23/06/16 - Robots

Lesson Aims:

Design a system for a given set of requirements

Write Pseudo code

A	M	S	Learning Aims (what the learner will be able to do)
/			Design a system with 4 sensors
/			Consider a test strategy
	/		Justify a test strategy
/			Be able to use the correct shapes for flow charts
/			Able to identify key rules for Pseudocode
	/		Can write correct Pseudocode
A	M	S	Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
/			Create a system diagram
/			Identify possible solutions
/			Consider limiting / restricting factors

Today I have learnt about the line following code for the robots. This was quite simple to do however I did have an issue with the + and - in the code so it did not work.

A strength of today is that I have managed to finish my program and I have a few issues that need fixing while I test. To improve, I would have liked to try and get the code fully functional however it took a while to get everything working together. 

Overall I am pleased with my robot and the program and I will be finishing it all off tomorrow. 

20/06/16 - Analogue and digital

Lesson Aims:

Make a robot react to 3 different event triggers

Understand how signal conversion occurs

A	M	S	Learning Aims (what the learner will be able to do)
/			Create a program to control a 3 sensor automated system
/			Understand how data is converted between analogue and digital
/			Be able to use the correct shapes for flow charts
/			Able to identify key rules for Pseudocode
	/		Can write correct Pseudocode
A	M	S	Learning Objectives (skills, knowledge & attitudes)
/			Write code that compiles
/			Solve errors
/			Use 3 sensors and motors to make an autonomous system
	/		Convert analogue to digital signals

Today I learnt about analogue and digital data. I did not know too much about this and as we need it for the merit we learnt about it. In the end I understand it now and will be able to easily finish off all the work by tomorrow. All I need to do is a couple edits to the video, and the merit for U24. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to nearly finish off the U14 merit. I only have a couple bits left to do then it will be done. A weakness is that I did not manage to get it all done today however I had a one hour lesson with Adam about employability skills that was quite interesting. 

Overall I am pleased with the progress that I have made today and I have learnt a lot about both analogue and digital signal conversion works. 

17/06/16 - Robots

Lesson Aims:

Make a robot react to 3 different event triggers

Identify how the design of a robot can affects its performance

A	M	S	Learning Aims (what the learner will be able to do)
/			Can explain how precede and mutex commands work in NXC
/			Identify the order of execution in NxC
/			Write readable code
/			Write quality code
	/		Design ideas for robot
/			Understand the requirements for U14 A2 and U24 A3

Today I have been working on the code for the NXT robot. I had a few issues that I had to fix before I recorded it. I have learnt today about playing sounds from the robot while it is doing something in between.

A strength of today is that I have managed to finish off the program and commented it in detail and I have recorded however I need to edit them together. To improve, I will comment in more detail when I am going along making the code instead of making short notes that sometimes do not make sense.

Overall today has gone well and I pleased about finishing off the code and recording the robot. I also enjoyed the starter activity where we played the Lightbot game as it was interesting using different solutions for the levels. Below is the code from my impact sensor.


task impact_sensor() //Task for checking impact sensor { while(true) { if(SENSOR_1 == 1) //If the sensor is activated then the program under will run { Acquire(motorMutex); Off(OUT_AC); Wait(HalfSec); OnRevSync(OUT_AC,MaxSpeed ,0); //Reverse at max speed so it can be easily identified from the ultrasonic sensor Wait(HalfSec); PlayTone(500,700); Wait(300); PlayTone(1175,400); Wait(300); //Will play a tone then it will turn around PlayTone(1397,400); Wait(500); OnFwd(OUT_A, HalfSpeed); OnRev(OUT_C, HalfSpeed); //Does a 180 spin so it goes back in the direction it went in Wait(900); Off(OUT_AC); //Turn off motors and wait half a second before releasing the motors Wait(HalfSec); Release(motorMutex); } } }

09/06/16 - Assignment one

Aim: To evaluate the suitability of event driven programming (EDP)

Objective:

State the features of EDP

Explain how OS can be considered event driven

Understand that not all event driven programs have a GUI implemented

Name some systems that are event driven but do not have a GUI

Explain at least one example of a system that is event driven but does not have a GUI

Describe in detail examples of a system that is event driven but does not have a GUI

Today I learnt about the distinction part of assignment one. I do not think I will be going for the final two distinctions as I have what I need for my grade. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to add in the other parts to the pass and I have also worked more on task two. I have nearly finished this so I will aim to get it all finished and submitted by the end of the day. 

