcharts

Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
Understand methods to minimise dangers
Identify logical steps to troubleshoot a PC
Identify logical steps to take to fix a PC
Identify alternative possible solutions

Today we started the last assignment for Unit 10 and completed a poster about a scenario. My groups was to discuss advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless networks. I learnt about problems and solutions for using computers. An example of this is eye strain and it can be reduced by sitting further away from the screen or taking regular breaks. One weakness of today was others not working well in a group.

11/11/2016

Aim: To be prepared for your presentation.

Objective:
Identify interpersonal skills you need to demonstrate to meet the criteria
Practice your presentation skills
Complete your presentation
Be up to date with re submissions

Today I enjoyed practising our interpersonal skills in presentations and watching others practice theirs. On the other hand, I dont think mine went to plan as I got muddled up with my words, which was my weakness of today but I still felt that I was organised because my presentation lasted more than one minute. My strengths are I have created a workload checklist that I am now constantly updating multiple times a day. I only have three assignments to do which are my personal development plan, my barriers to communication and the distinction for the second assignment of unit 10. This morning, we did a game in which the computer could read your mind and I learnt that it works using an algebra formula.

This is my workload checklist
(Green = Done, Blue = Not done, Red = Late)

10/11/2016

Aim: Demonstrate knowledge of different transmission methods

Objectives:
Define the term ‘effectiveness’
Complete Assignment 2
Consider Distinction criteria


Aim: Create a resource to teach about transmission methods

Objectives:
Consider the benefits of playing games
Create a resource
Pitch your idea and engage with a voting process
Play the best resource to learn about transmission technologies and how they are used

Today I finished my A2T2 assignment for unit 10 but have yet to complete the Merit. I think this has been one of the easiest to understand for me. One strength of today was working as a team to create a presentation and Kahoot game to play with the rest of the class. I think this boosted my knowledge on this unit because I learn from mistakes (when I got a question wrong in the quiz). One weakness of today was knowing that I am never confident when talking in front of other class mates. I need to improve on this. I may consider the Distinction after I have finished the Merit because of the amount of time we have to do it. Today I learnt the main difference between a half-duplex and full-duplex communication.

09/11/2016

Lesson Aim:
Consider implications and solutions of downtime


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

Identify downtime factors
Identify downtime solutions
Consider how probability analysis impacts decision making
Work on A1 / A2
Identify any problems they are having with A1/T2 of U2


Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

Understand what downtime is
Identify different causes of downtime
Suggest solutions to downtime issues
Rate probability of downtime issues and their impact
Consider impact/result of knowing probability

Today I learnt about different types of cable and signal. Some of them I had never heard of before and completing research independently showed how fast I could work by myself, which is one of my growing strengths. I also continued to work on my presentation about a system recommendation and I am very confident about presenting this to the class. I also have lots of free time now because I made myself very organised by creating a list of all assignments due and when.

04/11/2016

Aim:
Create an effective presentation

Objectives:
Review your PDP
Identify features of an effective presentation
Create a presentation on a technical subject
Write a separate document which contains your speakers notes for the presentation

Today I learnt what makes a very effective presentation. I think that the top three most important things to consider are typography, making sure the writing is big enough and to include pictures but not too many that they start to become distracting. A weakness of this week is that I forgot to re-submit a piece of work so the topic had been capped for me. A strength of today was writing down all of the assignments that I have yet to finish. This helped me visually see what I need to do and what I have already done. I think the most important thing for collage is being organised to make yourself feel confident about work and time. The Personal development plan also helps with this.

03/11/2016

Aim: Outline 3 more principles of signal theory and how they affect communication
Objectives:
Consider why communication technologies are important
Write your own definitions for key words
Describe how signals can be affected
Learn about the electromagnetic spectrum and how this affects communication technologies
Write about different methods of transmitting signals and their applications

This afternoon at Develop was like a science lesson at school. This was because we studied the Electromagnetic spectrum. Luckily I was able to remember a few parts of it such as the sequence of each type of wave. A weakness is that I forgot to finish and submit my A4T1 and have now been capped down to a Merit. A strength of today was using Kahoot to answer my questions that I had about P5. 

20/10/2016

Aim: Identify different types of communication devices and explain how they help access the Internet.

Objectives:
Identify different devices used for accessing the Internet
Work well in a pair and proactively research then 
discuss your findings

Aim: Identify specific communication devices and explain their role within Internet access.

Objectives:
Identify 5 different devices needed for Internet access
Explain how a device functions within a network
Create a presentation for the given area and present your findings to the class

Today I learnt about five different types of communication devices that allow you to access the internet. These being a Switch, Router, Wireless Access Point (WAP), Modem and a Server. I also now know how each one functions. This is very useful to me because we have to write about it in our assignment. My weakness today was during my presentation because I cant be confident while talking to an audience - even if it is a small class of students. I also didn't maintain eye contact and just kept reading from the board. I need to work on my presentation skills. My personal reflection for this week is that I feel I am receiving too many assignments or not enough time to complete each one.

