Monday, 8 June 2015

Unit 1: Task 5: D1

Task 5
Following the recruitment evening you and your colleagues are going to analyse interpersonal and written communications, criticising and justifying particular techniques used. Discuss with your peers the different interpersonal and written communication skills used during this project. Then write an individual report that analyses the discussed interpersonal and written communications criticising and justifying the different techniques used. (D1)


D1 Communication styles/channels you need to justify:
  • Verbal Communication.
  • Teacher broadcasting demonstration
  • Using Blogger
  • Using Gmail
  • Publishing images (prints screens)
  • Using PowerPoint
  • Using publisher
  • Using google calendar
Describe how you used the above channels to complete work.
Make comments on the main advantages and disadvantages.

Verbal Communication:
I use verbal communication to interact with my peers and teachers to ask questions and receive explanations to my questioning. In relevance to my IT work I use verbal communication to receive either written or verbal feedback from my teachers regarding the tasks I have completed. The advantages of this allows me to see what I have accomplished and also the necessary changes that must be made to my work to achieve the task at hand. The only disadvantage of verbal communication when regarding it this way it can be difficult to remember the key and specific details that I had been given to improve my work to a higher standard. It will be simple to improve this by taking written notes from the verbal feedback that can be accessed when making alterations to my work and tasks.

Teacher Broadcasting Demonstration:
Through Teacher broadcasting demonstrations it shows the whole class what they must do and how we should complete the task at hand. The main advantage in particular is that we have it all talked through step by step by our teacher of what we must do and how we are to approach tasks. The disadvantage of teacher broadcasting demonstration is that some individuals in the class room may talk and disrupt the lesson when instructions and directives given by the teacher to assist with my work.

Using Blogger:
I use Blogger to display my work for IT, it allows me to post the tasks that I have been capable of completing. My Blog site is shared with my teachers so that they can see my work and comment any criticism that may be necessary to make my work detailed and clearer. The advantages of using Blogger is that it displays your work in a neat and tidy way for those that will view my Blog site. It is clearly lain out and can be accessed easily, also you are not required to print your work off as it is displayed online as is kept there where it cannot be lost. The disadvantage when regarding Blogger is that sometimes if the internet crashes for some reason or another you will be able to retrieve any work you had just completed, you will be incapable of retrieving the work you have lost or simply continuing from where you left off. This disadvantage can be overcame by continually saving your work when ever necessary so that none will be lost and you will not have to complete it all from the start.

Using Gmail: 
By using Gmail it is a way to communicate with my teachers and be alerted of when a comment has been made on my work.I believe that this is fairly useful as it alerts me so that I do not have to frequently keep checking the spreadsheet and Blogger to see if I have completed the task correctly or if corrections are needed. When using Gmail you can share details and videos without having to upload them first, also it is an easy way of storing data that can be accessed whenever means necessary. The disadvantage of using Gmail is that you can receive a lot of junk mail that can use up the storage space that you are granted by Gmail of 10GB. Also you can only access your emails if you have internet access.

Publishing Images (through print screens):
You can insert images in any document to publish as long as it is a JPEG file. A disadvantage is that when screen shots are saved they do not save everything after it has been cropped, so will show unnecessary details.Images can be distorted may once they have been published and when tried to expand and make larger.

Using PowerPoint:
I have used PowerPoints for various purposes for my work, they are easy to upload as all you have to do is save the PowerPoint itself as a JPEG file. As a JPEG file it enables you to save each individual slide so that they can be uploaded on sites such as Blogger. By creating a PowerPoint you are able to create a quality presentation for others to view. A disadvantage of using PowerPoint is that when you save it to upload it to a Blog site it is no longer a presentation it is an array of images that can only be viewed as pictures.

Using Publisher:
I have used Publisher previously to display different forms of information, it is an easy and simple program to use. It is mainly for graphic designs as they can easily be imported and grafted so a downfall is that Publisher in particular is not ideal for office work and should be mainly used for making leaflets to be distributed by companies. 

Using Google Calendar:
I have used Google Calendar for displaying and scheduling in my training sessions that had been required for me to complete in order for me to achieve one of my tasks. By using google calendar it is a great way of managing your time wisely and you can access it whenever to add new events. The only disadvantage I have found when using google calendar is that you can loose some alerts if your accounts are not synced so you may miss out on some events you have scheduled.