06/06/16 - Assignment one

Aim:

To understand the features of event driven programming

Objectives:

Explain the features of event driven programming

State some advantages and disadvantages of event driven programming

Describe, with examples, how an operating system can be viewed as an event driven application

Today I have learnt about the remainder of assignment one task one and task two. Task two seems quite simple to do I do not think it should take too much time. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to finish off task one and I have started task two. To improve I need to proof read my work as I go along as I did see a few errors in task one. 

27/05/16 - Robots

Aim:

Have a basic understanding of the NxC language
Understand how NXT and NxC relate
Refamiliarize with flowcharts and Pseudo code

Today  we have been learning about the robots that we will be using for the last two units. These are the Lego Mindstorm NXT robots programmed in NxC (Not Exactly C). I have used a newer model of Lego Mindstorms beforehand so I had some knowledge about the robot but not the written programming side. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to learn about NxC and I now understand the basics of the code. To improve, I would have liked to made some more notes about the code however it is in our documents so I can refer back to it. 

2/05/16 - Event Driven Programming

Aim: To explain the key elements of event driven programming

Objectives:

Understand the purpose of event driven programming

Identify the key features of an event driven program

Describe in detail the key features of event driven programming

Today we have started the unit 14 theory. There is only one assignment to this and then we start on the practicals of both units. The bit of task one we learnt was quite simple and I have managed to finish it. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to finish the first part of assignment one task one. To improve, I would have liked to laid out the document while we were learning about it so then I could add notes if needed. 

Overall I am pleased with what I have managed to get done in the time we had today. The starter did take a bit of time however it was interesting seeing all of the different technology on Kickstarter. 

20/05/16 - Assingnment two

Aim: To understand control loop theory

Objectives:

Explain the principles and uses of proportional control and explain its benefits

Briefly explain integral and differential control with examples

Identify how integral and differential combine with proportional to create an efficient control system

Today we learnt about the final part of assignment two. This was about PID and the two different controls.

A strength of today is that I have managed to complete assignment two and submitted. I am not sure on a weakness for today so I will leave that. 

16/05/16 - Assignment two

Aim: To understand the key principles of control loop theory

Objectives:

Understand the difference between open and closed systems and provide supportingexamples

Explain the purpose of feedback and how it helps a system

Identify how to make feedback more efficient to improve a system

Today we learnt about assignment two. This was quite simple and I managed to get it done quite fast. A strength of today is that I have managed to submit assignment one and I am up to date on assignment two. A weakness is that I could have made a few notes as it would have been quite useful to have. 

13/05/16 - Assignment one

Aims: To describe how data can be represented in control systems

Objectives:

Express numbers using some of: binary, hexadecimal, BCD and ASCII

Explain some data types

Explain some logic gates and write truth tables

Describe in detail number systems, logic, logic operators and data types

Today I learnt about assignment one task three. This was quite interesting learning about ASCII as I have heard of it but never really knew what it was. It seems quite easy to do however there is quite a bit to do so ill be aiming to finish that off over the weekend. 

A strength of today is that I understood a majority of task three at the start so it should not take too long to complete. A weakness is that I should have made all the notes on the assignment as now I have to keep referring back to the other document.

12/05/16 - Assignment one

Aim: To understand the requirements for control systems

Objectives:

Know what a control system is and  the main types 

Explain the characteristics of digital and analogue control systems

Compare specific examples of analogue and digital systems

Today I learnt about the next part of assignment one task two. This one is a pass and a merit so a bit more detail is needed. I have nearly finished it so I will finish off tomorrow then start task three. 

A strength of today is that I have made notes and they assisted me with doing task two. To improve, I would have liked to lay out my document to help with doing the assignment. 