12/10/2016

Aim: Investigate different hardware and software options that are best for a graphic designer on a limited budget

Objectives:

• Complete the student quiz
• Improve your skills in Photoshop
• Look at assignment 4 task 1
• Consider what makes a suitable system for a graphic design and why they need certain hardware

Lesson Aim:
Understand the key components of a Computer Network


Learning Outcomes:

Describe how networks impact our daily lives.
Describe the role of data networking in the human network. 
Identify the key components of any data network.
Identify the opportunities and challenges posed by converged networks.
Describe the characteristics of network architectures: fault tolerance, scalability, quality of service and security.
Identify networking topologies

Learning Objectives:

Identify the key hardware components
Identify most hardware components
Say what network Access Methods are used in each topology
Identify Advantages and Disadvantages

Today I learnt about different types of topologies (networks) and how they work. Mainly today I have been working on my A4T1 assignment but still have another 5 more to finish before the deadlines. I think the number of assignments we have is putting a lot of pressure on me even thought most deadlines are a couple of weeks away. I have also been researching on how editors and designers find different types of hardware, software and output+input devices help them with making graphic images.

07/10/2016

Aim: 
Understand the principles of effective communication

Objectives:
Identify effective written communication skills you can write about in your assignment.
Evaluate example of written communication skills to identify if they have been used effectively.
Set an achievable target for this lesson to improve your written communication skills
Write a document that uses at least two written communication skills

Aim: To complete, proofread and submit U30A3.

Objectives:

Demonstrate your creative ability to improve assets as a result of feedback - U30A3T1 (P5)

Write your report about how laws affect designers and their implications for creating and editing images - U30A3T2 (P6)

Proofread your work

Submit U30A3

Research communication principles of computer networks

Reflect on what you have learnt, how this affects designers and why you need to know this.

Today I did a lot more on my A1T2 assignment but have not yet finished it. I will be able to finish it over the weekend at home as I only have about one or two more paragraphs to write then proof check it. However my strength is that I have finished my A3T1 assignment and will submit it soon. I am now more confident on A1T2 and know the 3 things that are important to write about (Rules, examples and explain each skill). Today I learnt what terminology means.

06/10/2016

Lesson Aim:
Investigate Copyright and other laws that affect designers when creating or editing images

Outcomes

Looking at current case studies
Working well with others
Know 2 UK laws
Improve assets as a result of feedback

Objectives

Investigate a case study
Identify different laws that affect designers
Identify different design laws that affect designers
Explore the impact laws have for designers when creating images or editing graphics

Lesson Aim:
Use feedback to modify created images and evidence why you have done this

Outcomes

Analyse data
Collect feedback
Interrupt data with clear justification
Improve assets as a result of feedback

Objectives

Re-cap important aspects of a survey
Plan a survey
Analyse data
Complete 5 different surveys
Complete 6 or move surveys to a high standard
Create evidence of modification for A3 T1 - P5


Today I completed my Google Slides presentation and then created my survey using survey monkey. I have started my P5 assignment but have yet to finish it. This morning, we had an hour with people coming to talk to us about sex education. I learnt about STDs/STIs and the easiest way to prevent them. I need to modify my assets after receiving my feedback. This afternoon we started to look at the copyright laws in the UK and how it affects designers. 

05/10/2016

Lesson Aims:
Identify the key functions of an operating system
Identify different utilities software
Understand why all types of software are necessary

Outcomes

Consider the how the requirements affect the component choice
Identify key features of an OS
Explain the purpose of operating systems
Explain the purpose of different software utilities
Consider the how the requirements affect the component choice
Explain how software utilities can improve the performance of computer systems 
Understand how files are saved and deleted (needed for de-frag) 
Explore different OS’s


Objectives

Pick a system for a given use
Justify a system for a given use
Know most key terms relating to hardware
Work efficiently on A1T1
Know how to approach M/D criteria

Today I learnt what a utility is - an example is Firewall. This morning we had an activity with Adam in which we had to step outside and vote with our feet. I think it helped me keep concentration because we were a little bit more active than we were in class so I was able to think more. On the other hand, it was cold outside but still found it better than sitting in class answering questions. A strength of today is that I have completed lots of my assignment and feel that I am confident that I am ahead of myself. I feel pressured because we now have 4 assignments in our hands. It would be easier if we had to do only 1 at a time before hearing about the next one.

30/09/2016

Aim: 
Understand the principles of effective communication

Objectives:
Identify the difference between general and interpersonal.
Identify principles of effective communication
Explain ways which spoken communication can be effective

Aim: To complete, proofread and submit U30A2.

