Assignment Topic Question...

My choice of assignment topic was mainly inspired by news coverage in the past week about a recent finding that "half of wireless networks" in the UK can be hacked in less than 5 seconds. This to me is a rather vague statement but highlights something that has grown extremely fast over the recent years and is now very much an integral part of modern day technology.

My report will look at wifi or wireless Local Area Networks and wireless technology in general, and ask the question:

"Is wireless technology the right path for the future of computing?"

This is a very big topic and includes a great deal of research information available from what I have seen, with articles looking at a range of different views of the subject and a lot of different opinions.

VARK Questionnaire Result

The result of my VARK questionnaire was no great surprise to me as I have carried out a similar test before. The test indicated that I am mostly a visual learner, with a strong tendency to benefit from kinesthetic learning.

These results seem generally accurate to me as I have known for a long time that I will learn much more from seeing or doing, rather than hearing or reading. I like to have something to look at to see how it works or what it does, which is what I always try to do in my mind when I am faced with reading text or listening to a lecture. I use this to try and help me learn in situations where I have to use the resources available to me, which do not involve any visual or kinesthetic aids.

Myers Briggs Type Indicator Results...

After going through the Myers Briggs Type criteria, I marked myself as an "INTJ" person. This counts for 7% of the population and is described by the Myers Briggs foundation as the following:

"INTJ
Have original minds and great drive for implementing their ideas and achieving their goals. Quickly see patterns in external events and develop long-range explanatory perspectives. When committed, organize a job and carry it through. Sceptical and independent, have high standards of competence and performance – for themselves and others"

This description does relate fairly well to the type of person I am, particularly having "great drive", being "committed" and organised, and having a high standard of competence and performance. I feel one of my most obvious characteristics is that I am a perfectionist and have a high expectation of how my work should turn out, no matter how small or irrelevant it may be.

SWOT Analysis

Here is my SWOT Analysis, which looks at my current situation as I begin my Degree in Computing:


Strengths

• I have over 6 years work experience which I feel will benefit me when dealing with tasks at university such as completing work on time and solving problems.
• I have experience in working with computers and programming which will make it easier for me to understand various aspects of my degree.
• I am well organized so I will be well prepared for assignments and new modules on the degree course.
• My motivation towards this course is very high so I am very eager to learn and to get as much out of the course as possible.
• I am undertaking my course on a part-time basis so I still have my full-time job that relates to my degree. This gives me the opportunity to transfer my experience between University and work and also helps my financially.
• I have a high attention to detail and always ensure my work is the best that I can produce.

Weaknesses

• Having a full-time job means I am slightly more restricted in how much time I can dedicate to my University assignments.
• My attention to detail can sometimes affect my ability to carry out a task on time as I sometimes find it difficult to know where to draw the line.
• My experience in programming so far has been either self-taught or learnt from my colleagues who have not had any formal training in a long time, so I may have some bad habits to shake off when carrying out assignments.

Opportunities

• I see the general experience of being at University, studying something I am very interested in as a huge opportunity as it will allow me to increase my general knowledge of Computing and programming.
• Working with a wide range of people with a similar interest as me will give me the opportunity to open my mind and consider things from a totally different point of view.
• My degree qualification will be a huge advantage when seeking employment in the future and clearly show employers what I am capable of.
• I am taking my degree in a subject that is rapidly growing and creating opportunities in a huge range of exciting industries.

Threats

• Being a part-time student means I will only be present at University one day per week. This could affect activities where working in a team is required with the full-time students.
• The Global economic crisis may still be affecting businesses after I complete my degree, which could hurt my chances of progressing into a better job.

My Learning Line

This is my learning line:

First Blog Post...

Well this is my first blog post as required for Learning Skills and Development for HE and work...

I have just begun studying Computing (BSc Hons), part time at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. I currently work for e2v technologies who are also based in Chelmsford and have various additonal sites around the World.

My job involves designing software to be used for a range of different purposes during the test and production phase of high performance CCD devices. e2v have been manufacturing CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) for many years and are very well established in the market with their products being used in various large scale space and commercial projects.

I became very interested in computers and programming having first carried out an apprentice placement in the department I now work in. It was this interest that has inspired me to pursue a degree in computing and I am very much looking forward to learning about the various aspects of computing and programming throughout my degree.

Learning Line and SWOT analysis to follow shortly...