Overall today has been very productive and I am pleased with what I have done. 

09/05/16 - New unit

Aims: To understand the requirements of control systems

Objectives:

• Know what a control system is and their importance
• Briefly explain the four main types of control systems
• Explain what digital and analogue systems are and their strengths, weaknesses and conversion
• Explain what microcontrollers are

Today we started the new unit that is controlling systems with IT. I have been looking forward to this unit as I have done some robotics beforehand with Lego and it was very fun. I have learnt today about assignment one task one and two. So far these were both quite easy and I have managed to get both done.

A strength is that I have finished all of the work that we have learnt about. A weakness is that I could have made some more notes on the conversions on task two as it was a bit confusing. Next time ill lay out the document will all subheadings so I can fill them in as I go along. 

29/04/16 - Finishing off Unit 3

Aim: Use IT tools to generate information that is suitable, accurate and relevant for a business decision-making process.


Objectives:

• Look at the criteria for A3T2
• Use suitable IT tools and take screenshots
• Evaluate different information display methods
• Use Excel to help make a business decision
• Write a report that demonstrates suitable, accurate and relevant information from what you have processed
• Proofread your work and submit

Today we learnt about assignment three task two. This was the final task I had left to do so I was aiming to finish off either today or over the weekend. 

A strength of today is that I managed to get assignment three task two finished and my maths re submission so I went home early. Both the pass and merit were quite simple so they did not take me today.

Overall today I am pleased that I have completed the unit as it was quite boring to do. The next two units will be a lot more interesting as I enjoy programming and I have done some robotics before. 

28/04/16 - Re-submissions

Aim: Investigate how information can be suitable, accurate and relevant for a business decision-making process.


Objectives:

• Collaboratively write a definition for key words for A3
• Complete the quiz
• Examine given data and use it to support a business decision-making process 
• Use screenshots to evidence key questions from information
• Proofread your work and submit

Today I have learnt about how to do a histogram while doing my maths re-submission. I did not do the calculations correct the first time so I had to remake it.

A strength of today is that I have already finished assignment three task one so I have had the day to work on my maths. To improve, I need to check the calculations before submitting so I know they are all correct.

Overall today has been useful having the time to my maths as it takes quite a long time to do. Tomorrow we will learn about task two so I will be able to finish that off over the weekend.

• Recall binary addition and subtraction
• Apply techniques in addition and subtraction in Hexadecimal
• Be able to calculate multiplication and division in binary
• Recall long division method
• Practice answering assignment style questions.
• Identify areas of weakness for revision.

Today we learnt about adding and subtracting hexadecimal. A strength is that I found it quite easy to do and a weakness is that I still sometimes forget about subtraction in binary. 

25/04/16 - Assignment two task three

Aim: Investigate the information and management of information systems used by Amazon


Objectives:

• Consider the information systems Amazon uses
• Watch the videos and identify how information systems and management of information systems are used
• Write a brief report explaining how management of information systems can be used
• Proofread your work and submit

Today I have learnt about assignment three task two. This was about Amazon and the information systems  and Management of Information Systems they use. It was quite fascinating seeing the video of the robots at Amazon.

A strength of today is that I have managed to finish off assignment two and start assignment three task one. Task one does not seem too complicated and I do not think it should take too long to do.

Overall today has been very productive and I have managed to get all of A2 done and it has been fully marked.

22/04/16 - Assignment two task two

Aim: Describe the features and functions of information systems

Objectives:

• Create mind maps to help you recall information for 
• Assignment two task two
• Discuss the important aspects of features and functions of information systems
• Write assignment two task two
• Proofread assignment work
• Research an effective diagram to describe the information system loop and justify why this is 

Today I have learnt about assignment two task two. Doing the activity as a refresh today was a lot better than the activity yesterday learning wise and I knew what I was doing. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to finish off assignment two task two. I just need to proof read it then submit it then I am up to date. To improve, I would like to proof read my work as I go along so I know the spelling and grammar is correct. 

