Both sessions - 30/01/2020

Lesson Aims:
Identify what is required to complete A1T1
Begin familiarisation with the Unity game engine

Learning Objectives:
Conduct research into and explain multiplayer, ai, emerging tech, and security concerns
Make notes on and discuss multiplayer, ai, emerging tech, and security concerns
Make detailed notes and evaluate different aspects of multiplayer, ai, emerging tech, and security concerns
Identify best approaches to developing a video game
Consider best approaches to complete A1T1
Begin making notes, and planning how to complete A1T1
Create a Unity account and investigate the editor
Download tutorial projects and investigate how they function

My Blog

Today I learned more about Unit 14 A1T1 (Assignment 1 Task 1), and also started started preparing to complete this assignment, as well as playing tutorial projects which were made in Unity. I did a make a start on planning it, but I do feel that I got a bit sidetracked when playing the tutorial projects, some were a bit addictive though. :D Anyway, I feel that I did quite well overall, and will keep up the good work. I must hand in U14 (Unit 14) A1T1 by 14/02/2020, which is once again the same day as Valentines Day.

SMART Targets
To improve my group working abilities, and try my best to engage with other members of the group whilst not carrying any passengers.

To further improve my behaviour, and focus. This includes keeping my laughter to a minimum. I will also avoid talking rubbish in lessons even if other people do, this will apply at all times.

If I have difficulty achieving the above target then I will follow Kerry Lymbery's advice to either try and bring myself back to focus, or failing that I'll speak to a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) if I have difficulty doing that. If I find the task difficult, or worse still impossible then I will try and ask for help.

Both sessions 29/01/2020

Aims & Objectives
B1 Cryptographic principles
B2 Cryptographic methods
Key cryptography methods
B3 Applications of cryptography
The types and applications of cryptography.*

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Investigate Symmetric and Asymmetric cryptography used to encrypt mobile phone data.
Identify threats and security flaws in encryption methods
GCD & how to work them out
Euclids Algorithm method

My blog

Today I learned about cryptographic principles and methods, as well as continuing to work on the Unit 7 Assignment 2 assignment which is due in for the 5th Feb 2020. I did quite well in dealing with this assignment, and also I did do quite well at encoding and decoding messages. However I accept that I did not get things at times, and I did try to ask for assistance, but getting someone to assist was difficult and took time, as the staff were occupied with other duties. Overall I tried my best, and as the centre manager said no one can ask me to do better than that. I will keep up the good work, and continue to ask for assistance where needed. I will ensure that I hand in my U7A2 assignment in for 05/02/2020, and also my Unit 14 A1 assignment for 14/02/2020, which is St Valentine's Day.

Afternoon session - 28/01/2020

Lesson Aims - to continue to produce evidence for U7A2

AO1 - produce evidence of sharing a folder with varying permissions and testing the access of this folder
AO2 - follow installation plan and record screenshots for final assignment

My Blog

Today I learned more about computer security, and permissions. I did a good job on my Unit 7, Assignment 2 task, however I accept that I did fail to produce evidence of sharing a folder with varying permissions, and testing the access of this folder, as mentioned above (striked out). In the future I will make sure to do things like this as a priority to avoid a similar situation occurring again. Apart from that I will make sure to keep up with the good work.

Deadline for submission - 06/02/2020

Morning session - 28/01/2020

Lesson Aims:
Discuss favourite games exercise
Investigate the different types of game genre
Examine the history of video games in a given time period (decades)
Set Assignment One

Learning Objectives:
Discuss your favourite game if required
Identify different game genres
Investigate the history of video games
Discuss your findings on the history of video games
Deliver a presentation on the history of video games in a given era
Explain the common types of player, how they differ
Identify the main differences between Indie, AAA, and free-to-play games.
Analyse the differences between Indie, AAA, and free-to-play games.
Evaluate the differences between Indie, AAA, and free-to-play games.
Identify what is required to complete Assignment One

My blog

Today I learned about Assignment One, Unit 14 (Game Design), and also about video games. My strengths were in doing some good research during a team exercise with one of my classmates, and doing some good work in presenting it in the form of a Google Slides presentation. My weaknesses were sometimes getting stuck when trying to complete research tasks, but I would have asked for assistance if I had felt that it was necessary. Overall I did pretty well, but I must remember to ask for help if needed. My new deadline for Assignment one is 14/02/2020.

Afternoon session - 23/01/2020

Lesson Aims:
Complete Introduction survey on classroom
Introduce learners to U14, explain assignments, notes doc, activities, game creation software, etc.

