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.

iCMA 51

After reading through the ICMA guidance I decided to have a go at ICMA 51. As I mentioned in a previous post, I made the mistake of not paying much attention to the maths help and due to this I ended up struggling with a few of the questions which resulted in a score of 66%. I had no issues with the technical questions at all. In future I will make sure I pay more attention to the maths help as I know this is a weak subject area for me.

Block 1 Part 2

This block started off discussing note taking and how they can be a good aid for learning. One thing I (like to think) I have always been good at is note taking so had no issues with just skim reading through this part, although I would recommend the main points are taken on board as taking notes is a big part of this course.

The block then went on to talk about computers through the ages and then on to binary. I still struggle with binary a bit so I know this is a subject that I need to work on.

Block 1 Part 1

So Block 1 Part 1 was just a gentle introduction to the course and a few activities. It also discussed the following topics:

• Mathematical concepts
• Good academic practice
• Managing your online identity

In hindsight I should have paid more attention to the maths help - you'll find out why in my next post!

Introduction

My name is Lesley and I have over 8 years experience within the IT industry. My main job roles have been in IT Support but I have also worked as a Security Analyst and dabbled in some Networking. I have not worked for the past couple of years due to being a stay at home Mum but now I am hoping to complete a degree in Computing and go back to work.

I have decided to set up a blog so I can document how I'm getting on with my studies (a learning journal if you will). I'm currently on my first module (on this subject) studying towards a BSc (Honours) Computing and IT degree - hoping to go down the Networking route.

Enjoy :)