21/04/16 - Assignment two and binary

Aim: Describe the features and functions of information systems

Objectives:

• Consider how Tesco ClubCard was created and what this means for Information Systems.
• Create a quiz about a feature or a function of information systems 
• Describe features of information systems
• Describe functions of information systems
• Research an effective diagram to describe the information system loop and justify why this is 
• 
  
• Be able to convert between denary and octal.
• Be able to calculate addition and subtractions sum directly in binary.
• Be able to check sums calculated in binary by conversion method.
• Calculate addition and subtraction in octal and hexadecimal.
• Calculate multiplications and divisions in different number systems.

Today I learnt about assignment two task two and adding and subtracting binary. Once again task two is shallow but long so it will take a while to do. Adding and subtracting binary was quite simple and in the end I managed to do it straight from binary instead of converting it.

A strength of today is that I have got many notes about the binary and I understand it however I did not get too much from the task two. The quiz task we did was fun to do however it dragged on and I did not learnt too much about it. If the activity was shorter and everyone worked in pairs or small teams it would have been better. 

18/04/16 - Assignment two task one

Aim: Complete A1

Objectives:

• Reflect about what you need to achieve for U03A1
• Listen to peers and discuss criteria for A1
• Complete A1, proof read and submit

Today I have been working on assignment one and two. I have managed to finish and submit assignment one and I only need to proofread assignment two task one. I have not learnt too much as I have mainly been doing the assignment work. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to get up to date with all the work and just got re submissions to do. To improve I need to make sure to proofread my work as I did not for the first assignment. 

Overall I have done a lot today and I am pleased with what I have done. I will finish off re-submissions over the independent study days so I keep on top of all the work. 

15/04/16 - Assignment two

Aim: Explain legal, ethical and operational issues that relate to business information. 

Objectives:

• Define the terms legal and ethical
• Research a given issue
• Create a presentation about the topic 
• Present information about legal, ethical or operational issues
• Apply considerations for a gaming business

Today we learnt about what is required for assignment two task one. This seems quite simple to do however I have not started it just yet as I am still working on assignment one. I  will be aiming to finish assignment one over the weekend and start assignment two to try and get a bit further ahead of myself.

A strength of today is that I have managed to get a lot more of task one done. This takes a long time to do however I am getting nearer to the end now so it should be done soon. To improve I would have liked to have gotten task one finished sooner by using more independent study time so I will do this with the assignments ahead. 

Overall today has been very productive and I have learnt a lot. I have one section left on task one and I still need to make the flow diagram for task two that seems a bit easier than the pass. 

14/04/16- Learning the merit

Aim: Consider different aspects of a data flow chart and create your own

Objectives:

• Discuss what a data flow chart is and decide on a definition
• Analyse different aspects of data flow charts 
• Create a data flow chart 

Today we learnt about the merit and the distinction however I am not aiming for distinction so it was not useful for me. I enjoyed doing the activity for the merit as I managed to understand it and it was quite simple to do.

A strength of today is that I have nearly finished task one as I only have two small sections left. To improve, I would have liked to made a few notes on task one so I could refer back to them.


Begin assingment 3
Recognise different number systems
Use powers/ place values
Confidently convert between binary and decimal
Be able to convert decimal to octal and hexadecimal.

Today I learnt about three new number systems. A strength of today is that I managed to remember binary and hexadecimal. To improve I need to work on my hexadecimal more as I struggled with higher numbers.

11/04/16 - Assignment one

Aim 1: Consider functional areas for information, how companies use information sources and write about them with specific examples
Aim 2: Identify four different purposes for information and describe key aspects

Objectives:

• Identify different business areas that use information
• Consider different types of information 
• Discuss how areas would use certain information 
• Reflect on the purpose of information
• Complete the matching activity about purposes of information 
• Apply the required terms to assignment examples
• Proofread and submit U03A1
• Apply the required terms to assignment example

Today I have learnt about the next parts for assignment one task one. There is quite a lot to do for this however I have managed to about half of it now. It takes a long time to do however it does not require a lot of information.

A strength of today is that I managed to understand a majority of it except from one bit but after seeing the document helped me. A weakness is that I did not take too many notes so I will have to do most of it from memory.

