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.