Well I’ve now been back at University for one week after the Christmas holidays and started all my new modules for this term which are:
- Database Fundamentals
- Working with Gadgets
- Project X
- Web Multimedia
On the surface, the modules appear more developmen orientated than design orientated which is in contrast to last term where the emphasis was more on the design side. There were two design modules last term, “Personal Web Pages” and “Web Design Fundamentals” which were focussed on the design side of the web. A website was produced for each module and these are online here:
Those modules are all done and dusted with the last few results due through soon, and with a record of 3 A’s and 2 B’s so far I’m pretty happy with that! However, new modules must begin and the four seem interesting on the surface.
Database Fundamentals:
After two practicals and one lecture for this subject, we’ve been exploring Microsoft Access and creating simple databases as an introduction to things like queries and relationships. As I covered this subject at college last year then I’ve found it fairly easy going so far but I’m sure that will change once we get into SQL properly. I have some experience of MySQL databases from using WordPress and Drupal but only on the very basicsof the technology. The only downside to this module is that I don’t have a copy of Access to install on the laptop so all the work has to be done at University, which is ok at the moment but once deadlines loom I’d like to be able to do some of the work at home.
Working with Gadgets:
This appealed to me straight away as I like gadgets! It was unclear from the information what exactly the module would be about but after an introduction lecture it appears to be an extension of last term’s programming module as it will be based in C# but focused on Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to control external devices, which is a lot more interesting than last term’s assessments about Robby the Robot! The programs are again built in Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, although this module is reminiscent of Visual Basic in the way that forms are built and then coded behind.
Multimedia for the Web:
This module is centred around Animation, Sound and Video with Adobe Flash being used for the work. Having very little experience of using Flash I’m looking forward to this module and seeing what’s involved. Also, with my recent purchase of Web Premium CS4 I’ll be able to practice at home.
Although not a huge fan of Flash based websites, it’s good to have some knowledge and understanding of how they are produced, as well as how to create short flash introductions and videos. We’ve covered some of the basics of animation such as tweening and animation techniques but I’m not finding it too easy at the moment and I’ve been scouring the web for some resources to provide an introduction to Flash.
Project X:
This module sounds the grandest of them all, but is actually a combined module with the Mental Health & Counselling students. The module is divided into two parts and the work is completed in groups, with the first half being completed in course groups and the second half is completed in mixed groups. The project we’ve been given is centred around a handheld device for an individual with an Acute Brain Injury (ABI) with the question being set as follows:
This module requires you to design a new product that is an information technology solution to a
mental health related problem. The new product is to be an integrated PC and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) based support
system for patients with Acquired Brain Injuries who are leaving the support of a hospital to live in
their own home and face multiple challenges including limited (age 12) reading ability. Note that
the module requires an outline concept of this product; no implementation is required.
The first phase of the module involved researching and scoping such a device and the requirements that need to be taken into consideration when building such a system from a purely technological point of view. This involves researching accessibilit and usability techniques as well as interface design purely focused on the mobile web. The second half of the module when the groups are mixed will provide a solution which takes into account all factors, technology and personal.
Well that’s the four modules which will be keeping me out of mischief over the next few weeks and I can honestly say at this point that I’m looking forward to them, but there’s time for that to change yet!