Overall today has been productive and now I know all of what is needed for assignment one.

24/03/16 - New unit

Aim: Introduce Unit 03 and discuss different types of information

Objectives:

• Listen to the unit introduction
• Complete the pre-survey quiz and copy the folder structure
• Complete the big data quiz and try to gain the dual screens
• Define the terms ‘information’ and ‘data’
• Contribute to the four different sources of information
• Discuss the different types of data

Aim: Discuss different properties of information and write about suitable examples

Objectives:

• Discuss different aspects of information
• Some will work collaboratively to define a given term 
• Apply the required terms to assignment examples 
• Explain how information can be good

Today we started the new unit that is information systems. Today I have learnt about the different types of data and the characteristics of data. There is a lot of information needed for the first assignment so I will work a bit over Easter to get some of it done. 

A strength of today is that I have heard of the qualitative and quantitative so I already knew a little bit about it. To improve, I would have liked to have made my notes better as when looking back at them I could have organised them better. To do this I will create headings for each section and bullet points. 

Overall I have learnt quite a bit today about data and I have started task one. It is quite simple to do however it takes a long time to write about all of the different parts. 

07/03/16 - Binary

Aim: To install and upgrade software

        To understand the handover and completion process

        To understand numbering systems

Objectives:

To create user guides to explain back ups, upgrading and installing and back-out procedures

To explain the user acceptance process

To understand and answer questions on numbering systems

Today I have learnt about binary and hexadecimal number systems. As we have done binary before I remembered most of it however I have never learnt about hexadecimal so it was new for me. A strength of today is that I have managed to submit unit 29 and for now I only have the maths to do. To improve, I could have made a few notes about the number systems as they will be useful in the future. 

03/03/16 maths

• All will have written their project proposal and plan
• All will have a document displaying the raw data they collected
• All will have created graphs presenting their results
• Some will have started writing up their results

Today I started to work on my graphics. Today I learnt about histograms as I could not remember fully what they are. A strength of today is that I have managed to get one of my graphs done and I have started my histogram. To improve I would have liked to get one more done how I ran out of time. 

29/02/16 - Assignment four finished

Aim: To install and upgrade software

        To understand the completion and handover process

Objectives:

To complete all check lists

To install and upgrade software, including back up of files and back out process

To be able to explain what the user acceptance process is

Today I have been working on assignment three and four as that's all I had left to do. I learnt about task three today and what the user acceptance form is. This was quite an easy task to do and it did not take me too much time to complete.

A strength of today is that I have finished off assignment four and just waiting on re submissions. To improve, I could have made better notes for task three so then I could have done it a bit faster.

Overall today has been very productive and I have managed to get a lot done. 

26/02/16 - Assignment 3 & 4

Aim: To install and upgrade software

        To understand back-out procedures

Objectives:

To complete all check lists for the back up, installing, upgrading and back-out procedures

To back up files using a variety of methods

To install and upgrade software to a computer system

To back out of an install or upgrade using a variety of methods

Today I have been working on assignment three and four. A strength of today is that I have managed to get most of assignment three done and assignment four task one and a bit of task two. I will be aiming to finish this next week as it is quite simple. To improve, I would have liked to labeled my images a bit better so I did not have to look at them all before adding them in. 

11/02/16 - Assignment two

Aim: To understand the potential risks when upgrading and installing software and how to minimise these risks.

Objectives:
To be able to explain some potential risks in upgrading and installing software
To be able to create a RAG chart to show the likelihood and severity of each risk
To be able to describe how risks can be minimised when upgrading and installing software

Today I have learnt about assignment two of unit 29. This once again seems like quite a simple assignment that mainly requires common knowledge. I have managed to get some of it done however my main priority was to finish off assignment one.

A strength of today is that I have managed to finish off the distinction of assignment one so I can work on assignment two. We have the bank holiday to work on assignment two so I will be able to easily get it done. To improve, I would have liked to have made my notes a bit more readable by either putting them in a different colour or using bullet points. 

Overall today I am pleased with what I have done and I will be aiming to finish off the pass tomorrow. 

