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.