In September, I began studying for a two year Computing course at College. The course is separated into lessons and each lesson has a number of units. Some of the lessons we are currently studying in include:
- Advanced Database Skills
- Communication and Employability Skills
- Computer Systems
- Key Skills (ICT)
- Organisational Systems Security
- Principles of Software Design and Development
- Principles of Computer Networks
- Website Production and Management
In Advanced Database Skills we have started to learn the basics behind databases and their structures. I have learnt that the tables, rows and fields or a database are commonly referred to as entities, instances and attributes. This has provided me with a basic understanding of the structure of a database. However, this is only the beginning point of the unit and we are soon to dig deeper into the theory of databases. I have also learnt the process of normalization, a skill that is required to correct errors in a database. Furthermore, we have done class tasks which have helped me to understand how databases are used to keep information tidy and organised, and the benefits of this. I have not had any problems learning what we have covered so far in class. I am motivated to learn advanced database skills because I feel like it will help in later life, possibly as part of my career. In this lesson, I could improve my performance and my ability to learn by recovering what I have learnt in the day’s lesson when I get home, so that I am less likely to forget any crucial information.
Communication and Employability Skills is about improving yourself and working towards amending any weaknesses you may have. We learn how to communicate successfully and how we can make ourselves stand out; preparing us for employment. I have learnt that SWOT analysis is important because you are noticing and detecting your weaknesses as well as your opportunities. I have also learnt that it is good to have weaknesses because recognising them will help to motivate you. The things we have covered so far in class I have learnt with no trouble. Motivation affects my learning, because I am determined to do well in life and have an enjoyable career, and this subject will help my chances of this. Nevertheless, I can improve my performance in class and ability to learn by revising what has been covered in class at home.
Computer Systems is very much the hardware side of Computing. We are learning about the hardware components of a computer and how they are connected inside. We are also learning to recognise the differences between hardware products by their speed and other specifications. I am learning in this lesson very well. As a class, we do tests on a weekly basis to assess what information we took in from the previous week’s learning. This has affecting my learning significantly because any parts I have not taken in I can revise. I could improve my performance and ability to learn in this lesson by testing myself after revising.
I have tried my best to improve my skills and personal qualities whilst at college by reviewing what I have learnt at the end of the lesson, and anything I am not sure about I will ask the teacher for assistance with. This has helped me maximize the amount I learn from each lesson. Furthermore, I have used SWOT analysis to identify my weaknesses and work on them. I identified these weaknesses in Task 2 of my Communication and Employability Skills assignment.
The weaknesses which affected my skills and personal qualities included things like messy handwritten documents and errors in body language. I have worked to overcome these by producing a blog which I will update every so often, with 3-4 week intervals. The blog will keep track of how I am improving and building on my weaknesses.
Since the beginning of College, some things have gone well whereas some things could have gone better. The biggest positive thing that has come out of the study I have done at College so far is that I was nominated for course representative. This will help me to interact better with other people and possibly improve my body language skills.
Nevertheless, my learning in subjects such as Networking could have been better because I have missed a few lessons already. The way our schedule is structured means that we have a week’s worth of Networking lessons on one Wednesday, and so far I have missed an entire Wednesday and part’s of others. Although I have made my best effort to make it into College when I’m ill, it has affected my studying slightly. I do, however, catch-up online and with friends on any work I have missed.