• Have completed gathering data
• Discuss factors that may affect the validity of data
• Construct different graphical forms of data collected
• Calculate mean, median, mode and interquartile range

Today I remembered about histograms and how to do them. A strength of today is that I could remember about box and whisker plots and the mode, mean, median and range. A weakness is that I couldn't remember how to do histograms however once it was explained I remembered.  

08/02/16 - New unit

Aim: To understand why software needs installing and upgrading

Objectives:

All:   Explain the difference between updates, upgrades and installations of new software

        Describe the potential prompts that initiate the installation of new or upgraded software

Most:Explain the advantages and potential disadvantages of installation or upgrade of new

          software

Some:Justify the importance of installing and upgrading/updating antivirus protection

Today we have moved onto the new unit that is installing and upgrading software. I have learnt today about assignment one and what is needed for it. I will be aiming to get a distinction in this unit as I already understand quite a bit of it. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to get the merit criteria done. An improvement would be to lay out the distinction a bit better as at the moment all of the notes are just in one paragraph. 

Overall today I have managed to get a lot done and I should be able to get the distinction done quite fast as it seems like it is quite simple. 

05/02/16 - Final touches

Aim: Finish U41

Objectives

• Proofread and submit U41A3T2
• Proofread and submit U41A3T3
• Submit Unit 41 correctly
• Complete re-submissions

Today I have mainly been working on doing some final touches for my 3D model to reach the merit criteria. I have learnt more different sculpting tools that can be used and I have made my mode look a lot better than before.

A strength of today is that I have only the model left and a couple images to write about as I finished task three yesterday. To improve, I would have liked to write the images as I go along however I wanted to finish the model first.

Overall today has been quite productive and I have learnt more about Blender.

04/02/16 - Submitted unit 41

Aim: Finish U41

Objectives

• Be inspired by learner’s work
• Review your mind maps (from the 7th Jan)
• Complete the Kahoot Quiz
• Complete the End of unit survey
• Proofread and submit U41A3T2
• Proofread and submit U41A3T3
• Submit Unit 35 correctly

Today I have learnt about how much I have learnt  from 3D modelling this unit. At the start of the unit Adam got us to do a mind map for everything we knew about the unit. I did not know much however now I know a lot more. To improve, I could have aimed to finish the A1 resub however in the end I ran out of time. 

My advice for someone doing this unit again would be to get more detail into their designs before they start making them. It will be useful when designing the model as you can refer back to it to use it to help make the model. 

The deadline for Unit 41 A3 is 05/02 but I've already submitted so it does not matter.

• Collect data
• Carry out your planned method of data collection efficiently and effectively
• Consider what makes up a good questionnaire
• Give constructive feedback 
• Take and record measurements accurately

Today I have worked on adding in the data from the questionnaires. There is quite a lot of questions so it takes a lot to do. An advantage is that I have got about a forth done and to improve, I would have liked to get some more done however I ran out of time. 

01/02/16 - Finishing off the 3D model

Aim: Create a 3D Model and write supporting evidence.

Objectives for the day:

• A-Z of knowledge
• Consider criteria for A3
• Use Blender
• Begin U41 A3 T2 – creation evidence
• Complete U35 and submit
• Complete Re-submissions for A2

Today I have been working on sculpting my model. I was aiming to finish it off today so I can work on the paperwork over the next two days off, Thursday and Friday. I have learnt more about sculpting and I feel more confident when doing it now.

A strength of today is that I managed to finish off my model and done half of task two. To improve I would have liked to gone through all of the images and decide which ones to use as I have taken many screenshots.

Overall today has been very productive and I have managed to do a lot today. I will be aiming to finish off task two in my independent study time and possibility start task three.

29/01/16 - Sculpting

Aim: Create a 3D Model and
write supporting evidence.
Objectives for the day:

• Re-call criteria for A3
• Use Blender
• Complete U41 A3 T1
• Proof read your work and compress images
• Submit U41 A3 T1
• Begin U41 A3 T2 – creation evidence
• Complete U35 and submit

Today I have learnt about sculpting in Blender and how it works. It is quite complicated however with some practice I will get the hang of it. For the majority of the day I have been working on how I want to design my model.

