The FINAL Stretch

ASSIGNMENTS DONE AND DUSTED..........although I am disappointed in myself with the Data Modelling and Databases assignment I submitted, because I know I could have done so much better. In the previous course progress report post, I had stated that I was good at time management, but obviously I need to be better, because trying to complete four assignments to a merit or above standard has been by far the most stressful and demanding obstacle I have ever had to do endure. I am very pleased that I showed grit to get through this, because I know it'll pay dividends come assignment results day.

I also have minor concerns about revision, I havn't been in a proper examination since I was studying A-Levels in 2007, so I'm dreading the exams, but I believe I should be able to pass the exams, as I have the resources available to help me pass it. LET THE REVISION COMMENCE!!!

Organisational Problem Solving

Organisational Structures, I remeber having touched up on the topic with Tim at the start of the year. Therefore we carried out an organisational problem solving task to refresh our memories. We were each given individual scenarios to create a presentation about, stating what organisation structure would be effective under the scenario circumstance. I believe my presentation went smoothly as expected, until Dee fired a question towards me about my presentation, which left me speechless for a few seconds...NOTE TO SELF....when writing a presentation, prepare to answer questions about your presentation subject. I am glad I experienced this during our practice presentation, as it's given me an insight to how the audience can be demanding of answers which backup your theory.

After having listened to everyone's presentation, personally I believe the most efficient organisational structure is the hierarchical structure, as I work for Asda Wallmart, our company follows this structure, which allocates staff to responsibility, the promotion path is clear which is uplifiting for the employees, the level of job satisfaction is increased due to the constant presence of a team leader and a manager praising your good work, however if you are not working to an acceptable standard, it is easier for the team leader and managers to notice performance level.

Work Placement

When the words WORK PLACEMENT came up, I just thought PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHING ASSISTANT, and off i went to write a letter to hand at the local primary school my sister attends, but there was a BUT (dramatic movie music plays in the background)...... Work placement is not as easy to find as I initially thought it would be. After writing a formal letter to Abbey Meads Primary School requesting permission to carry out a work placement in their ICT dept or as a teaching assistant.....I recieved no feedback..... :( sad smiley....Therefore I informed Dee of my situation, and she was kind of enough to arrange a work placement for me in college, as a teaching assistant to a DiDA (Diploma in Digital Applications) class.

My role in the work placement was to assist Roger (Dida Teacher) and Tony (Teaching Assistant), during class time. This involved me approaching students to show me what they have done and how they did. However, while I was fulfilling this role, I was handed a task of creating an electronic technical manual using Gamemaker 7.

The technical manual requested me to comment on the the events that took place in the games already created for tutorial use. The comments however had to be at its most simplest and basic form, due to the targeted audience.

My work placement overall was an amazing experience for me personally, as it enabled me to reach a step closer to my career ambition by being in the driver's seat (teacher's chair), and it re-assured me that this would be something I would be very much interested in, in the future. The most satisfying feeling I felt during my short placement, was being able to build a working relationship with a student, and the satisfaction of her learning and being able to carry out tasks that I taught her was just the best feeling in the world!!!

Problem Solving

From day one of the course, we have been informed that problem solving is of great importance in a modern day woking environment. To ensure we enhance this skill, we completed problem solving tasks during one of our WPP lesson time. The tasks consisted of two arithmetic questions which we were asked to figure out, one visual problem solving task which required us to use our logic by thinking outside the box (more like thinking how to GET OUT OF THE BOX). There were two sudoko puzzles to work our head around and lastly we were given a problem solving scenario to solve. After managing to successfully complete the tasks assigned to us, I can see why problem solving skills are essential in the IT industry. I managed to figure out through the problem solving scenario tasks, that problem solving skills not only help you find the correct solution to the problem, but also bring out other benefits, such as build up the unity in a team, as each individuals thoughts are considered when generating ideas to solve the problem, the positive and sensible points individuals made out were appreciated and taken on board. Problem Solving can also potentially generate alternative solutions, which can sometimes be more efficient that the regular solution.

Throughout these tasks, I found out that I find it much easier to solve a problem, when I draw out the problem on a piece of paper and take it on board bit by bit. I managed to realise this through the measuring task and the cannibal boat scenario tasks.

Outside WPP, we always start our Data Modellinng and Databases module with a brain teaser, which requires us to solve a problem. I have also had to use my problem solving ability for our Systems Development module, in which our assignment is to work in a team to create an auctioneering website. The team firstly consisted of 4 members, but due to personal reasons, two of the members dropped out of the course, which now you can imagine created a BIG PROBLEM. Our team of two (Nathan and I) however successfully managed to complete this project through sharing the website design responsibility, and keeping in constant contact by downloading SKYPE so we can video conference and use share screen to work outside of college hours together.

P.S. I also learned how to play sudoku. Twas a Good Day :D

VIDEO CV

TWO WORDS ------ LOVE IT

I could just leave it at that and show u in person....but theres no video camera in front of me....FOR SHAME...... AAHAHHAHA Dee pulled it right out of the hat, with this one. Video CV was a new experience for the whole class, some were nervous, but I was well up for it due to the fact I am a loud, expressive and charismatic, and I personally think a paper CV would hide the qualities that I have, but if it's a video there is no escaping me.

This task was really enjoyable, due to it being unconventional and fresh. I also felt it demands more of the applicant as you want to portray yourself as an individual, due to the fact you can be seen. This personally wasn't a big deal for me as I truly believe i can stand out in front of a crowd, but i can see this being a problem for people short of confidence.

In an IT field I do believe, these types of CV should be acceptable as they allow the employers to judge the enthusiasm and personality of the applicant followed by their qualification and skills. I believe through my work placement with Roger (Amazing teacher and a person). A workplace is just a workplace, but it's the people in the workplace that makes it an enjoyable place to work in. :)

Job Qualities

The job that interests me most is primary school teaching. The job skills I possess that I believe would compliment the career are:

• Able to work anti social hours
• Flexibility to travel
• CRB test
• Indefinite leave to remain (enables me to work legally in the country)
• A-level Art & Design
• Advanced ICT Skills

The Universal Skills I possess are:

• Innovative - reference to A-level Art and Design
• numeric skills
• planning and organisation
• verbal and communication skills

The Personal Skills I possess are:

• Problem Solving Skills
• Determined
• Tolerance
• Compassionate
• Self motivation
• Unbiased
• Attentive
• Perfectionist
• Personal Experience I possess from primary school in order to support and comfort student (such as bullying, racism, peer pressure and etc...)

So Far So Good......

I really don't want to jinx anything, but so far so good. I have achieved over 75% in all of the assignments marked till date......Fingers crossed I end the rest of the year with merits and above : D, really really chuffed that I managed to recieve 90% on my first Introduction to the Web Assignment and 81% on my Systems Development Assignment. I feel due to this course I am more urgent and my time management skills have improved, as I work part-time and study...I also feel I am more responsible and motivated as a person, as I left the College Football Team (which i was the captain of :( sad smiley and I really enjoyed) to commit the time playing football to putting in extra time for my assignments. One thing is for sure though, there are no breaks between assignments JUST ANOTHER DEADLINE.....COME ON ALREADY, SUMMER HOLIDAYS!!!!!!