The 3rd post.
Outside of PPAD, we're now back into the swing of things for the 2nd of the four networking modules. Some updates of where both units (PPAD, NW) are:
PPAD: After another disappointing attendance in which only two of the four of us turned up (and with no apologies) my classmate and I carved up the whole of the remaining presentation elements between us. I'm certain that this will not have "gone down a treat" at all, and will have fireworks this evening.
I've completed the deliverables required: I've got enough slides, they are edited, the flyer can be flown, and the leaflet leafed. I'm happy with the output for all three: There are running themes for the design, image linkage and language choices, and nothing has been left out.
This evening is the penultimate PPAD session, and the presentation is in two weeks time, after half term/study week. I feel that we'll be fine for the presentation, but that the group attendance and dynamic could have been slightly smoother.
NW: Straight back into the networking, and because, for a change, I'd looked at the Cisco module online before the seminar, I had a better-than-ususal view of the work we'd be covering. It is curious, but the first workshop felt like a gentle introduction to setting up a scenario to explore routing; contrast this with the in-at-the-deep-end later chapters of the first module, and the yesterday's practical was a walk in the proverbial park. I'm certain to have missed something(s!) but it was completed swiftly, and, I presume, accurately when comparing to the reports in the workbook.
I'm looking forward to more advanced routing: I'm now getting out of my comfort level with my day-job networking experiences, and I'm excited about learning new concepts and getting hands-on practice.
I've not had either of my marks back yet, for ERM or NW. This is slightly disappointing; no news is not good news: It is always better to know something. I'm hoping that I'll get these marks before PPAD finishes, and we go into the next module (which I think is UML and business logic).
As a learner, things are getting more creative again, and I'm back focussed on the NW side of things. The PPAD presentation, and the documents required will be completed, of course, but this module feels more "compulsory" than the others, and although is getting the same attention, feels a little underwhelming compared to the more technically advanced NW and ERM/DB/UML sides of the course.
TTFN, A.
2009-02-11
2009-02-02
2nd entry
The second entry.
I wanted to write this a few weeks ago, but like the promise of keeping a diary after Christmas and the New Year, it seems to be the last thing on my mind.
This journal is supposed to reflect what I am learning now on the Foundation Degree, but this is tricky to reflect upon; the Cisco Introduction to Networks has finished, the assignment for this, and for the databases/ERM module has been complete, and the only work now going on is preparation for the PowerPoint show on the legal aspects of computing.
I passed the Cisco "exam" easily, and I hope my assignments for both modules reflect my (hopeful) understanding of the material in the course, and its application. I'm looking forward to starting the 2nd Cisco module, and looking more closely at the business practices for UML.
As far as the group project goes, I and we are in an awkward position: There are only four people taking this module. Out of those four, only I have turned up for all of the sessions. A fellow student has attended all but one, and the others have been more sporadic because of personal circumstances.
Of all the things I'm learning on the course, the most important two, currently, are that of tolerance, and of not overestimating what people can do. I've missed a mid-session deadline. I've also failed to write up the minutes for last weeks' "meeting" (with just two of us) so far. But I have produced slides, had them very critically evaluated (twice) and have taken this newly found weakness to heart: Without excellent examples, it is very hard to receive criticism without responding.
I am finding this module the hardest so far, which is why it has taken me 2 1/2 weeks to write this 2nd blog: The lack of attendance from "equal" group members is awkward. We are forced to juxtapose best business practice with fellow students, who are all part time, with family committments, full time jobs and other coursework, and be expected to conduct ourselves as if we are ruthless and autonomous. This is dangerous ground; where does compassion stop, and selfishness begin?
At the end of the day, I am undertaking this foundation degree so that I can gain the experiences and certification necessary to improve my chances of a better job. I am not undertaking it to drag fellow students into working (that is their own perogative at "degree level"), nor am I here to beat myself up about the compassion/attendance arguement (that is why it is a tutored and group lead set of sessions).
I suspect that the "group" will perform adequately, and will "pass" the module, but it will not and does not hold the satisfaction of "learning" something concrete. Ultimately, this is not a course in interpersonal skills and project management, but one of Information Technology and Networking.
That's it from a slightly cynical me.
I wanted to write this a few weeks ago, but like the promise of keeping a diary after Christmas and the New Year, it seems to be the last thing on my mind.
This journal is supposed to reflect what I am learning now on the Foundation Degree, but this is tricky to reflect upon; the Cisco Introduction to Networks has finished, the assignment for this, and for the databases/ERM module has been complete, and the only work now going on is preparation for the PowerPoint show on the legal aspects of computing.
I passed the Cisco "exam" easily, and I hope my assignments for both modules reflect my (hopeful) understanding of the material in the course, and its application. I'm looking forward to starting the 2nd Cisco module, and looking more closely at the business practices for UML.
As far as the group project goes, I and we are in an awkward position: There are only four people taking this module. Out of those four, only I have turned up for all of the sessions. A fellow student has attended all but one, and the others have been more sporadic because of personal circumstances.
Of all the things I'm learning on the course, the most important two, currently, are that of tolerance, and of not overestimating what people can do. I've missed a mid-session deadline. I've also failed to write up the minutes for last weeks' "meeting" (with just two of us) so far. But I have produced slides, had them very critically evaluated (twice) and have taken this newly found weakness to heart: Without excellent examples, it is very hard to receive criticism without responding.
I am finding this module the hardest so far, which is why it has taken me 2 1/2 weeks to write this 2nd blog: The lack of attendance from "equal" group members is awkward. We are forced to juxtapose best business practice with fellow students, who are all part time, with family committments, full time jobs and other coursework, and be expected to conduct ourselves as if we are ruthless and autonomous. This is dangerous ground; where does compassion stop, and selfishness begin?
At the end of the day, I am undertaking this foundation degree so that I can gain the experiences and certification necessary to improve my chances of a better job. I am not undertaking it to drag fellow students into working (that is their own perogative at "degree level"), nor am I here to beat myself up about the compassion/attendance arguement (that is why it is a tutored and group lead set of sessions).
I suspect that the "group" will perform adequately, and will "pass" the module, but it will not and does not hold the satisfaction of "learning" something concrete. Ultimately, this is not a course in interpersonal skills and project management, but one of Information Technology and Networking.
That's it from a slightly cynical me.
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