A strength of today is that I have got the shape of the head sorted and started practicing with the sculpting. I will be making multiple backups to make sure I can get back to a key stage if I make a mistake. To improve, I would have liked to made a few more backups as I did make some mistakes today.

Overall today has had lots of progress and I will be working on my 3D model over the weekend and improve my sculpting skills. 

28/01/16 - Designing a head

Aim: Create a 3D Model and
write supporting evidence.
Objectives for the day:

• Re-call criteria for A3
• Use Blender
• Complete U41 A3 T1
• Proof read your work and compress images
• Submit U41 A3 T1
• Begin U41 A3 T2 – creation evidence
• Complete U35 and submit

Today I have learnt about modelling a 3D head and getting so it looks like a human head. I had to restart a couple of times due to some issues however now it is working.

A strength of today is  that I have got quite far with designing my 3D head. I have done the main shape however I have still got a bit to do and make it look more realistic. An improvement would be to make more backups so if I do something wrong, I can load that one and start where I was.

The guide I have been watching has been helping and it is found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOc4ATqZetk . Overall today has been very good and I have learnt a lot about 3D modelling.

• Design a table or suitable model for collecting data.
• Finalise your plan to collect data.
• Organise how you will now collect your data.
• Have written your research plan.
• To begin collecting data 

Today we have been working on our survey for collecting the data. We gave it out for everyone to do and managed to get all of the information back. Next lesson we will be looking at the results then adding them into the excel document. 

25/01/16 - Assignment three

Aim: Create evidence to demonstrate abilities in specialist software.
Objectives for the day:

• Investigate criteria for A3
• Use Blender and create evidence of basic features
• Complete U41 A3 T1
• Proof read your work
• Submit U41 A3 T1
• Begin U41 A3 T2 – creation evidence
• Complete U35 and submit

Today we started assignment three and I have managed to get up to task two so I have started to design my character. I learnt today about how to make a head as before I did not know how. At the moment it looks quite like a head however I need to do some shaping to make it look better. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to start doing my model and I have got the base of it done. To improve, I will need to look into a few more Blender tutorials to work out how to make the face,

Overall today has been very productive and I am pleased with what I have made so far. 

21/01/16 - Task two and Blender skills

Aim: Begin creative research
Objectives for the day:

• Complete the student quiz
• Set your self a target for Blender and achieve your target
• Confirm your knowledge and requirements for A2T2
• Produce evidence to support your creative process

Today I have learnt more about Blender and I have improved my skills. I learnt about cutting objects in half and editing the points of an object. This will help me when starting my designs because I can use the basic shapes to make more designs.

A strength of today is that I have done quite a bit of task two and learnt about Blender. Both will help me in A3 for designing and I will be using the skills and my sketches to help model. To improve, I would have liked to learn a bit more about Blender.

Overall today has been very productive and I have learnt a lot.

• To recall different types of data and identify uses.
• To have designed a structure for a research plan/proposal.
• To have started to write your research plan
• Analyses different ways of collecting data 
• To work in a group effectively to design effective method of collecting data.​

Today we have been working on collecting data. I have learnt different ways of collecting data. A strength is that we have done quite a bit of our survey already. 

18/01/16 - Assignment two

Aim: Examine and complete
all parts for U41A2T1
Objectives for the day:

• Write a quiz question
• Discuss Legal and Ethical considerations with application to 3D Modelling
• Decide what you will be creating
• Consider target audience (outline / describe / explain)
• Write a brief
• Proofread your work
• Submit U41A2T1

Today I have learnt about the criteria for assignment two and how to lay it out. It is similar to the last unit however there are some differences. I have managed to get quite a bit of it done and I will be finishing it over Tuesday and Wednesday as it is due for Friday. 

A strength of today is that I have managed to layout and get notes to all of the parts of the task so I will be able to easy do it. To improve, I would have liked to made a few notes on my idea that I want to do. 

Overall today has been quite productive and I have managed to get quite a bit done. I will be finishing off assignment one later today as there are 2 bits left. 