Unit 1: Task 6: M3

Task 6
Produce a short evaluation in which you explain how different learning styles can aid personal development. Use examples from your own experience when using different learning styles throughout the completion of your personal development training. You will need to carry out a small amount of research into learning styles in order to complete this task. M3


For M3 You need to describe the 3 main learning styles (VAK):
  • Visual
  • Auditory
  • Kinesthetic
Also explain which styles you used whilst developing your skills.

Structure your report like this:
  • An introduction to the report.
  • 3 main paragraphs describing the learning styles (VAK).
  • A conclusion to reflect on the styles you used.

There are 3 main learning styles that individuals are capable of using and accessing themselves to make them more unique in the way they learn various attributes and techniques. These learning styles all contain particular characteristics that people tend to use in order to learn from others.

Visual learning style:
Some individuals use the visual learning style which is fairly unique, it is also known as a spatial learning style. This learning style in particular focuses on the idea of learning through visual factors e.g through images and the associations they can develop by them. This learning style in particular involves many various methods such as; using diagrams to learn and express ideas, as well as having the option to be independent and work alone.There are many methods that are considered to be visual learning styles that may be specific to different individuals.Through visual learning some aspects are dependent on your personality and habits, like being shy for example you will not seek clarification by asking questions like others might. I am considered to use the visual learning style in particular when relevant to novels as I prefer to read a story rather than to listen to an individual to read it obtain more information and will remember more details than I would if I were read to. 

Auditory learning style:
This learning style is when your preference of method learning is through listening, by having a strong auditory learning style you will be perceived to be more confident when presenting information. When regarding asking questions to teachers in particular, I am a auditory learner as I need to listen to their explanations to be able to fully understand and grasp their point. Those who are auditory learners find it a lot easier to grasp and remember ideas just by hearing them unlike visual learners. In particular this learning style does not only involve listening to others to retrieve information but they can also learn immense amounts by listening to themselves speak, for the purpose of speeches or lectures. They use key words like buzz words that allow them to recite and remember vast amounts of information from their keyword trigger they associate with the information necessary.

Kinaesthetic learning style:
This learning style is the method that key individuals will use if they enjoy learning through some sort of strenuous physical activity. This involves learning through actual experiences and through demonstrations that they can take part in to be able to learn information. I use kinaesthetic methods when I revise as I prefer playing games that are relevant to my revision as a way of learning as I can concentrate whilst being active in a sense as I display what I have learnt through my results in my game. This methods involves physically showing what you have learnt from given instructions, participating in real events and demonstrating what you have learnt through your actions.

As seen in a way individuals access different characteristics from each learning style for them to be able to learn information that they require. All the learning styles are unique and are dependent on the individuals personality and work ethic on how they are able to obtain and retrieve information. 

Unit 1: Task 4: M2

M2: Changes made to the Dummies Guide on using PowerPoint based on a peers comments.
I have changed the theme and layout of my slides to make it more appealing and approachable for users who will be following this Guide. It also demonstrates the skills that they will be learning by following the guide.










Friday, 5 June 2015

Unit 1: Task 4: P6, P5

Task 4
Create a dummies guide to using a feature of a software package of your choice.
For example, how to use the spelling, grammar and  Thesaurus features in Word, or how to set up a simple presentation in Powerpoint. (P6)  As part of your on going development and to fully achieve P5 you must review another students Dummies Guide, add comments on their post using the guidelines below.
Review the document and annotate to show any corrections to spelling, grammar, structure, formatting or content. (M2)
















P5- A Peers comment:


Monday, 1 June 2015

Unit 1: Task 3: P7, , P4 + P5

Task 3
You must create and maintain a personal development plan which you will share on the recruitment evening.
This should begin with the completion of a skills audit, through which you will be able to identify your training needs.
The development plan should be completed using Google Calendar, and must include dates for completion of each stage of your training.
Add notes describing the source of the training at each stage. (P7-P8). This can be demonstrated by editing your google calendar and adding notes to demonstrate where or how you learnt how to do the skill.
Demonstrate effective communication interpersonal skills by discussing or emailing your plan to your tutor and also with your peer group and amend accordingly.
Embed your plan into your Blogspot, and ensure that you add notes to each planning stage to show that it has been completed.  (P4).
Please note: you must respond to the feedback on Blogger as part of the evidence required for P5
Deadline Nov. 8th
For D2 (Independently use a personal development plan to undergo a process of identification of skill need and related improvement), your personal development plan that has been maintained throughout the assignment will provide the evidence required. Please note: if you complete the plan at the end you will not be awarded the Distinction criteria. You must maintain your plan throughout the assignment to be awarded a Distinction Deadline Dec. 13th.  Evidence for D2 is dated annotated print screens of at least 4 examples of training taking place.


P4- Calendar for training scheme

P5-

P7 - Skills audit 
BTEC National Skills audit : ICT

Trainee
 Larissa Meikle
School
The Kingswood School



Subject Audit:
This Subject Audit is designed to help you review your own ICT knowledge and to identify those areas where you anticipate that you may need support.  Throughout Unit 1 you will need to regularly review the development of your subject knowledge as a vital element in your training experience.

How to assess your knowledge:
In the spaces provided on the following pages please classify your status by ticking against the three point scale:

A
I
T
Advanced: can complete task without thinking
Intermediate: can complete task but has to think about it or ask teacher for a reminder.  This needs to be added to the training plan as a low priority Training need.
Training required: This needs to be added to the training plan as high priority training need.




Initial audit

A
I
T
Word Processing



Level 1



I can open a new document
·          


I can open an existing document
·          


I can save a new document
·          


I can save a document using the ‘save as’ facility and I understand why it is important to do so
·          


I can format a document
·          


I can change fonts
·          


I can spell check
·          


I can insert text
·          


I can insert images
·          


I can wrap around text
·          


I can use templates appropriately
·          


I can use headers and footers appropriately
·          


I can use the Thesaurus
·          


I can format the background
·          


Level 2



I can change the print/page setup
·          


I can paginate a document
·          


I can import external data from other packages
·          


I can use mail merge
·          


I can insert footnotes and end notes
·          


I can search and replace
·          


I can create/format tables
·          


I can use Styles
·          


I can use Word count
·          


Level 3



I can create a customised dictionary
·          


I can create an automatic table of contents
·          


I can create an index
·          


Spreadsheets



Level 1



I can open a new worksheet
·          


I can open an existing worksheet
·          


I can add new worksheets to exiting ones
·          


I can rename worksheets
·          


I can move or copy sheets
·          


I can add columns
·          


I can add rows
·          


I can delete columns
·          


I can delete rows
·          


I can enter data
·          


I can copy a formula or a data series along a row or a column
·          


I can sort data in ascending and descending order using primary and secondary sort functions
·          


I can format data to show different data types
·          


I can format data to show different data types, including date
·          


I can format data to show different data types, including percentage
·          


I can format data to show different data types, including currency
·          


I can format cells to show bold
·          


I can format cells to show italics
·          


I can format cells to show underline
·          


I can format cells to show font style
·          


I can format cells to show font size
·          


I can format cells to show cell border and shading
·          


I can format cells to show text alignment and positioning within a cell
·          


I can import data
·          


I can create formulas
·          


I can use functions
·          


I can select non-adjacent columns
·          


I can use Goal Seek

·          

I can create charts/graphs and modify them
·          


I can use filters and sort data into order
·          


I can amend data on the spreadsheet in order to get different results
·          


I can  change font size, type and colour in a cell and over a range of cells
·          


I can move cell contents by using the click and drag approach
·          


I can create and edit a graph using the chart wizard
·          


I can rename worksheets
·          


I know how to print formulae
·          


I can preview and print spreadsheets using the appropriate orientation
·          


Level 2



I can cut and paste data and graphs from spreadsheets into other applications
·          


Level 3



I can use absolute cell referencing
·          


I can use relative cell referencing
·          


I can group worksheets to allow consistent editing of cells in a work book
·          


I can use the Paste Special and the Paste Link commands
·          


I can use conditional formatting
·          


I can merge cell contents
·          


PowerPoint



Level 1



I can open a new document
·          


I can open an existing document
·          


I can save a new document
·          


I can save a document using the ‘save as’ facility and I understand why it is important to do so
·          