Learning Objectives:
Identify how to pass assessments in U14
Prepare a notes document to keep track of research for this unit
Research and prepare a document discussing a favourite video game

Today I learned about Unit 14, which is a unit on Game Development, and the latest unit that I will now be studying. I feel that I did quite well in my efforts on researching a game that I like, and used to play very frequently, this is called "Team Fortress 2". However I feel that I did do a bad job choosing a game, and that I could have gone for a better choice for the exercise in hand, on reflection I will be more proactive when making these decisions, and perhaps consider changing my decision in the future, in the event of a similar occurrence.

I will ensure that my Unit 7 assignment is completed and submitted on time, my deadline for this assignment is 23:59 on 05/02/2020.

I will also aim to meet the following SMART targets, in addition to the above assignment:
To ensure that my Azure VM is turned off when not in use
To further improve my behaviour, and focus on my work. I also wish to ensure that I do not procrastinate, and/or get distracted by any members of staff, or classmates, or funny material that I find online, or other distractions that I come across, whether in real life or online. I will ensure that I avoid making any more inappropriate comments, and that I keep laughter to a minimum.
To ensure that I attend all sessions with Kerry Lymbery, which will be on managing my behaviour, and ensuring that the above target is met.
To improve my organisation, in particular to make increased use of Trello.
To ensure that from now on, I will always set myself SMART targets every week whether asked to do so, or not.

Morning session - 23/01/2020

Today I learned more about using Microsoft Azure, and how to access different computers, and user accounts on a domain network, as well as how to configure a group policy across the network, and all of the client computers on it. My strength was in being able to understand all of this, which I accept is complicated, and may be difficult for the layperson to understand. My weakness was in sometimes getting stuck, but I did ask for help and was able to get things done. On reflection I consider my efforts to have been good, and will keep up the good work. My Unit 7 Assignment 2 deadline is 05/02/2020.

Morning session - 22/01/2020

Lesson Aims - To ensure the correct digital environment is available to complete the required security implementation plan for Assignment 2

AO1 - Ensure you have promoted your server to a DC
AO2 - Create the required Users and Groups to create folder permissions
AO3 - Update your plan and diary to ensure that the correct testing can take place once the servers and clients are created

My Blog

Today I learned more about this assignment, task, and subject; as well as more about the use of Microsoft Azure. I did a good job getting the server promoted to a Domain Controller, and completing other networking related tasks. I did however make some mistakes with typing up the assignment, and have learned that I should really import images one by one, rather than all in one go, which can be hard to manage as they could end up in the wrong order. My deadline for this assignment, Unit 7 Assignment 2, is 05/02/2020.

Afternoon session - 21/02/2020

Lesson Aims - To work independently on Unit 7 Assignment 2 ready for the submission

AO1 - Discuss your understanding of How to avoid security threats, describing techniques used to mitigate risks.
AO2 - Continue to work on your Server, Promoting to DC if necessary and looking into creating policies
AO3 - record steps and progress as evidence of implementation of security strategies and programs

My blog

Today I learned that I need to be careful to select the correct subscription on Azure the hard way and more about security and encryption as I continued to complete my A2 assignment, as part of Unit 7 which covers Security and Encryption. I did a good job getting my Virtual Machines set up, and cracking on with my A2 assignment.  On reflection I will not make the same mistake again, my Unit 7 A2 deadline is 05/02/2020.

Both sessions - 16/01/2020

Lesson Aims:
Explore built in functions
Identify different methods of validation
Revisit the quicksort algorithm
Conduct research and develop your knowledge on U01
Complete the U01 Exit survey.

Learning Objectives:
Identify problem areas still requiring further revision
Explain a built in function
Explain and provide a usage for a built in function
Identify different types of data validation
Explain the reasoning behind choosing a data validation approach
Explain the basic premise of a binary search
Use binary search to identify if a value exists in a data structure
Explain the basic premise of the quicksort algorithm
Sort a data structure using the quicksort algorithm
Explain each step of a sort using the quicksort algorithm
Conduct revision on topic areas you find difficult
Complete the U01 end of unit survey in the classroom

Today I learned more about U01 (Principles of Computer Science) in preparation for my exam on this unit tomorrow. I did good at learning about some parts of this unit, however I did not do so well in certain areas, the quicksort algorithm in particular. Overall I did what I could do, so will keep up the good work. My Unit 7 assignment is due on 05/02/2020.

Both sessions - 15/01/2020

Aims & Objectives
Students will work on their second assignment practical sections.

