Block 1 Part 6

Block 1 part 6 mainly discussed wireless communication networks and how data is sent through those networks. It talked about the various components involved in sending data across wireless networks and the importance of security in mobile computing and wireless networks.

Part 6 also discussed key skills such as working out significant numbers, using units (such as bits, bytes kilo, mega, giga), skim reading, using online library services and how we can go about keeping a learning journal.

Overall I found this part interesting as I enjoy the topics on Networking and seemed to easily grasp and understand the information I was given. I did skim read most of part 6 but also made notes on anything I was unsure of.

TMA 02

So TMA 02 was a little easier than TMA 01 - I took on board the feedback I received from my first assignment and used it to (hopefully) improve my score on this assignment. I did have a little difficulty with Question 2b as this was maths based - but after taking a break and coming back to it the following day I managed to complete it and finish the assignment. Other than that I actually (dare I say it?) enjoyed this TMA and I am currently waiting for my results. *fingers crossed!*

iCMA 52

So after reading the first couple of chapters of the Sense programming guide, I decided to have a go at completing iCMA 52. As I've found working with Sense rather enjoyable I didn't find the iCMA too difficult although I did get three partially correct answers - but I can live with that!

Overall I'm very happy with my score of 88% especially on my first attempt. I will probably have another go at it next week to see if I can improve my score.

Block 1 Part 5

Now comes the fun part... working with SENSE!!

11/11/2012

I have started reading the Sense programming guide and so far have found it VERY enjoyable. I have experimented with programming before but only with code so I never really stuck with it. I think the reason why I'm enjoying Sense so much is because it's more graphically pleasing to the eye (as far as programming software goes!)

I have just finished the first chapter which gives us the opportunity to create our first program using Sense. I decided to use Microsoft's Expression Encoder 4 (you can find it HERE) to capture my sense activities on my computer.

Below you can find the activity which was discussed near the end of Chapter 1 in the Sense programming guide:

I am about to start on Chapter 2 of the guide so will update this again once I have finished.


12/11/2012

I have just finished chapter 2 of the Sense programming guide and as usual I'm finding it very enjoyable! I have captured another activity which I completed near the end of the chapter.

Block 1 Part 4

Block 1 Part 4 went more into the technical side of computers and how they communicate. We were given an activity to use a program called VisualRoute - With this we could determine how information is moved around the internet. It allows us to input a web address then the application shows us where the information from that website originates from and the route it takes to the computer.

We then moved on to transmission of optical fibre, electrical wires, radio waves and microwaves - As well as analyzing waves in terms of frequency, wavelength and period. We also looked at performing bandwidth calculations which I have to admit did fry my brain a bit!

After that, it discussed the following:

• Concepts of routing and switching
• Concept of a packet
• IP packets
• IP addresses
• Routers, gateways & DNS servers
• TCP/IP
• DHCP, NAT & firewalls

Due to already having some experience with the topics listed above, I once again decided to skim read this part as I felt comfortable I already knew the information provided.

Overall I found this block very interesting although I did struggle with some of the maths work - I made sure I spent longer focusing on that part as I know it's not one of my strong points.

TMA 01

At the end of the module we were faced with our first TMA. I have to admit I did struggle with one question but I made sure I answered as best I could and submitted it. I was surprised with my result of 88% but very happy. I took the feedback from TMA01 and applied it to TMA02 - which will *hopefully* have a better score.

Block 1 Part 3

In this block we were introduced to the web and what makes it work. We were giving the activity to create our own web page using Google Sites and I have to say I really enjoyed this task.

You can find the site HERE - but please note that only OU students can see it.

The block then went on to discuss the following:

• HTML
• Hypertext Links
• Stylesheets
• XML

Due to having built websites in the past, most of what was mentioned I already knew so felt like I could skim read through the rest of the block (although I did write a few notes on XML)


In conclusion I found this block easy to study and had no issues with the activities whatsoever.