Objectives:

Write two SMART targets

Write your supporting evidence for U30A2T1 and T2

Submit U30A2

Investigate the strengths and weaknesses of different feedback methods

Research copyright law

Reflect on how well you achieved your targets

My strength of today was improving my communication skills with eye contact during our presentation. On the other hand, I still not very confident when talking in front of the class. I learnt how your voice can be very effective when using it to talk to other people. My main focus of today was to complete my assignments in which the deadlines were both today. Unfortunately, my Gaming Poster image was corrupt so Adam has increased my deadline to the 7th of October and has given me more time to complete it.

Voice communication

29/09/2016

Aim: To create your assets and supporting evidence

Objectives:

• Set yourself a target for the first lesson
• Using creative research develop your ideas
• Make your enemy and power ups

Today I put a ton of more work into creating my graphical images for my game. I gathered my ideas from my mind map and designed them. I am really happy with my choices because of how original it will be (read previous post). I learnt that using pixels in an image isn't always plain and boring. Even if the colour depth is 8 bit, you are still able to add shading to the colours in the picture to give it loads of detail. My weakness is that I think I am still behind on the assignment but my SMART target is to complete both whole assignments and submit them before the deadline. My strength of today links back to how much work I have put into my assignments. I have basically worked on it all day today and am proud of it.

28/09/2016

Aim: To create your assets and supporting evidence

Objectives:

• Complete the quick draw starter
• Write your brief
• Begin creative research
• Improve Photoshop skills by making my 8-bit main character
• Reflect on what you have achieved

Today I learnt how to create an 8 Bit character in Photoshop and have started to write my brief and why I chose specific things about my character. A strength is that I love my idea about the main character because of how original it is. He is a Pizza that runs left and right to collect Cheese and Tomato while avoiding knives. My weakness is that I have yet to complete my Brief and Character but like all other blogs, I will manage to get it in on time. This afternoon we learnt more about computer parts (especially processors). We also compared PC specifications and recommended a PC to examples of people.

23/09/2016

Aim: To create a poster with supporting evidence of what you created and how.

Objectives:

• Create your poster for P3 with creative skill and clear evidence
• Write supporting evidence about what you have done and why you made that choice
• Proofread your work
• Write your brief for P4
• Begin the creative process for P4
• Reflect on how well you achieved the above

My strength of today was that I completed and submitted my assignment about what attributes and attitudes are valued by employers. This means I was able to cross off a SMART target from my development plan. For most of the day, we worked on assignments. We also worked in small groups to create sentences with only using 3 images. This helped me by reminding me to vary my sentences types and vocabulary. My personal reflection for this week is that it has been slightly stressful with the assignments and getting them in on time. To change this, I can work on assignments at home to spread out the amount of time that I have to complete and submit them. My weakness of today is that I didn't start my P4 assignment but I will make sure it is submitted before the deadline.

22/09/2016

Aim: Create an A3 print poster to promote gaming, demonstrating editing skills and with supporting evidence.

Objectives:

• Recall and order the 9 important areas of good design
• Work well together and discuss why certain aspects could be considered more important than others
• Re-cap A2 P3
• Create an A3 poster to promote gaming and supporting evidence

Aim: To investigate the qualities of different computer games and write a brief.

Objectives:

• Introduce A2 P4
• Deconstruct different aspects of four games
• Explain your opinion about different features
• Consider different game narratives
• Begin writing a brief
• Consider possible concepts for your creative work

Today I continued with my A3 poster to promote gaming but have yet to finish my brief for it. I have nearly completed the poster too but I feel that I have not used many tools (four or five). In the afternoon, we created a presentation with a small group about sketching ideas. I learnt that it is actually a very good way to note ideas because you are able to get them down very quickly before they disappear out of your mind. My personal reflection for today has shown me that I really need to improve my communication skills. During the presentation, I saw myself being very shy and avoiding eye contact with the audience.

21/09/2016

Lesson Objectives: (skills, knowledge & attitudes)

ALL
Identify the key hardware components
Say what components could be upgraded to improve a system
Know some key terms relating to hardware

MOST
Identify most hardware components
Identify how upgrades would improve a system
Know most key terms relating to hardware

Aim: Investigate colour theory.

Objectives:

Discuss the term colour theory

Identify the primary and secondary colours

Work together to explore the meanings of different colours

Aim: Explore different aspects 

of good poster design.

Objectives:

Consider 8 different aspects of good poster design and their applications for designers

Work well as part of a team

Create a poster about a specific area to demonstrate your knowledge

Listen as others feedback

Recall all 9 areas of good poster design and decided the most important aspect and why. 

Aim: To manipulate and improve images for a given brief.

Objectives:

Introduce A2 P3

Discuss the brief for A2 P3

Explore features and tools of Photoshop

Create an A3 poster to promote gaming

Today with Adam I learnt what colours could be associated with. An example of this is Blue could mean sad and Green could be associated with Nature. With John, we learnt more about computer components. A weakness is that I sometimes cant remember where each component will go in the PC and what its job is but this can easily be fixed with research outside of collage.

We started an assignment on making an A3 poster to promote Gaming and which should be completed before the deadline.