I can format a document
·          


I can change fonts
·          


I can spell check
·          


I can insert text
·          


I can insert images, change font and layout
·          


I can create and run a slide show
·          


I can add animation and transitions
·          


I can insert hyperlinks
·          


I can add timings and animations to a slide show
·          


I can add slides
·          


I can amend slides
·          


I can delete slides
·          


I can create my own backgrounds on a slide
·          


I can use backgrounds that are already created
·          


I can insert graphics
·          


I can use Clip Art
·          


I know how to use animations appropriately
·          


I know how to edit images by cropping
·          


I know how to edit images by re sizing
·          


I can view a presentation on a mouse click
·          


I can set up a show to run automatically on timings
·          


I can insert transitions and animations
·          


Level 2



I can create a slide master


       

I can import sound – KS 4 & 5

·          

I can import video – KS 4 & 5
·          


I know how to present printouts as handouts
·          


I know how to present printouts as notes pages
·          


Email



Level 1



I can send emails
·          


I can receive emails
·          


I can reply to emails
·          


I can forward emails to single recipients
·          


I can forward emails to multiple recipients
·          


I can attach a file to an email message
·          


I can attach multiple files to an email message
·          


I can appropriately set the importance of a message
·          


Level 2



I can use Cc
·          


I can use Bcc
·          


I can use an address book appropriately and can store an address
·          


I can use an address book appropriately and can retrieve an address
·          


I can use an address book appropriately and can use addresses
·          


I can create and use an email signature
·          


Internet



Level 1



I can navigate to known websites, and do basic searches
·          


I can save images from a website as required and use them appropriately
·          


I can save text from a website as required and use them appropriately
·          


I can connect to the internet using a URL
·          


I can navigate around a website
·          


I can access and download appropriate information from the internet
·          


I can bookmark websites and add to favourites
·          


I understand the restrictions of copyright
·          


I can use a URL to connect to a website from an intranet
·          


I can use a URL to connect to a website from favourites
·          


I can use a URL to connect to a website from bookmarks
·          


I can use a URL to connect to a website typing accurately
·          


Level 2



I can use Boolean Operators to undertake more accurate searches
·          


I can save video from a website as required and use them appropriately

·          

I can save animations from a website as required and use them appropriately

·          

Desktop Publishing (Publisher or Adobe In-design)



Level 1



I can open a new document
·          


I can open an existing document
·          


I can save a new document
·          


I can save a document using the ‘save as’ facility and I understand why it is important to do so
·          


I can format a document
·          


I can change fonts
·          


I can spell check
·          


I can insert text
·          


I can insert images, change font and layout
·          


I can design documents from scratch
·          


I can decide which publication to use at the appropriate time; for example, newsletters, worksheets, brochures, etc.
·          


I can use text boxes
·          


I can use Word Art
·          


I can insert tables
·          


I can insert picture frames
·          


I can insert Clip Art
·          


I can use Shapes and Auto Shapes
·          


I can add text
·          


I can amend text
·          


I can delete text
·          


I can use colour
·          


I can format backgrounds
·          


I can format colours
·          


I can format images
·          


I can copy text and images
·          


I can paste text and images
·          


I can move text and images
·          


Level 2



I can use templates
·          


I can use text effects
·          


I can insert tables
·          


I can edit tables
·          


I can re-position tables
·          


I can re-size tables
·          


Multimedia (cameras, scanners etc.)



Level 1



 I can use a digital camera
·          


I can use a digital camcorder
·          


I can transfer images from a camera to a computer and edit these images
·          


I can use software to import images into appropriate applications
·          


I can use software to import images into appropriate applications, including Moviemaker
·          


I can use software to import images into appropriate applications, including Publisher
·          


I can crop and change file size and format as appropriate to purpose, e.g. save as jpeg
·          


Level 2



I can use software to import images into appropriate applications, including Photo Editor
·          


I can recognize the difference between different image files, such as vector based
·          


I can recognize the difference between different image files, such as bit-mapped
·          


I can use a scanner to import images into appropriate applications
·          


I can use a scanner to capture images
·