15/01/16 - Talk

Aim: Write about key parts of 3D Modelling theory and application
Objectives for the day:

• Set your self a target for Blender and achieve your target
• Create evidence for A1T2
• Engage in talk by Saint Walker from NUA
• Take notes whilst listening to Saint
• Consider inspiration for U41A2
• Explore criteria for U41A2 and take notes
• Begin U41A2

Today I have learnt about the history of VFX and how they all started off. It was a hand made by Ed Catmull and it was very basic. Over the years it has developed a lot and visual effects have gone more advanced.

A strength of today is that I have managed to improve my Blender skills and I now know how to texture models and edit the points on them. To improve, I would have liked to made a few notes about how stuff is done in Blender however I do know a majority.

Overall today has been very interesting hearing about VFX and I have learnt a lot about the techniques that have been used. It was also interesting seeing the animations and see what can be made in Blender. 

14/01/16 - Assignment one

Aim: Investigate key parts of 3D Modelling theory and application
Objectives for the day:

• Work together well
• Investigate strengths and weaknesses for 3D Modelling software
• Decide what grade you would give examples and why
• Consider different methods of construction
• Explain how constraints affect 3D Modelling
• Create a graph to explore the relationship between; polygon count : file size : rending time
• Create evidence for A1T2
• Proof read your work
• Prepare questions for Saint visiting tomorrow

Today I have learnt about the three different construction methods that can be used when designing in 3D modelling software. I am not sure which one I will be using however this part of a1 was quite interesting. 

A strength of today is that I have made notes on all of the parts we learnt today so when I get up to that part I can look back. To improve, I could have made my notes a little bit easier by using subheadings and bullet points however the ones that had the tables were useful. 

Overall I have learnt a lot today and I should be able to A1 done on time. There is quite a lot to do however I have the weekend to do it so I will be aiming to finish it then.

• Recall the definition of hypothesis
• Have chosen a hypothesis to research
• To have outlined the structure for a proposal
• Outline questions you plan to answer in this assignment
• Have considered different ways to collect data.

Today I learnt about assignment four. A strength of today is that I could remember some of this from high school as we did hypothesis in science.  

11/01/16 - Task two

Aim: Investigate key parts of 3D Modelling theory and application
Objectives for the day:

• Complete the matching activity
• Consider the term ‘Geometric Theory’
• Write a one sentence description for 
• ‘Geometric Theory’
• Investigate different sections of Geometric Theory
• Consider criteria for A1T2
• Think about suitable evidence examples
• Begin U41A1T2

Today I have learnt a lot about U41A1T2 and all the different keywords. The main part I have learnt about is the fixed graphic pipeline as I had never heard of it before. I will have to look into it when I get to it was quite confusing.

A strength of today is that I have managed to get half of the start of task two done and a tiny bit of task one. I will be finishing off task one tomorrow and Wednesday to keep myself ahead. To improve  I would have liked to get a bit more work done as at some points I did get a little bit distracted.

Overall today has been very interesting and I have learnt a lot. The first activity I enjoyed as we got to jump straight into the first part and learn about it. I would like to do this again with other criteria.

08/01/16 - Assignment 1 task 1

Aim: Develop and deliver a presentation about applications of 3D Modelling.
Then begin U41A1T1.
Objectives for the day:

• Complete the access forms and date correctly
• Complete the Kahoot quiz
• Review criteria
• Share research and discuss findings
• Work well together
• Create a master presentation
• Fairly divide workload
• Present work
• Take notes during presentations
• Begin U41A1 T1

Today I have learnt about the criteria and what is needed for assignment one task one. This task is about 3D modelling in architectural walk-throughs, games and films. I have managed to get the first part done and I have moved onto the second part now. 

An advantage of today is that I have managed to get about a half of task one done and I should be able to get it done on either Tuesday or Wednesday. The part I would like to improve is the teamwork in the PowerPoint as it ended up with me and Alex doing the same game and I didn't end up reading anything.

Overall today has been interesting and I have learnt a lot about modelling in different industries.