Learning Outcomes (what the learner will be able to do)
Investigate Symmetric and Asymmetric cryptography used to encrypt mobile phone data.
Identify threats and security flaws in encryption methods
Undertake the cryptography quiz/assessment in groups of 3
Work towards the completion of A2T1

Today I learned about cyber security, and more about the use of the application Packet Tracer. I did a very good job following the Packet Tracer tutorials, but did get a bit stuck on my assignment and did encounter some difficulties which I was able to overcome. I will keep up the good work, and ask for assistance if necessary. My deadline for my Unit 7 assignment is 05/02/2020.

Afternoon session - 07/01/2020

Lesson aims - to set up a mini network and capture packets using a packet sniffer

AO1- Working in groups, use the PCs accessed in the past and collect a router / switch
AO2 - ensure Wireshark has been installed and look at the output to see what information was collected

Today I learned that setting up old computers from the cupboard is a difficult task and easier said then done. My strengths were putting in 100% effort and making every effort to contribute to the team's collective effort, even when people weren't exactly grateful for my enthusiasm. My main weakness was that I spent too long on an impossible task, namely trying to connect a network of computers to the internet via an old router out of the cupboard. In the future I will use the easiest method available and just connect one computer via a LAN cable.

Afternoon session - 14/01/2020

Lesson Aims:
Go over pseudocode and flowcharts
Practice content learned for exam

Learning Objectives:
Practice Pseudocode and Flowcharts
Revisit content taught earlier in the unit

Today I learned more about Unit 1 which I am currently studying in preparation for my Unit 1 exam on Friday. I feel that I have learned quite a bit about the Principles of Computer Science which is covered by this unit, but that I have some gaps in my knowledge when it comes to Pseudocode and Flowcharts. On reflection I feel that I should have revised more. My exam is this Friday and my Unit 7 assignment is due on 05/02/2020.

Both sessions - 09/01/2020

Lesson Aims:
Complete a mock exam under exam conditions
Peer mark and discuss approaches to questions in smaller focus groups
Go through course content identified as problematic from mock earlier this week

Learning Objectives:
Identify problem areas still requiring further tuition
Complete a practice exam
Complete a practice exam scoring at least 50%
Complete a practice exam scoring at least 65%
Peer review answers to mock exams, identifying improvements

Today I learned more about my strengths and weaknesses by completing a mock exam. An example of a strength was when I did a lot of good short answers in response to the short questions, and examples of weaknesses was when I encountered the long questions and often scored few marks, if any. On reflection I don't believe I did very well in my mock exam. I have no new deadlines but must hand in my Unit 7 Assignment (U7 A2) on or before 05/02/2020.

Both sessions - 08/01/2020

Aims & Objectives

A5 Impact of security breaches*
B1 Cryptographic principles
B2 Cryptographic methods
Key cryptography methods
B3 Applications of cryptography
The types and applications of cryptography.*
Assessment 2 (learning aims C and D)

Learning Outcomes

Investigate A5/1 cyphers used to encrypt mobile phone data.
Identify threats and security flaws in encryption methods
Capture and identify packets using Wireshark or other software
Plan and develop content for A2T1

Assignment

Learners to have a full description of the requirements for A2T1. They must work independently on the assignment for learning aims C and D. Learners complete this outside class time.

My blog

Today I learned more about the physical and software requirements for computer systems within the context of the business environment. I did a good job writing about this in my assignment. However I did get slightly confused when planning my assignment, this is a weakness of mine that I quickly overcame by immediately requesting assistance from the Learning Support Assistant (LSA) who was present in my classroom. On reflection I feel that I did the best that I could, I must now hand in my A2 assignment for Unit 7 (U7 A2), by 05/02/2020.

Morning session - 07/01/2020

Lesson Aims:
Complete a mock exam under exam conditions
Peer mark a mock exam
Create revision materials, e.g. kahoot quizzes, flash cards, etc
Identify specific areas requiring further revision

Lesson Objectives:
Complete a mock exam
Complete a mock exam, scoring at least 40%
Complete a mock exam, scoring at least 55%
Create revision materials
Engage with re-discussion of material covered during U01

Today I came back from Develop after a long 3 week break over the Christmas holidays, I learnt about my strengths and weaknesses through a mock exam which I undertook under exam conditions. I did quite well on some of the questions e.g. data validation, decomposition, Pseudocode, and algorithms. However I did not do so well on some of the other questions e.g. division and modulo operators, analysis of programs, flowcharts, and service-oriented programming. On reflection I should have revised more, and I should have done a mock exam over Christmas which I didn't get round to because I was too busy celebrating. It was the time to be jolly after all! I have no new assignments but must revise (properly this time) for my actual exam on 17/01/2020.